Vancouver seeks ‘nutritious, exciting’ street food

The City of Vancouver is ready to make the leap beyond popcorn and hot dogs as street food fare.

“The appetite for this is huge,” said Vancouver Councillor Heather Deal. She announced Sunday that the city is taking applications for vendors to set up stalls at 17 new locations – but purveyors of unhealthy treats won’t find room on the sidewalk.

“I don’t have anything against hot dogs,” Ms. Deal said, “but bring us something else – nutritious, exciting food.” Also on the undesirable list: Packaged ice cream, popcorn, pretzels and pre-packaged items such as soft drinks, potato chips and candy bars.

James Iranzad will be at City Hall on Monday with his application for a Korean taco stand.

The chef at the Kitsalano eatery Abigail’s Party said it’s a welcome new attitude from the city.

“It’s the first step in a major change in Vancouver’s culinary scene,” Mr. Iranzad said. “It’s going to allow a lot of people that have the vision and talent to bring food to diners” without the prohibitive cost of a full restaurant startup. For those already in the restaurant business, it’s an opportunity to reach new customers. “And it’s good for the city, to be rubbing elbows in the street, the smell of food in the air.”

The pilot project will provide locations on sidewalks and curbside in high pedestrian traffic spots downtown as well as at busy urban beaches like Kits and Spanish Banks.