Vancouver's Best Budget Claypot Rice & Noodles - Always Worth the Wait

I've lost count of how many times I've eaten at Ajea Noodle—this hidden gem in Richmond's Yaohan Centre food court is 100% worth the hype. Be prepared to queue though, especially if you're ordering their signature claypot rice (which takes at least 25 minutes to prepare!). 📍 Ajea Noodle 🏠 3700 No. 3 Rd, Richmond (Yaohan Centre Food Court) ⏰ Hours: 11AM - 8PM | 💵 Price Range: 8-15 (Cash preferred!) 🍜 Noodle Guide (For Impatient Foodies) ✨ Customization Flow: Pick your noodle → Choose broth → Select toppings → Adjust spice level • Must-Try Broth: Chongqing Spicy Noodle Soup (slow-simmered beef bone broth with a numbing kick) • Best Combos: ▫️ Sweet Water Noodles + Pea & Minced Pork – Double the umami! ▫️ Potato Starch Noodles + Shredded Chicken – Silky smooth with a QQ bite • Price Shock: Base noodles start at just 8-9, +4 for extra meat (compare that to 16+ noodle bowls elsewhere—this is student budget heaven!) 🍚 Claypot Rice Secrets (Why the Wait is Worth It) 🔥 Made-to-order in sizzling claypots—you’ll hear the crispy rice crust crackling when it arrives! ✔️ Signature sauce seeps into every grain ✔️ Golden, crunchy bottom (no sad, soggy rice here) ✔️ Pro Move: Ask for a raw egg on top (mix it in for extra richness—a hack regulars swear by) 💡 Survival Tips for Students & Office Warriors: • Avoid 12PM-1PM lunch rush (unless you love standing in line) • Wed/Thurs after 3PM = shorter wait times (tested & approved) • Takeout Tip: Bring a thermal bag to keep the crispy rice intact #VancouversBestBudgetEats #RichmondsBestKeptSecret #ClaypotRiceWorthTheWait