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This Burnaby mall is getting Southeast Asian street food

The definition of a concoction is a “mixture of various ingredients or elements.
basil box
A sample dish from Basil Box, which is moving into Burnaby in 2020. Basil Box photo

The definition of a concoction is a “mixture of various ingredients or elements.”

I can’t think of a better way to describe Southeast Asian street food – where street vendors in Thailand and Vietnam let you pick all of the ingredients and they whip them up.

That kind of food freedom is coming to Burnaby in 2020 as part of the Amazing Brentwood’s ginormous expansion.

The Southeast Asian street food-inspired company Basil Box will be opening an outlet in 2020. It currently has just one Metro Vancouver location, on Burrard Street in Vancouver.

Basil Box’s “Our Story” item describes its food like this: “Close your eyes and imagine the sights, smells and sounds of a bustling street market in Southeast Asia. Farmers tending carts piled high with fresh meats, vegetables, and exotic spices beckon, while you navigate your way through food vendors peddling prepared plates chock-full of bold-flavoured local staples and tantalizing delicacies.”

Hopefully, the company can back this up – especially the fresh part.

Customers start with a base of rice, noodles, or greens, and then add veggies, proteins, sauces and toppings in unique combinations.

The menu definitely has a focus on some pretty spicy, with sriracha, sweet chili lime and, according to the company, its hottest Penang curry.

Basil Box also offers gluten-free, keto, low-calorie, low-fat and high-fibre options for people with specific diets.

Follow Chris Campbell on Twitter @shinebox44.