Great news for food lovers in Burnaby Heights! CHÉN, the highly anticipated Vietnamese restaurant promising the authentic taste and warmth of Hanoi, has officially opened its doors. Soft-opened in late June, taking over the former Sushi UOmo spot on Hastings Street, CHÉN is already buzzing and appears to be a hit with locals seeking genuine Northern Vietnamese cuisine. This spot isn’t just serving food; it’s bringing a piece of home to the community.
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The Story Behind CHÉN
Owner Minh Luu’s journey is at the heart of CHÉN. Originally from Hanoi, she moved to Vancouver over a decade ago. After settling in and building a life here, Minh felt a deep pull to share something essential from her roots: the comforting, traditional cooking of Northern Vietnam.
Her vision was simple but profound: to recreate the warmth of family meals and the vibrant street food flavours she grew up with. “At CHÉN, we don’t just cook food — we cook memories,” Minh shared, aiming to evoke a sense of nostalgia for anyone missing home.
Exterior view of CHÉN Vietnamese restaurant in Burnaby Heights
Stepping Inside: A Taste of Hanoi
Visiting CHÉN feels like being transported. The space is cozy and inviting, covering about 1,500 sq. ft. Warm wooden accents, soft bamboo pendant lights, and traditional Đông Hồ art prints decorate the walls. A striking mural of a flower-covered Hanoi storefront adds a beautiful, nostalgic touch.
The attention to detail extends even to the tableware. The bowls and plates are specially sourced from the renowned Bát Tràng pottery village in Vietnam, adding an extra layer of authenticity that feels personal and significant.
Interior dining area at CHÉN Burnaby featuring traditional Hanoi decor and mural
Exploring the Authentic Northern Menu
The menu at CHÉN is extensive, offering a wide range of dishes from chicken noodle soups to rice plates and vegetarian options. But what truly sets it apart from your typical pho spot are the less common dishes that are staples in Northern Vietnamese homes.
You’ll find unique offerings like turmeric-laced soups, delicate Hanoi-style pork parcels, and flavorful fermented shrimp paste platters. These dishes are specifically chosen to speak to those familiar with and missing the distinct flavours of the North.
Table spread of authentic Hanoi-style Vietnamese dishes at CHÉN restaurant
During our visit, we tried their signature Bún Nem. This dish features Hanoi-style vermicelli noodles served alongside deliciously crispy crab parcels – a must-try. And of course, we had to sample the famous Vietnamese Egg Coffee, which we found to be less sweet than others we’ve tried elsewhere, allowing the rich coffee and creamy egg layers to shine.
Close-up of a traditional Vietnamese Egg Coffee served at CHÉN Burnaby
The Soft Opening Experience
CHÉN has been packed since opening, and the bustling atmosphere shows it. We spoke briefly with a server who confirmed how busy they’ve been. As with many new restaurants in their initial soft opening phase, service can be a little slow as the team finds its rhythm. It’s something to keep in mind when planning your visit, but the authentic flavours are well worth the wait.
CHÉN Joins Burnaby’s Growing Food Scene
CHÉN is a fantastic addition to Burnaby Heights, bringing a unique culinary perspective to the area. It joins other recent Burnaby openings like Benzo Café, Hafu Dessert, and 88 Town, adding fresh energy to the local dining landscape.
If you’re looking for authentic Hanoi-style Vietnamese food served with heart and a touch of nostalgia, make sure to check out CHÉN.
For more updates on new and upcoming food spots in Metro Vancouver, check out our comprehensive tracker here.
Address: 4280 Hastings St, Burnaby, BC
