Sanbo Chinese Restaurant

probably one of the best sweet and sour pork i’ve had locally. that dish is a good benchmark and indicator of how good a restaurant is. points deduction on service and ambience but if you go to a chinese restaurant that’s not what you’re there for.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 5

Service: 4

Everything we ate had so much flavour

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

We’ve been here three times over the past few years, each time when we were visiting Vancouver. This time we went at 3pm on a Sunday so there were only two other parties there and the staff were eating.

We ordered the Thai fried rice, sweet and sour pork and mapo tofu. I wouldn’t order the Thai fried rice but the other two items were excellent. In the past we’ve gotten the crab and hot and sour soup, both of which were great. The portions are huge. Overall, we really like this place.

We always walk to the restaurant so I can’t speak to the parking but it looks like it could be tough during a busy time.

King Crab Season Returns – and This Place Still Reigns Supreme

King crab season is back, and after trying several spots around town, we still believe this is the best Chinese restaurant for king crabs.

Prices are fair and align with market rates, but what sets them apart is the value—they serve massive crabs (up to 10 lbs!) and the set includes four different dishes. We had the crab legs prepared two ways: steamed and with garlic. Personally, I preferred the simplicity and natural sweetness of the steamed version. For the body, we chose a rich soy sauce base with rice cakes—absolutely delicious. The final dish was a fragrant crab-fried rice, a satisfying finish.

While many restaurants offer similar packages, this place consistently nails the technique and flavor. Their preparation of king crab is truly a cut above.

This is one mystery. When I saw the signage of this restaurant, it dictates so many flaws of a good restaurant. The front looks questionable, the name of the restaurant lacks identity, the description of restaurant is confusing... 茶餐廳. But the dishes seems to be more like 酒樓.

We never tried this place and someone told us it was good. And we were not disappointed.

Sweet and sour pork - Excellent meat will make a huge difference. A little fatty but not too much fat. The meat was tender and the batter was light yet crispy. The flavor also very good (though, a bit more vinegar may emit even better aroma.

Soy sauce chicken - we have no idea if they were good but even we called in to reserve a table, she said, do you want to reserve a soy sauce chicken? Then I said yes. It must be something popular here. Sure enough! Amazing chicken perfectly cooked with sweet soy sauce, not too sweet, not too salty. The meat was cooked perfectly, no redness but not tough from overcooking at all. Just impressive.

It came with free soup and free dessert. Sam's the green bean soup was done very well.

Food here is always delicious :)

This place is packed. Remember to make a reservation. Their dishes are big and super hot. All dishes are yummy especially the soy sauce chicken 豉油雞.

Staffs are attentive and friendly. Will definitely come back and try their other dishes

We had dinner at Sanbo and it was great. The server was super nice and recommended a few things to us after we told her it was our first time. We ordered the crab with the special sauce and added rice cakes, tong choy with bean curd and the honey walnut pork chops. The house soup was so hot and good and the dessert was great to finish the meal. The food overall was so amazing. We will definitely go back again. FYI - They do accept card for amounts over $80 in case anyone forgets cash.

Interior is dated and has seen better days. Food is usually good, but on days where quality isn't consistent, then the taste is so so. Curry with beef brisket is usually good, but the last time I went it tasted off. Without a reservation, expect long wait times on weekends

Located tucked away in Richmond’s Empire Mall. Much of the storefront parking was limited - many spots on the south side of the lot are designated 30 minutes only but there is also a three-level parkade (3 hours max).
Came in on a busy holiday Friday evening. Restaurant was bustling with diners and our party of nine were shown to a table in the back adjoining room. Strongly recommend making reservations for dinner no matter the size of party.
Ordered and dined on the following:
- Curry Crab with rice cakes - a house speciality; curry was a yellow curry with a mild kick; crab was delicate and meaty; fantastic flavour profile with the rice cakes absorbing the crab and curry flavours well
- Salted Egg Yolk Crab with rice cakes - crab meat again very tasty but this time coated with the savouriness and texture of the dry salted egg yolk coating
- Soy Chicken - a house speciality that lives up to its title! Chicken marinated in an exquisite soy recipe with a balance of savoury and sweetness; chicken was moist and tender. A bowl of white rice is a must-have to soak up the sauce!
- Sweet and Sour Pork - deep fried pork pieces coated with a nice sweet and sour sauce.
- Gai lan with garlic - crisp and tender; tossed in a minced garlic sauce
- Salty Egg Yolk Fish Skin - crunchy, salty, what’s not to like?!?! A nice savoury compliment to the meal
- Preserved Vegetable and Pork Belly (“Kow Youk”) - pork belly was so tender and came with the preserved vegetables and Napa cabbage.
- Spicy Prawn Vermicelli - a must-try dish (and a must-repeat for many diners I’m sure); ample sized prawns in a hot pot of vermicelli that really absorbs all the spices and flavours so well!

Overall a fantastic dining experience- food was incredibly tasty and fresh; despite being a busy Friday night the dishes came out quite quickly. An accompanying soup was served before the first dish and the meal was capped off with the dessert of green bean porridge/soup. Drinks at our table included iced lemon teas and an iced lemon coke. The staff were friendly, helpful and accommodating! A quality experience through and through! Meal before tip divided by 8 adults (one accompanying child) came to $62 which was well worth it for the quality of food and service!
(all accompanying photos courtesy of fellow diner in our party Jim Fong!)

First time there can improve on service and detail

This is the best soy sauce chicken in Vancouver. The skin is incredibly smooth and silky, while the meat is exceptionally tender and juicy. Every bite bursts with flavor, and the seasoning is perfectly balanced—not too salty, not too bland—just right. It’s the kind of dish that leaves a lasting impression and keeps you coming back for more.

You know they serve good food when the restaurant is packed on a random weekday evening. Prices seem a bit high but the portions are huge. Better to come with a large group to try a few more dishes. The soy sauce chicken and sweet and sour pork are must orders. Everything else I've ever ordered here are also bomb, you can't go wrong. Make reservations!

Food is good no complains 👍🏼😃

Hands down the best king crab in Vancouver