RICHMOND! Cantonese is the play here: Kirin, Chef Tony, Golden Paramount Seafood, Parklane, HK BBQ Master. (Night market might be result in too late of a bedtime for the 5yo & 2yo)
Aside from Cantonese, I still have a soft spot for Vij’s. But with 2 kids in tow, and likely lengthy wait, probably not a family-friendly situation.
L’Abbatoir is still good, AFAIK, but let’s just say that I saw no kids there at all.
In Vancouver proper, try Bao Bei (dumplings), Hawksworth, Chambar, and Burdock & Co…
Blue Water Cafe has slid downhill of late. Sad.
Last but not least by far, YVR is the home of JapaDog.