By: Izzy Cheung, Arts & Culture Editor
As Asian Heritage Month is nearing its end, we need to remember that even though we celebrate certain cultures during certain months, that doesn’t mean we stop once the month is over. We can help uplift marginalized voices and communities by supporting their endeavours, whether those are small businesses or projects in the arts. Here are some businesses you can help support beyond Asian Heritage Month.
# 205, 268 Keefer St., Vancouver
Opening hours:
Wednesday–Saturday, 12:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.
A Chinatown staple, Centre A is your go-to stop to appreciate ornate displays of Asian art. They host both exhibitions and events, along with a reading room filled with donated publications that reflect on Asian history. Their current exhibit, and when you return, we will talk again, is a poignant exploration of migration told through photographs. This exhibit’s final day on display is May 24, so be sure to check it out before it ends. They also recently launched a podcast called Pigeon, Seagull & Crow, which discusses the gallery’s role “within the evolving contemporary art scene in Vancouver and Canada.”
#1405 4771 Mcclelland Rd., Richmond
Opening hours:
Monday–Saturday, 10:00 a.m.–6:30 p.m.
Sundays, 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
Come to La Patisserie for sweet, sumptuous desserts. Stick with a simple slice of fruity blueberry cheesecake, or try something unique like a spongy black sesame cake. If you’re a big fan of mango, you’ll love their fresh mango cakes which are covered in thin slices of sweet mango. Grab a rich dessert or pick up some cookies to snack on, and chat with the friendly aunties who will ring in your order. Regardless of your choice, you’ll be sure to enjoy something from La Patisserie!
14351 104 Ave., Surrey
Opening hours:
Sunday–Tuesday, 8:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.
Wednesday–Saturday, 8:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.
This Asian-run market in Surrey boasts a variety of products from Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Hawaii, and the Philippines. Not only do they carry products from these cultures, they also have a short list of corresponding recipes as well. The name comes from the founder’s nickname, but also means “lucky dragon” in Chinese. Henlong isn’t just notable for their wide variety of groceries, however — they also work to give back to their community. In 2015, they made contributions to charities such as the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation and the Canadian Red Cross. They also run scholarship programs.
#104 19909 64 Ave., Langley
Opening hours:
Mondays, from 4:00 p.m.–9:30 p.m.
Tuesday–Thursday and Sundays, 11:00 a.m.–9:30 p.m.
Friday–Saturday, 11:00 a.m.–10:30 p.m.
9183 148 St., Surrey
Opening hours:
Sunday–Thursday, 11:00 a.m.–12:00 a.m.
Friday–Saturday, 11:00 a.m.–1:00 a.m.
#101 12877 76 Ave., Surrey
Opening hours:
Sunday–Thursday, 11:00 a.m.–12:00 a.m.
Friday–Saturday, 11:00 a.m.–1:00 a.m.
2777 Gladwin Rd., Abbotsford
Opening hours:
Monday–Thursday, 11:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m.
Friday–Sunday, 11:00 a.m.–12:00 a.m.
Gateway Pizza is a small franchise with four locations scattered across Surrey, Langley, and Abbotsford. Don’t be fooled by their name — they serve up more than just pizza. Gateway Pizza also offers a large selection of Indian food, as well as their own takes on certain types of pizza. Take your pick from their paneer pakora or raita to start off your meal, then move on to a simple cheese pizza or a more-complex paneer tikka pizza. You can also try their traditional Indian curries or desserts.
