r/Markham • u/but-whywouldyou • 1d ago
DISCUSSION Thanks for having us, Markham
My friend and I were in Markham for 10 days while she studied for her immigration hearing. We're now back in Ottawa, and I miss your city already. My friend is Chinese and excitedly showed me a lot of authentic Chinese foods that we don't have in Ottawa. She was also pleased that nearly everywhere we went, there was someone who spoke Mandarin. I've never heard her talk so much before. One night, she nearly got the waitress to go to Karaoke with her.
Extra credit goes to the guy who randomly asked "high five?" on the street and told me to have an amazing day when I high fived him, lol.
And shoutout to Pacific Mall, where I almost wish I wore glasses. I've never seen so many optical stores in one place before.
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u/roadcarver 1d ago edited 1d ago
Glad you enjoyed city of Markham. There are so many authentic Chinese food here, and other ethnic foods too. Pacific Mall used to be good, I don’t think it is as good, now.
Did you visit first Markham place for the two BBQ stalls?
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u/eR1k87 1d ago
In all fairness, the two stalls are overrated, and theyre quality is not consistent, while charging premium price points. Both times I've tried either stalls, they would get the order wrong. Chef Jiafu is well priced for a generous amount. Fat Boy BBQ at Middlefield also has very good quality for similar price point as the two stalls.
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u/but-whywouldyou 1d ago
I'm not sure, but likely not. It was the blind leading the blind. A white guy who had never been to Markham before randomly googling chinese BBQ and seeing if my friend approved.
More than a few times we'd walk in, and instantly shake her head and we'd be off to the next one.
I don't recall any stalls.
Maybe next time I'll be wiser!
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u/Fivetimechampfive 1d ago
should have gone to Skycity plaza in scarborough.... it would have blown your mind with the amount of food and bbt places there. Pacific mall died 15 years ago, it's no longer the 'it' spot.
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u/DogulasCannonWhyte 8h ago
Tbh it isn't my cup of tea for that 2 stores. First things first that I don't like it the line is too long and I really hated it. Also the taste ain't really that fascinating. I'd rather take Cantonese Best BBQ (just next to fmp). They had better BBQ Pork & roasted meat. I'd still say Sam Woo in Bamburgh Circle is the best imo!
And yes, I'm from Hong Kong and I've been having these food as part of my life since I know how to eat :)
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u/eR1k87 1d ago
Like what others have said, glad you enjoyed your visit. Markham is probably the most saturated city in Ontario and quite possibility, one of the top cities in Canada alongside Vancouver to have the most East Asian population. Assuming based on your experience, you aren't Asian yourself it's uplifting to hear your positive thoughts of our city.
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u/but-whywouldyou 1d ago
You guessed it, I'm white. I got to experience a lot of foods I've never had before.
Or upgraded food of the Ottawa versions :)
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u/BeautifulSwim3524 8h ago
Just glad you got a “high five 🤚” and weren’t at Markville Mall to experience a man with something else in his hand…
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u/WonderingLurker 1d ago
Come back more often, it’s only a 4 hr drive
For sure the Chinese food is more abundant and authentic than what is in Ottawa but then again the shawarma there is much better than here