The Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is working hard to replicate the city’s diverse food scene in its terminals.

Earlier this year, the airline hub announced its plans to add more than 20 food and beverage concepts over the next two years.

The planned openings are slowly arriving, with the debut of Vancouver’s Uno Gelato in June, and Italian coffee purveyor illycaffè in August.

The next launch is Mexican hotspot Sal y Limon in October 2019, which will be located in the post-security transborder terminal. Menu items will include its signature taco selections, burritos, quesadillas, and its homemade salsas.  

In January 2020, Japadog will open a permanent location in the pre-security domestic terminal, which complements its food stand outside the international arrivals area. Besides signature items, a new breakfast menu will be introduced.

After that, other local names like Heritage Asian Eatery and the Dirty Apron are scheduled to open in spring 2020 in the post-security domestic terminal.

Travellers will be able to dish on items like pork belly bowls and dan-dan udon at the Asian comfort food spot, and find health-conscious meals and snacks made with locally sourced, seasonal produce and meats at the popular deli.

Another highly anticipated concept is Pacific Farms Market, slated to open in the post-security domestic and international terminals throughout spring and summer 2020.

The local marketplace is inspired by B.C.’s fresh bounty, and will offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner options. The domestic terminal outpost will feature a full-service bar, freshly made grab-and-go items, and other artisanal snacks.

Its international terminal counterpart will showcase five made-to-order food stations, including a poke and sushi bar. Local food goods from 49^th Parallel and Purebread Bakery will be available.

Scandinavian juice and coffee chain, Joe & the Juice, will also be bringing its signature organic beverages and made-to-order sandwiches to the post security domestic and transborder terminals later this year.

Vancouver Airport Authority’s vice president of commercial development, Scott Norris, believes that it’s an exciting time for locals and tourists who love the city’s foodie sphere.

“We’ve spent a lot of time talking to businesses what they can bring to YVR,” Norris told the Straight in an interview near YVR. “Now we’ve got a two-year program to roll it out, because many of the restaurants need to be rebuilt from the ground up.”

It’ll be worth the wait, because many of these new food and drink concepts are direct responses to the feedback collected by the airport.

“Travellers are going to find that this will be the last taste of Vancouver. If you’ve had a wonderful holiday here in British Columbia, then you get all the flavours at the airport,” said Norris. “I think it sends people off with a really good impression and good memories of Vancouver.”

Scroll through the photos below for a peek at what to expect inside YVR when you’re hungry.