Golden Smell Mee Revives Family Legacy in Vancouver’s Chinatown

Golden Smell Mee recently opened its doors in Vancouver’s Chinatown, marking a significant return to the culinary roots of the Lim family. The restaurant, which serves Singaporean and Malaysian cuisine, is a revival of the original concept by William Lim, who established Bee Kim Heng in 1986. This new venture is driven by his sons, Scott, Dennis, and Raymond Lim, and aims to blend traditional family recipes with contemporary dining experiences.

A Family Journey from Jerky to Noodles

The name “Golden Smell Mee” is derived from the Malaysian word for noodles, “mee,” and reflects the family’s heritage. The “smell” refers to the aromatic appeal of the dishes served. Before launching the restaurant, the Lim family ran BKH Jerky, a successful business that originated from their father’s craftsmanship in jerky-making. After learning the trade in Singapore, William transitioned from a restaurant owner to jerky producer, creating a unique product using single-source sliced meat rather than the ground meat common in traditional Asian jerky.

Scott Lim explained that their jerky has gained a loyal following because of its quality and lack of preservatives, which results in a shorter shelf life but guarantees freshness. “It’s pure meat. People know it’s fresh and what the cut is,” he noted. The brothers took over the jerky business in 2010 after their father fell ill, and in 2011 they showcased their products on the popular television show, Dragon’s Den, although they chose to pursue their business independently.

Menu Highlights and Culinary Innovations

In May 2023, Golden Smell Mee opened to the public, featuring a menu inspired by family recipes. The offerings include dishes such as the BKH short rib, marinated in the same spices as their jerky and grilled to perfection. Priced at $23.95, this dish is designed for sharing, though Scott admits it’s hard to resist keeping it all to oneself.

The restaurant’s menu also features satay skewers, roti canai served with curry dip and sugar, and Hainanese chicken, which Scott describes as a staple of his childhood. The chicken is poached and infused with sesame oil, ginger, and turmeric, served with rice and a variety of condiments for a full experience. A whole chicken is available for $48.95, while a half chicken costs $27.95.

Other notable dishes include nasi lemak, a Malaysian specialty, priced at $24.95 or $25.95, and mee goreng, house-made noodles tossed in a sweet and savory sauce for $18.95. As a sweet ending, diners are treated to a complimentary soft-serve ice cream cone, with flavours changing frequently.

Scott Lim has ambitious plans for the restaurant, including introducing a robot food runner that has already begun entertaining guests. He also hopes to expand the frozen food offerings from BKH Jerky, allowing customers to enjoy their products at home. “We’re planning to do more frozens,” he said, emphasizing their commitment to quality and innovation.

Golden Smell Mee stands out not only for its culinary offerings but also for its commitment to celebrating the family legacy. The Lims bring a unique blend of tradition and modernity to Vancouver’s vibrant food scene, ensuring that their father’s spirit and recipes continue to thrive.

For those looking to explore this new culinary destination, Golden Smell Mee is located at 142 East Pender St., Vancouver, and is open daily for lunch and dinner. Reservations can be made by calling 604-566-7733 or visiting their website at Goldensmellmee.com.