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14:25, 09-Sep-2025
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Flamingo House Chinese Restaurant opened on Cambie at 59th in 1974 and moved to Marine Drive in 2017. On Sept. 28, 2025, the family-run Cantonese and dim sum spot will close permanently. @littlebirddimsum/Instagram
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This month, the owners of a Vancouver Chinese restaurant that opened a half-century ago will serve its final plates of Cantonese classics.
Flamingo House opened in 1974 at the corner of Cambie and 59th by father-son duo Yuk Sing and Joseph Lee, and wound up becoming one of Vancouver's longest-running Chinese restaurants.
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The restaurant was known for its traditional Cantonese dishes as well as its dim sum.
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In 2016, Flamingo had to close up on Cambie due to impending redevelopment, and they made a move to a new space on Marine Drive, which opened in 2017. (The redevelopment has yet to happen, and what remains of the old Flamingo still stands, incidentally.)
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However, it's now time to say goodbye for good.
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"After a wonderful run, our team is ready to hang up their aprons and enjoy a well-earned retirement," reads the Flamingo website. ​​
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The Flamingo legacy, however, isn't entirely gone.
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That's because Joseph Lee's son Jonathan has been running the Michelin Guide-endorsed Little Bird restaurant since 2019.
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The Little Bird Instagram account also posted a closure announcement for its parent, Flamingo.
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"To our loyal customers and the families who have shared countless meals, celebrations, and memories with us, thank you. Your support has meant the world."
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On a personal note, you can count my family among those; Flamingo House on Cambie was our go-to for celebrations and holidays since the 1970s. What a joy to spend decades spinning the lazy Susan to get another helping of Prawns in Black Bean Sauce, the house chow mein, or the lettuce cups (the latter I don't think made the menu at the new location).
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The last day of business for Flamingo House at 1652 SE Marine Dr will be Sept. 28. (The website says the 30th but Little Bird confirmed it is indeed the 28th.)
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