Star Chef David Chang Plans His First Pacific Northwest Restaurant

Internationally renowned chef David Chang is planning to open another outpost for his famous Momofuku Noodle Bar in Vancouver, British Columbia, later next year. This marks the Momofuku group’s first restaurant in the Pacific Northwest. The new spot will be in a fancy mixed-use building called Vancouver House at Granville Street and Pacific Boulevard, and will feature the Noodle Bar’s signature offerings, including ramen, steamed buns, and soft serve ice cream. It will also incorporate local ingredients into the menu. This outpost joins two other Noodle Bar locations in New York and Toronto (the luxury development company Westbank is involved in the Canadian restaurants).

Eater critic Robert Siestema wrote that Chang “ushered in a new type of casual establishment more upscale than fast food, but not exactly fine dining” when the chef first opened Momofuku Noodle Bar in New York in 2004, with a menu that “playfully mixed Japanese, Korean, and Chinese elements.” Since then, Chang’s Momofuku empire has grown quite large, with restaurants from Sydney to LA to DC. He’s earned two Michelin stars for Momofuku Ko in New York, and launched docuseries such as Netflix’s “Ugly Delicious” and the upcoming “Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.” In the process, Chang has taken a step back from the business side of his restaurant group, choosing to be more hands-on at locations, building his entertainment brand, and spending more time with his family.

Chang has some connections to the PNW. His wife, Grace, is from Seattle, and his in-laws vacation in Vancouver often. He recently told the Vancouver Sun that he appreciates the diversity the city represents through its cuisine, along with its picturesque surroundings. Chang also filmed part of “Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner” in Vancouver with Seth Rogen (who was born there).

When it arrives, the Noodle Bar will enter a robust restaurant scene. Vancouver continues to expand its culinary repertoire, with competition especially fierce when it comes to Asian cuisine. Nearby Richmond, B.C. alone has plenty of Chinese restaurants worth a visit. Will Momofuku’s star power help it stand out from the pack? We’ll find out in 2020.

Disclosure: David Chang is producing shows for Hulu in partnership with Vox Media Studios, part of Eater’s parent company, Vox Media. No Eater staff member is involved in the production of those shows, and this does not impact coverage on Eater.

• Momofuku [Official]
• Celebrity Chef to Open Momofuku Noodle Bar in Vancouver [Vancouver Sun]
• All coverage of Momofuku Noodle Bar [ENY]
• All coverage of David Chang [E]