Vancouver's food scene has reached a new milestone with the opening of Time Out Market Vancouver at Oakridge Park. This global food hall concept brings together 20 of the city's most celebrated culinary concepts under one roof, offering locals and visitors a chance to sample diverse flavors without the need for a plane ticket. The market officially opened on May 28, and anticipation has been building since the announcement.
A New Culinary Landmark
Walking into Oakridge Park for the first time felt like opening the door of a brand new car—everything sleek and untouched. The market occupies the second level, flooded with natural light that sets it apart from other Time Out Markets worldwide. It's brighter, airier, and distinctly Vancouver. Within minutes of the kitchens opening, tables that had been waiting for their purpose started filling up with eager diners.
General manager Julien Lavoie, a local Vancouverite, emphasized the collaborative spirit behind the project. "It's part of being the best in the city. It's the only way it works," he said. A big challenge was communicating the Time Out way of operating to the vendors. "The approach is new to Vancouver so there was a lot of educating and explaining what we are doing and why, while juggling 20 restaurants. Next, we translate that to our guests."
Vendors and Dishes to Try
Among the standout vendors is DownLow Chicken, a local legend known for its fried chicken. Their menu items, including crispy chicken sandwiches and tenders, are already drawing crowds. Other highlights include Asian-inspired offerings, reflecting Vancouver's diverse culinary landscape. Time Out Markets CEO Michael Marlay noted, "We've learned there's a big following of sustainability and local food. We leaned into the need to have seafood and, ultimately, toward Asian-inspired traditional and modern takes."
Here are some must-try dishes:
- DownLow Chicken – Classic fried chicken sandwich with house-made pickles.
- Seafood Spot – Sustainable salmon bowl with local vegetables.
- Asian BBQ – Chinese barbecue pork with sticky rice.
- Dessert Bar – Matcha tiramisu with a modern twist.
Collaboration and Community
The market's success hinges on the cooperation among chefs. "It's a recipe for success in Vancouver with the chefs leaning on each other and being so co-operative," Marlay added. "We gave honest feedback to a couple of chefs recently and they responded in milliseconds. They care so much." This collaborative energy was palpable on opening day, with chefs and vendors buzzing with pride.
Pricing and Accessibility
Dishes range from affordable bites to splurge-worthy plates, with most items priced between $10 and $25. The market is accessible via SkyTrain, making it a convenient alternative to expensive travel. Marlay emphasized that the market will continue to evolve based on guest feedback. "We can never say it's perfect but at this first run, we're more than 90 per cent where we need to be. We'll continue evolving. Guests will tell us and we'll respond."
Time Out Market Vancouver at Oakridge Park is more than just a food hall—it's a city-defining arrival that showcases the best of Vancouver's culinary talent in a vibrant, welcoming space.
