Despite the ongoing challenges of its location, at one of the most turbulent intersections in Vancouver’s gritty Downtown Eastside, Pidgin has endured since 2013 on the strength of its playful Asian/Pacific Northwest fusion fare. Recently, facing current indoor dining restrictions without the benefit of patio space, the restaurant introduced takeout and delivery prix-fixe tasting menus featuring the likes of Korean rice cakes with Gochujang Bolognese and a dessert of Szechuan-pepper beignets, which proved highly popular. For summer, owner Brandon Grossutti has been fermenting ingredients for picnic-ready ssäm (Korean lettuce wraps) containing tea-smoked duck, sliced steak and more.
—Michael WhitePhoto Credit: Juno Kim