Several blocks surrounding the 4100-block of East Hastings Street in Burnaby are packed with restaurants, making Burnaby Heights a hidden gem for food lovers. While many know the area for Anton's Pasta at 4260 East Hastings St., famous for giant portions and long lineups, the culinary scene extends far beyond. In the 4000-, 4100-, and 4200-blocks alone, there are 39 restaurants and grocery outlets, including three storefronts of the Cioffi's Meat Market and Deli empire.
A Neighborhood of Diversity
David Wiebe, a local resident, described the Heights as a hidden gem that locals have known for years. The area boasts great restaurants and niche food spots. Cathy Aikenhead, who moved from east Vancouver eight years ago, was surprised by the variety of cuisines, including Greek, Italian, Asian, Mexican, Vietnamese, and Thai. She highlighted Kilala Sushi Bar, Sabrosito Mexican Restaurant, Quan Chen Vietnamese, Siam Le Biem Thai, and Sopra Sotto Pizzeria.
The diversity reflects the neighborhood's multicultural character. Aikenhead noted that near Confederation Park, one can hear 10 to 15 different languages in ten minutes, making it a fantastic destination for picnics and family outings.
Family-Run Businesses
Lena Truong, who speaks four languages, runs Triple Coconut Tree at 4126 East Hastings St., which recently transitioned to Laotian cuisine and rebranded as Bi Chai. The name means happiness in Lao, reflecting the belief that food makes people happy. Truong explained that Lao food focuses on sour and savory flavors with herbs and natural spices, distinct from Vietnamese and Thai cuisines. The family's specialty is the Saap Saap Laos Spread, featuring Lao beef jerky, lemongrass chicken, grilled pork, lao sausage, papaya salad, sticky rice, and more. Five family members came together for the relaunch, including brother Calvin, who runs four restaurants in Winnipeg. Mother Rebecca handles cooking, while father Paul speaks eight languages.
Lena Truong noted that Burnaby Heights has seen a transition in the last five years, with many new restaurants adding variety beyond the old staples like Anton's.
Old-School Character
The street retains its old-school character despite new low-rise construction. Long-standing businesses like Cioffi's, which started as a deli in the 1980s, now occupy much of the south side of the 4100-block. Rino Cioffi explained that they import specialty products from Italy and Europe, focusing on quality. The area also features historic neon signs, including a swinging neon girl that originally read Helen's Children's Wear, now repurposed to read Heights, and a restored 1940s blue-and-white eagle from Eagle Ford.
The blend of old and new gives Burnaby Heights a friendly, walkable atmosphere with free one-hour parking. Cathy Aikenhead emphasized that despite the nearby Brentwood megalopolis, the Heights remains rooted and grounded as a family place.
Eat Streets Series
This article is part of a series highlighting Metro Vancouver's Eat Streets, celebrating local food businesses. Burnaby Heights offers 39 food options in the 4000-4200 blocks of East Hastings, with free parking for one hour. Readers are encouraged to share their favorite Eat Streets by emailing artslife@vancouversun.com.
