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Burnaby neighbourhoods we love: Exploring Edmonds
Simran Singh
December 16, 2022
It’s about 10am on a Thursday morning and the Edmonds community is humming with activity.
Walking past the frost-covered Edmonds Park, you can spot an elderly man concentrating on his Tai Chi exercises.
A few metres away two men are in T-shirts, despite the near-freezing weather, practicing their boxing skills.
Folks are headed into the Edmonds Community Centre ready for a workout or fitness class. Through one of the building’s large windows, a group of women can be seen participating in what seems to be an animated Zumba class.
A few blocks down, the stands outside Tommy’s Market are dotted with vibrant hues of pink, yellow, magenta, and red as dozens of fresh bouquets have already been set out for the day.
Past Tommy’s, Loonie House Market has makeshift display tables set outside its storefront, displaying everything from small plastic trash cans to baskets. The shelves are lined from top to bottom with trinkets, houseware, office supplies, Santa hats, party decor, and so much more.
It’s no secret that Edmonds is seeing big changes with shiny towers popping up and new developments being planned, but there is something about the neighbourhood that has always felt authentic and unique.
The area is one of the most diverse in the city and its rich multicultural tapestry can be seen in the shops and restaurants that line the streets. Within mere metres, you can grab Pho, then walk into a grocery shop that specializes in Filipino products.
Walk down a bit further, and you’ll be able to pick up Serbian baked goods and then head into an Ethiopian restaurant.
While Burnaby often gets overlooked as a suburb with a lot of malls and big towers being built, the city is simply so much more than that. Edmonds is one of many neighbourhoods that make Burnaby special as it fosters a sense of community and belonging for those who have lived there for years and newcomers alike.
If you’ve never visited this neighbourhood or want to take a longer tour of some of the local businesses in the area, this article is intended to be your guide.
With that, let’s check out what Edmonds Street has to offer.
This is the first part of an ongoing series that will shed light on Burnaby’s neighbourhood gems. Got a neighbourhood or community you want us to cover next? Let us know here.
Edmonds Eats
Pho 68 is known for its generous portions and delicious variety of pho. The Northern Style Vietnamese Pho is a fan-favourite.
Address: 7360 Edmonds St.
This newly-opened donair shop is a great spot for a quick meal. It offers up chicken, beef, mixed shawarma, and falafel options that come in wraps, salads, or platters.
Address: 7339 Edmonds St.
Chicko Chicken is a go-to place for delicious fried chicken in Burnaby. The Edmonds location is a bit hard to spot (its entrance is located behind the main street) but once you find it, you’ll be in fried chicken heaven! Our personal favourite is the Cheese Snow Chicken, which is tossed in Chicko’s cheese snow powder and has “sweet undertones of creamy, mouthwatering cheese.”
Address: 7343 Edmonds St.
Y Sushi is a quaint little sushi restaurant that serves up a solid selection of rolls, sashimi, and oshi aburi.
Address: 7341 Edmonds St.
This long-time Edmonds gem is the perfect spot to grab traditional Thai dishes at an affordable price. Fans of this spot rave about the tom yum soup and array of freshly-made curries.
Address: 7357 Edmonds St.
This family-owned restaurant in Edmonds has garnered a loyal customer base. Their excellent Vietnamese crab noodle soup (bún riêu) is a must-try!
Address: 7405 Edmonds St
Na-Re Korean Kitchen serves up all the KFC (Korean fried chicken) classics (and if you love your spices, make sure to try the uber-spicy cheese buldak flavour), but lots more for the seafood or noodle fans in your group, too! Plus, soju cocktails
Address: 7413 Edmonds St.
This small Korean restaurant serves up big flavours. It’s known for serving up some delicious Korean fried chicken, hot pot, and zzhusam (stir-fried octopus with pork belly).
Address: 7506 Edmonds St.
A long-time neighbourhood gem, Balkan House is known for its Southeastern Mediterranean fare. From meat dishes like cevapcici (sausages) to jagnjeci kotleti (lamb chops) to schnitzels served with rice, potatoes, and greek or cabbage salad, Balkan House is sure to please with its variety.
Address: 7530 Edmonds St.
If you’re a fan of dosas, idli, vadas, and other South Indian specialties, Manjal South Indian Kitchen is the place to go. Manjal has plenty of vegetarian options as well, making it a great spot for folks with dietary restrictions.
Address: 7613 Edmonds St.
Sushi On recently opened in Edmonds this past spring. The restaurant is known for its 48 different specialty rolls, delicious appetizers, and fresh draft beer. A great spot for dine-in or takeout!
Address: 7617 Edmonds St.
If you’re looking for a solid go-to for a Friday night in, Villages Pizza is the spot. It serves up the classics (pepperoni, Hawaiian, cheese) but also has unique pies (Mexican, chicken bruschetta, Westcoast Veggie, and Rim and Fire).
Address: 7619 Edmonds St.
This long-time Edmonds eatery is known beyond Burnaby for its legendary burgers with a side of ’50s flare! Grab a housemade burger, hand-cut fries, and a classic milkshake while enjoying this retro Burnaby gem.
Address: 7741 Edmonds St.
If you’re looking for an authentic spot for Ethiopian and Mediterranean fare, head to Dahlak restaurant. Try the spicy fried lamb platter and mains like awaze tibsi and shiro.
Address: 7868 Edmonds St.
When the moon hits your soul like a big pasta bowl, that’s Amorosa Pasta House! Along with a selection of Italian favourites, this joint also offers souvlaki dishes and other Greek specialties.
Address: 7870 Edmonds St.
Sushi Modo is a casual sushi spot that serves up sushi, sashimi, noodle soups, teriyaki and katsu, tempura, and much more.
Address: 7874 Edmonds St.
Of course, we couldn’t forget the cafes and coffee shops in the neighbourhood. These have been previously compiled in an article that can be found here.
Highlights include Saffron Brazilian Cafe, Little Cockatoo Cafe, and Coffizen!
Edmonds Markets and Shops
There are many local, specialty markets to explore around Edmonds as well. The street is filled with mom-and-pop shops that carry unique products that you usually can’t find in your regular supermarket.
Grand Food Market (7351 Edmonds St.) is a great spot to pick up an array of East Asian products—specifically if you’re on the hunt for Filipino ingredients. A few doors down is where you’ll find Loonie House Market at 7359 Edmonds St. This dollar store has been in the neighbourhood for what seems like ages, and its shelves are packed with what seems like everything but the kitchen sink.
Walk a bit further and you’ll spot the iconic yellow awning with red letters that say “Tommy’s Market.” You truly haven’t experienced Edmonds until you’ve stopped at Tommy’s Market (7357 Edmonds St.). This family-run grocer has been in the neighbourhood since the 1960s and carries fresh produce, grocery staples, and fresh flowers.
Mostafa Supermarket and Halal Meat (7421 Edmonds St.) is a good stop for organic halal meats and Afghan grocery items.
Across the street is New Generation Foods (7438 Edmonds St.), where you can find quality pantry ingredients like rice, beans, lentils, dried fruits, spices, and other unique grocery products from around the world.
On the corner of Mary Avenue and Edmonds, there are a few shops located in a smaller complex at 7487 Edmonds St. Jovo the Butcher specializes in traditional Balkan meats. Next door, Rustic Bread Bakery makes Serbian-style bread and baked goods (burek, kifle,lepinja).
There are also two African markets next door—Ezawa’s African Market and African General Markets—which specialize in ingredients, products, and beauty items from a range of African countries.
Kitty corner to this complex, is the European Butcher Boy (7502 Edmonds St.), another meat shop specializing in Eastern European meats and products. From sausages to pork and a variety of imported European goods, this is an awesome one-stop shop when you’re on a grocery run.
On the left side of the street in a complex located close to Edmonds Street and Canada Way, you’ll see another African goods store. Mona Shop African Multicultural Bazar (7655 Edmonds St. #101) specializes in products from Sudan and other parts of Africa. It’s known for its beauty product and accessory selection.
Places that bring the community together
The Burnaby Public Library Tommy Douglas Branch (7311 Kingsway) and the Edmonds Community Centre (7433 Edmonds St.) are two essential hubs in the neighbourhood. They provide a wide range of services and programs that are either free or at a lower cost to community members.
Edmonds Park is located behind the community centre and features a beautiful playground with large play structures, a spray park, picnic areas, basketball and tennis courts, and walking paths.
This is the first part of an ongoing series that will shed light on Burnaby’s neighbourhood gems. Got a neighbourhood or community you want us to cover next? Let us know here.
With files from Srushti Gangdev, Vikki Hui, and Marco Ovies.