Pacific Mall isn’t exactly known for its buzz. The aging Chinatown complex tucked under the Dynasty Palace is a sleepy place — a seamstress, an acupuncture clinic, and other basic services for the older Asian community. But on a recent Sunday afternoon, I was surprised to find one unit filled with youthful energy: Boa and Hare, the new cafe and lunch spot by chef Winnie Chen of Fu’s Repair Shop, her brother William, and their friend Wilson Wong.
I had my kids with me, and they were instantly comfortable. The staff greeted us like regulars, letting me know right away that I could order an off-menu grilled cheese bao for them. The space is bright and inviting, with warm lighting from paper lanterns and a mix of booth and table seating. Most of the clientele looked to be in their 20s — exactly the demographic Boa and Hare’s young owners hope to bring back to the neighbourhood.
The trio all grew up in family-run restaurants in this district and now want Boa and Hare to be a catalyst for Chinatown’s revitalisation. They’ve already taken over Van Loc, the banh mi and Vietnamese coffee institution nearby, and they plan to expand Boa and Hare into a cocktail bar and dinner spot once their liquor licence is approved.
On the cafe menu, I ordered the strawberry matcha latte — a layered drink of bright green matcha, creamy milk and a deep red pool of house-made strawberry syrup. The colours were striking, and once stirred, the flavours balanced perfectly between grassy bitterness and gentle sweetness. My kids had the house lemonade, lightly fizzy and tart, garnished with a dried lime slice.
While they devoured their grilled cheese bao, I started with the Kare Katsu Bao: a soft, steamed bun filled with a curried panko-crusted pork cutlet and topped with a tangy cabbage and pickled lemon slaw. It’s a playful dish executed with care and balance.
Then came the Taiwan-style jajiang mian: thick, chewy noodles topped with a deeply savoury black bean sauce, dotted with tofu cubes and minced meat. It had the familiar comfort of a childhood meal but with enough depth to keep each bite interesting. It was simple, hearty and satisfying.
After lunch, we crossed the street to Little Bon Bon, the Asian-inspired ice cream shop opened last year. Between these ventures, the revived Van Loc, and creative projects like aiya哎呀 Collective, there’s a sense that Edmonton’s Chinatown is beginning to turn a corner. It’s not just surviving — it’s being reimagined by a new generation of entrepreneurs who grew up here and are now shaping its future.
Boa and Hare
McCauley | 10520 97 St NW, Unit 127, Edmonton | boaandhare.ca
