Double Double Restaurant: Chinese congee in Richmond

Double Double Restaurant is a Chinese restaurant in Richmond. They specialize in traditional Chinese dishes like congee and other popular dishes like stir-fry noodles, noodle soups, etc. Their Chinese name translates to “old fried dough” and this is because they are well-known for their you tiao (Chinese donuts).

They are open for dining and take-out. This review will contain photos of takeout but I will also include my review on their in-dining experience.

Interior

Double Double is a relatively basic Chinese restaurant. They have large circle tables and booths to fit large and small groups. I can only describe the overall feel as an authentic Chinese restaurant. This means there’s a lot of yelling lol. So if you don’t speak Chinese, please don’t be alarmed. Nobody is angry.

Since we are in Richmond, I will add in the note that they do accept credit cards. Richmond is notorious for being cash/debit only in a lot of establishments.

Food

I’ve heard from friends who cannot speak Chinese that they feel intimated going into Chinese restaurants. It is mostly because they are not too sure what to order if there are no pictures. English translations do not always translate well lol. I will include all the English names on Double Double’s menu to help you order if you decide to try the same things.

Hong Kong style sampan congee ($8/17)

Congee is a type of rice porridge. I often ate this as a child when I was sick so I used to not like this but that’s because I was eating plain congee. My favourite congee can be translated to a “Boat” congee, which is also commonly called Sampan congee. Back in the day, fishermen who lived in wooden boats (called sampan) used peanuts, dried squid, fish slices, etc. – to make congee so this is where this dish comes from.

It’s a very humble and heartwarming dish. Definitely feels good to eat this when you’re not feeling well or if it’s pouring rain outside.

I usually order the small bowl because it’s perfect to share with 2 people. Their big bowl will feed 2 servings for 4 people (it’s a lot!).

Crispy Chinese donut wrapped in rice roll ($6)

Chinese donuts are the go-to pairing for congee. Think of them like deep fried bread that you dip into the rice porridge.

I usually order the zha liang (Chinese donut wrapped in rice roll) instead of the you tiao (just the Chinese donut). The only difference between these 2 dishes is that there is rice roll wrapped around the Chinese donut. The inside is the same Chinese donut. Usually, they offer some sauces- soy sauce, hoisin sauce or sesame paste and sprinkle some sesame seeds on top.

Since Double Double is known for their Chinese donuts, I would say this dish is better than a lot of other Chinese restaurants. However, I wouldn’t recommend ordering it for take out as it got a little soggy by the time we got home and the inside donut was not as crunchy as it should be.

Pan fried radish cake ($5)

This is one of my favourite appetizers from Double Double! Usually, radish cake can be regular or with XO sauce (a saltier and spicier sauce). You make it in a large pan and slice as much as you want (like spam) and then pan fry it. Double Double pan fries them in a special way I think because it’s almost like it’s been deep fried instead of just pan fried. The outside is crispy and the inside is soft with the deliciousness of radish.

Final thoughts

Double Double is probably my favourite congee place in Vancouver right now. All of their dishes are reasonably priced and some notable dinner dishes I usually order is their BBQ duck noodle ($10) and green beans with minced meat spicy ($12).

Service is not amazing so don’t expect your tea/water to be filled all the time. The server won’t be coming by to check up on you. Basically expect Chinese restaurant service lol.

In terms of takeout, a majority of their dishes will still have the same quality as in-dining (noodles, fried rices, etc.). It’s just anything that should be crispy may not be. If you order the basic Chinese donuts without the rice roll, I don’t think it would have been as soggy.

Still a convenient, fast and cheap place for authentic Cantonese food.

Sincerely, Loewe