Tasting Journey #19 - Deer Garden Signatures

Deer Garden Signatures
Continental Central
1118-3779 Sexsmith Road
Richmond, BC
604-278-3779
www.deergarden.ca

Known for its fish broth soup noodle (魚湯米線), Deer Garden was recommended by a few friends on several different occasions.   Deer Garden has two stores, both located in Richmond, and both crazily packed during peak meal hours.  So what exactly is this signature fish soup?  According to google, the origin of this dish came from Cambodia, and is known for its flavourful fish broth.  

Chaochou style dried fish & minced pork fish soup

We arrived at Deer Garden approx 20min after it opened and already, the restaurant was full, and had a short line up.  While waiting to be seated, I decided to study its menu (though I already knew what I wanted - its signature fish noodle soup). I was expecting the selections to be short, but to my surprise, it was like an a la carte menu.  Aside from the rice and spaghetti dishes that are also offered by most other HK-style restaurant in Vancouver, the fish noodle soup comes in many combination that you can't imagine.  A bit too much thinking required for my brain on a Sunday morning ^^...First, you need to pick one of the 6 soup base offered; Then you select the type of noodle to add to your broth, another 9 options;  Finally, you choose Add caption2 of the 30 toppings available.

Original fish soup

As soon as we sat down, we placed our orders, and the food came.  8/10 for serving speed, and an OK for the service - Typical, as what you would expect in a HK-style cafe.  The portion was very generous, both in the amount noodle and the amount of toppings (I was only able to finish half of the bowl).    I took a sip of the broth - rich in flavouring, yet light without grease.  Considering that the broth contains no MSG, it is extremely well made.  An excellent selection for those who are health-conscious. 

HK-style tea in a metal mug

While indulging myself in this bowl of noodle soup, I thought to myself: so how does this compare to my other soup noodle favourites such as Japanese ramen or Pho?  I would say that the broth is as delicious as the ramen soup minus the grease; and the flavouring is as tasty as the pho but less the MSG.  As a strong believer that delicious food tends to be higher in sugar/oil/sodium...etc, I have to admit that this healthy dish is very close to over-ruling my theory... (well, maybe adding a side order of fried chicken wings would have dotted the i's and crossed the t's).

Would I recommend this place? Yes.  Given the quality and price, it is definitely worth a visit.