Fun Facts About the History of Sushi Making in BC

How Sushi Became a BC Favorite

Sushi has become a beloved staple in British Columbia, with Vancouver being home to one of the highest concentrations of Japanese restaurants in North America. Have you ever wondered how sushi gained such a strong foothold in BC’s food scene? Let’s dive into some fun facts about sushi’s journey in BC!

Japanese Food Has Deep Roots in BC

Japanese cuisine has been part of BC’s food culture for over a century. The first Japanese immigrants arrived in BC in the late 19th century, bringing their culinary traditions with them. By the mid-20th century, Japanese restaurants began opening in Vancouver, introducing locals to authentic sushi and other traditional dishes.

The California Roll Was Invented in Vancouver

One of the most famous sushi rolls in the world—the California Roll—was actually invented in Vancouver in the 1970s. Chef Hidekazu Tojo, a sushi pioneer, created the roll by using crab, avocado, and cucumber and flipping the rice to the outside to appeal to Western palates. This small innovation helped introduce sushi to a much wider audience and made it one of the most popular Japanese dishes in North America.

Vancouver Chefs Helped Innovate Sushi Rolls

Besides the California Roll, Vancouver sushi chefs have continued to innovate with unique flavors and local ingredients. The B.C. Roll, for example, was created using barbecued salmon, a nod to the province’s world-famous seafood. These local adaptations helped make sushi even more appealing to British Columbians and solidified its place in the region’s food culture.

The Popularity of Sushi Today

Did you know there 629 sushi restaurants in total in BC as of January 2025. Of these, 517 sushi restaurants (82%) in the province are single-owned operations (including Bimi Express Market). The top three sushi cities are Vancouver (455 locations), Victoria (29 locations), and the Regional District of Central Okanagan (23 locations). We sure do love our sushi in BC. (Source: List Of Sushi restaurants in British Columbia)

Keeping the Sushi Making Tradition Alive at Bimi Express Market

At BIMI Express Market, we’re proud to keep this sushi making tradition alive by offering fresh, handcrafted sushi every day. Whether you're craving a quick lunch or a sushi feast, our in-house sushi chefs ensure quality, affordability and freshness in every tasty bite.

For our full selection of to-go sushi visit our menu