Hudson Williams’ Vancouver Restaurant Picks: Kook, Big Way Hot Pot & More

Vancouver’s culinary scene continues to attract attention, not just from tourists and locals, but now from the star of the hit Crave Original series, Heated Rivalry. Actor Hudson Williams, who portrays Shane Hollander on the show, has been sharing his favorite Vancouver-area restaurants, offering a glimpse into the city that helped launch his acting career.

Williams, originally from Kelowna, British Columbia, first arrived in Vancouver to pursue acting and, as he recounted in an interview with The Permanent Rain Press in November 2025, spent time working at the Old Spaghetti Factory in New Westminster. This early connection to the city clearly fostered an appreciation for its diverse food offerings.

His recent recommendations, which have been gaining traction online, span a range of cuisines and dining experiences. Williams highlighted Kook, a Korean BBQ restaurant located at 2800 E 1st Ave #211A, Vancouver, praising it as “the most exciting Korean BBQ in Vancouver.” The menu boasts a variety of options, including yangnyeom galbisal (marinated short ribs), wooseol (thinly sliced beef tongue), beef bulgogi (thinly sliced marinated beef), and haemul gui (assorted marinated seafood), all accompanied by an array of traditional banchan (side dishes).

For those seeking a more interactive meal, Williams also recommends Big Way Hot Pot, a self-serve hot pot restaurant that has rapidly expanded throughout Metro Vancouver. Acknowledging the restaurant’s growing commercial success, he admitted, “I like Big Way Hot Pot, which is very commercial now, but I love some hot pot.” The popularity of Big Way Hot Pot has been noted by Daily Hive Vancouver, highlighting its widespread presence in the region.

Williams’ palate also extends to Japanese cuisine, with a shout-out to Miku, which has locations at 200 Granville St. #70, Vancouver, and 8811 River Rd., Richmond, for its sushi. This recommendation adds another layer to his diverse culinary preferences.

Interestingly, the actor initially struggled to recall the names of a couple of his favorite spots during the interview. He enthusiastically described a Chicago-style deep-dish pizza place located somewhere around Main Street, calling it “so gluttonous and greasy and perfect.” He promised to follow up with the name, and thankfully did, identifying it as AJ’s Brooklyn Pizza Shop, which recently opened a new location in Tsawwassen.

Beyond pizza and Korean BBQ, Williams also remembered to praise Nadri (111F-4501 North Rd., Burnaby) for its Korean fried chicken, a detail he initially forgot during the initial conversation. This demonstrates a genuine and enthusiastic connection to the Vancouver food scene.

The actor’s endorsements have already sparked interest among fans, as evidenced by a recent post on Instagram by Dished Vancouver, tagging Big Way Hot Pot. This social media buzz underscores the impact of celebrity endorsements on local businesses and the growing trend of food-focused travel.

Williams’ recommendations aren’t just about highlighting popular restaurants; they offer a personal connection to the city he calls home. His journey from working at a local chain restaurant to starring in a hit television series, coupled with his genuine appreciation for Vancouver’s diverse culinary landscape, resonates with audiences and provides a unique perspective on the city’s vibrant food culture. His choices reflect a blend of established favorites and hidden gems, appealing to both seasoned foodies and newcomers alike.

As Heated Rivalry continues to gain popularity, Williams’ influence extends beyond the screen, solidifying his role as a cultural ambassador for Vancouver and its thriving restaurant scene. His recommendations offer a delicious invitation to explore the city through its food, providing fans with a taste of the Vancouver that he knows and loves.