The munchies in Vancouver, BC

Who doesn't like spicy meat prepared on a rotating spit? Shawarma has quickly become a staple in Vancouver for those looking for a fast and delicious meal with some international flair. Related to gyros and donairs, they're not exactly known as a healthy food item, but you would be hard-pressed to find something quite as delicious.

Though not as fancy or complicated as some of their beefy brethren, meatballs are a classic meal choice or a snack worth savouring. When you're craving a satisfying globe of meaty goodness, check out the meatballs on the menus at these Vancouver restaurants.

Whether you’re pulling an all-night study session or ending a night on the town with some grub, Vancouver has several 24-hour restaurants that serve really good food – if you know where to look. From doughnut shops to diners, cap your night off at one of these local 24/7 eateries.

Can you imagine a world without nachos? When Ignacio Anaya decided to melt cheese on top of tortilla chips for a group of American army wives stationed in Mexico during the Second World War, he truly changed our snacking lives forever. Nowadays, you'll spot a plate of tortillas and melted cheddar on almost any restaurant menu. And even though it’s difficult to be disappointed by nachos, some are undeniably better than others.

Once a skid road for dragging logs to harbour, then a streetcar route and Italian suburb, Commercial Drive has long been central to Vancouver’s cultural diversity. Today, the foodie-focused strip is lined with restaurants, cafés and bars serving an array of international cuisines. These spots are worth checking out if you’re into food - like really, really into it. [Photo courtesy of Jamjar]

Hungry? Le Burger Week – a nationwide burger festival that started in Montreal in 2012 – is happening in 11 cities across the country from September 1st to 7th. Head to one of these participating Vancouver restaurants (or order online), devour a burger and vote for your favourite! [Photo courtesy of Le Burger Week/ShuRaku Sake Bar + Bistro]

Caribbean cuisine can be difficult to find in Vancouver, but thankfully there are a handful of hidden gems ready to serve up delectable dishes like flavorful stews and jerk-spiced meats. [Photo credit: iStock/peeterv]

Move over fancy cupcakes and designer doughnuts – pies are making a comeback. A new generation of young bakers are shaking things up with fun shops and innovative flavours that will satisfy the most modern palate, and classic pie shops continue to deliver the quality that has kept them in business for decades. No matter what kind of pie you’re craving, here’s where to find the perfect slice. [Photo courtesy of The Pie Hole]

As cheese alternatives become more mainstream, more vegan options are popping up around town. Here are a few vegan-friendly pizza options that are sure to pack a punch to your taste buds. You won’t even miss the cheese! [Photo credit: Tourism Vancouver/Vision Event Photography]

Craving something different for dinner? The city’s abundance of culturally diverse restaurants can take your palate on a world tour – no passport required. [Thai dish at Maenam. Photo by Hamid Attie]

Much in the same way that movie theatres and the scent of buttery popcorn can never be separated, hot dogs have a distinctly nostalgic element. These savoury snacks bring up memories of Little League games and beans-and-weinies at home. Thankfully there are more and more places in Vancouver serving the humble hot dog in a variety of grown-up flavours and styles. [Photo © Yellow Pages / Pages Jaunes]

You know how good it feels after a workout? Endorphins kick in and your energy is high; it’s a great place to be, so the last thing you want to do is to ruin that feeling with the wrong post-exercise meal. With that being said, here are some Vancouver spots for a wholesome bite when you want to refuel without negating all that hard work you just put in at the gym.