About | West Coast Bannock

WHAT IS BANNOCK?

Bannock, also known as fry bread, is a symbol of resilience and adaptation in Indigenous communities. While every family has its own perfected recipe, bannock is typically a simple dough—made from flour, salt, baking powder, and oil—handcrafted, left to rise, and then fried to golden perfection.

Though it’s now a beloved staple at powwows and family gatherings, its origins are rooted in survival. When Indigenous peoples were forcibly displaced from their ancestral lands in the mid-19th century, access to traditional food sources was severed. Communities adapted by using government-issued rations of flour and lard, transforming these basic ingredients into a food that could be shared and sustained through generations.

Today, bannock is more than just food—it’s a connection to history, culture, and identity. While its variations stretch from coast to coast, many remain unaware of its colonial past. At West Coast Bannock, we honour this legacy by reclaiming our food traditions and sharing them with the world.

Bannock isn’t just a dish; it’s a way to pave the path forward for future generations as we decolonize the food industry—one piece of bannock at a time.

Meet The Bannock King

RICHARD MARK

Richard has been serving up the best Bannock on the West Coast for nearly 30 years, carrying on a tradition that runs deep in his family. Bannock-making is a matriarchal craft in many Indigenous households, and for Richard, it all started with his mom—East Van’s very own Bannock Queen.

Growing up in East Vancouver, Richard, who is Nisga’a and Gitxsan, helped his single mom sell Bannock by the piece since 1997. In 2005, he stepped into her restaurant, and a passion for cooking was born. From pop-up events to culinary school and everything in between, Richard spent nearly two decades perfecting his craft.

In 2022, the birth of his daughter, Willow, inspired him to take Bannock to the next level—honouring his roots while putting a fresh spin on Indigenous street food. Now, as the Bannock King, Richard has fused classic powwow flavours with modern street food, creating handheld, flavour-packed favourites that are taking the food scene by storm.