Dragon Yuan – Cowichan Commons (formerly Cobble Hill)
Date Visited: Wednesday at 5:30 PM
I walked into Dragon Yuan around 5:30 on a quiet Wednesday afternoon. A few customers were just leaving with takeout in hand, and the place had that familiar hum of an early dinner rush. I stepped up to the counter and was immediately greeted with a warm, welcoming smile by the staff member behind the till — the kind of greeting that already tells you you’re in the right place.
If you're looking for them in their **new location**, Dragon Yuan is now in the Cowichan Commons shopping plaza, located right beside Triple O’s. It's a fresh space, easy to find, and still delivering the same classic dishes they've become known for.
After asking how she could help, I placed a takeout order. Normally, we dine in, but today I was heading home to Shawnigan Lake and figured I’d bring dinner to my better half. I was fully expecting to reheat everything — soggy deep-fried prawns included — by the time I got home, 30 minutes later.
Let me back up a bit. My first ever visit to Dragon Yuan was a couple of years ago when they were located in the Valley View Centre in Cobble Hill. That one experience changed the game for me — from then on, they became my go-to for Chinese food, replacing my long-standing routine of ordering from May’s. Now that they've moved to Cowichan Commons, I'm happy to say the food and service are as good as ever.
Looking around, a few tables were still waiting on their food, so I assumed I'd be in for a bit of a wait. The staff were incredibly friendly and engaging, and as we chatted, the server told me it would be about 15 minutes for my order. I settled in, not minding the wait at all.
But in less than 10 minutes, out came my order — piping hot, sealed neatly in takeout containers, and packed into one of those sturdy cloth-style bags. A small gesture, but it really set the tone for quality and care.
When I got home, I was bracing for the usual reheat routine. But to my surprise? The deep-fried prawns were still crisp. The rest of the meal was still steaming hot — no microwave required. We plated our dinner and tucked in immediately, and the quality was exactly what I’ve come to expect from Dragon Yuan: flavorful, fresh, and consistently excellent.
From start to finish — from that warm welcome to the speedy service and the exceptional food — Dragon Yuan reminded me why they’ve been my favorite for years.
Final Rating: 5 out of 5 ⭐
Friendly, fast, and delicious. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to their menu, Dragon Yuan’s new home in Cowichan Commons is worth the visit — dine in or take out, they always deliver.