Local roots, global appeal at YVR's Lucky Lily Asian Brasserie
Colourful lanterns, intricate latticework, textured silk fabrics, cherry blossoms, and a bar lined with treasures from Vancouver's Chinatown—a visit to the newest full-service restaurant in YVR's Domestic Terminal might make you forget you're inside a busy international airport. (To restore your sense of place, take a quick look out the large windows for dramatic runway and North Shore views.)
Lucky Lily Asian Brasserie is a new chef-driven dining experience created for YVR by celebrated Canadian chef Nicole Gomes, who was born and raised in Richmond, B.C.
For Chef Gomes, Lucky Lily is both personal and global—an homage to the people, places, and flavours that shaped her, from her grandmother’s kitchen table to her travels through Asia. Developed with YVR and SSP Canada, the menu pairs comfort food favourites with modern Asian flavours, built for travellers craving something real before their flight.
What's on the menu at Lucky Lily?
Built around comfort, discovery, and flavour, the menu takes a modern approach to Asian cooking — familiar formats like curries, noodle bowls, sandwiches, and breakfast plates, each with its own twist. Think cozy bowls of soup, hearty sandwiches, and shareable bites alongside more adventurous options like dim sum and rice bowls.
Chef Gomes drew on her travels through Thailand, Vietnam, Hong Kong, and beyond, bringing the energy of street food culture into a menu built with travellers in mind—flavourful, but easy to love. “Food has really allowed me to experience things all over the world,” she says. “I love travelling so much. Lucky Lily at YVR is a real homage to that.”
Signature dishes include Hong Kong French Toast, Night Market Popcorn Chicken, Wonton Noodle Soup, Beijing Bolognese, B.C. Albacore Tuna Donburi, Bangkok Bowl, and Steamed Salted Custard Lava Buns.
Craving something quick? Made-to-order favourites and grab-and-go options are available at Little Lily, a self-serve kiosk next door.
The story behind Lucky Lily
Lucky Lily is named for Chef Gomes’ grandmother Lily, the woman who first taught her the joy, care, and cultural meaning of cooking—and who she also honours in her daughter’s name.
“I was always in the kitchen with my mom, my grandma,” she says. “We’d sit at the table and roll a million wontons and dumplings. I’m just really lucky to have that kind of history.”
While her culinary journey may have humble origins, these days Gomes is one of Canada’s top chefs, having competed on Top Chef Canada, won Top Chef Canada All Stars, and been a contestant on Top Chef World All Stars. She was also a finalist on Iron Chef Gauntlet and came out on top in Beat Bobby Flay.
Enhancing YVR's food and beverage program through diverse options
Lucky Lily adds a distinctive local voice to YVR’s food and beverage program, rooted in Richmond and Vancouver’s extraordinary culinary culture while reflecting flavours from across Asia.
It's part of the growing roster of food and beverage offerings at YVR, bringing more choice and more quality to travellers. Diners can enjoy local specialties made for global palates, with restaurants around the terminal serving everything from Indigenous cuisine and ceremonial-grade matcha to Japanese-style hot dogs and house-made poké.
“Lucky Lily reflects the kind of airport dining experience we believe in,” says Richard Wilson, Vice President, Brands and Concepts, SSP Canada. “It is rooted in place, guided by genuine culinary talent, and designed to make the journey more enjoyable for travellers.”
And Chef Gomes is proud to be leading the charge.
“I would love for guests to really feel comfort—if anything, like they are at their grandma’s,” she says.
Find Lucky Lily Asian Brasserie near Gate C46 in the Domestic Terminal at Vancouver International Airport.