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As we are all practising physical distancing, we are also cooking more at home. Even though Mama Lam does most of the cooking in my household, it’s still nice to offer her a break. And that would also help support local businesses to keep them afloat during this challenging time. Even though I’ve been mostly active in Vancouver and Richmond, I actually live in Coquitlam (I’m willing to travel for food!). Here is a round-up of my favourite places near Coquitlam Centre that are available for pick-up or delivery right now.

Click on image to view map

Personally, even though it’s a hassle, I prefer to call the restaurant directly to order, and pick up my food order. That way, the restaurants don’t have to pay the hefty fees that delivery companies charge. However, not all restaurants take orders via the phone because that may take away their time to focus on fulfilling the orders.

Since last week, there’s a campaign called Canada Take Out, which encourages Canadians to support local restaurants by ordering take outs. The official #TakeOutDay is every Wednesday, but don’t forget, your favourite restaurants need your support everyday.

Lastly, of course there are more options in the area than the list below. These are simply my favourite places to go. And if you have suggestions for me to try, let me know!

bb.q Chicken

#2 – 2755 Lougheed Hwy, Port Coquitlam
604-475-2239
Instagram

Available: Call to Order, Uber Eats

If you have seen the K-drama Crash Landing on You (if you haven’t, you should catch it on Netflix because it’s hilarious!), you are no stranger to this Korean fried chicken franchise. They opened 3 locations in Port Coquitlam and Burquitlam just in the last year. The latest addition is at Poco Place and I had a chance to visit before restaurants have to shut down dine-in services. I thought the crust was crunchier than most other Korean fried chicken places, and their choices of flavour were quite unique. I really liked the Secret Sauced Chicken; it’s like the typical Korean spicy sauce crossed honey garlic. The Cheese Balls were awesome – crispy outside and super gooey inside, and they were piping hot! Cheesling Fries reminded me of honey butter sprinkle on fries. They were super addicting.

Cheesling Fries

Cheese Balls

Fried Chicken

Chada Thai Fine Cuisine

107-2991 Lougheed Hwy, Coquitlam
604-464-5300
www.chadathai.ca

Available: Call to Order, DoorDash

This Thai restaurant has been around for a very long time, and we haven’t been back for years. Recently we went there for dinner and thought it’s very good. We tried a few curry dishes and stir-fries and everything was flavourful. They are not shy about the spicy level – I suggest medium for those who like some heat in their food.

Jeong Ga Nae

107-2922 Glen Dr, Coquitlam
604-468-2661

Available: Call to Order, Fantuan

A mom-and-pop shop, we come here for Korean comfort food. While you can order Korean BBQ and skillets, we tend to opt for hot pots and soup. Mr.‘s favourite here is the pork bone soup and I usually order the tofu soup.

Kulinarya Filipino Eatery

114-2922 Glen Dr, Coquitlam
778-285-6577
www.kulinarya.ca
Instagram

Available: Call to Order, DoorDash

This Filipino restaurant has been around for awhile as well and I only just re-visited again recently. In addition to the regular menu, they also offer Kamayan Feast, a long table dinner featuring some of their signature dishes. Some of my favourite dishes include Spring Rolls, Crispy Pata, Kare Kare, Bangus, and Garlic Fried Rice. Be sure to check its website for their “quarantine menu”.

Pasta Polo

2754 Barnet Hwy, Coquitlam
604-464-7656
www.pastapolo.com
Instagram

Available: Online Order, DoorDash, Skip The Dishes, Uber Eats

A family Italian restaurant, I like that Pasta Polo has an extensive pasta menu and its pizzas are also good. In addition to take-out and delivery, right now you can also order Take & Bake from them, so you can enjoy freshly baked pasta at home.

Vesta Grill

#104 – 3025 Anson Ave, Coquitlam
604-552-1255
Instagram

Available: Call to Order, Door Dash, Uber Eats

This place is definitely underrated. It’s tucked on a side street so it’s lesser known. It’s also been around for a number of years now. For the last few months they have been running this promotion of 2 large chicken for $29. It’s a steal because other Korean restaurants charge around $23 for 1 large chicken. It’s basically a BOGO deal. Their menu is simple, no fancy flavours, but solid fried chicken. They also have this pork hock salad that’s pretty on the eyes as well as enticing on the palate.