Ranking Every Food Court at Surrey Central Skytrain Station (2026)

Introduction

Surrey Central Skytrain Station serves over 30,000 passengers on an average weekday, making it one of the busiest transit hubs outside of Vancouver proper^[1]. For many of those commuters, students, and local workers, the immediate question upon exiting the gates is where to find a quick, satisfying, and affordable meal. The area around the station is not a single food court but a network of interconnected dining hubs, each with its own character and specialties. Navigating them efficiently is key to maximizing your lunch break or grabbing dinner before the train home.

This guide is for anyone who has ever rushed through Surrey Central Station with a growling stomach. We are mapping out every public food option within a five-minute walk of the fare gates. This includes the main Central City Shopping Centre food court, the academic offerings at SFU Surrey, and the often overlooked gems tucked into nearby office towers. Whether you crave a hearty Indian curry, a comforting bowl of ramen, or just a reliable coffee, we have you covered.

Understanding this food landscape is especially useful for newcomers to Surrey or those working in the growing commercial district. With so many options hidden from plain view, knowing where to go can save you time and money. For more on the broader culinary scene in the area, check out our Surrey and South Vancouver Asian Food Guide.

Quick Answer

What food courts are at Surrey Central Skytrain?

The primary food court is inside Central City Shopping Centre, accessible directly from the station, with additional options at SFU Surrey's campus and in the nearby Central City office tower plaza.

When you get off the train at Surrey Central Station, follow the signs for "Central City Shopping Centre." You will walk through a covered concourse that leads directly into the mall's lower level. The main food court is located here, featuring around a dozen vendors. A second, smaller cluster of eateries is on the plaza level of the adjacent office towers, near the London Drugs. For students and the public, SFU Surrey's campus, connected via skybridge, has a cafeteria-style food hall with different hours.

Prices are generally budget friendly, with most individual meals ranging from $12 to $18.

The Central City food court is your best bet for classic fast food and Asian cuisine, open during mall hours (typically 10am to 9pm). The SFU options are great for earlier breakfast or a quieter lunch, though some vendors are closed evenings and weekends. The plaza spots are ideal for a quick coffee and sandwich on the go. For a deep dive into another major transit oriented food hub, see our Richmond Food Court Guide: Aberdeen and Crystal Mall.

Surrey Central Skytrain food hubs explained

The dining scene around Surrey Central Station is decentralized. It functions as three distinct but connected zones, each catering to a slightly different crowd. Knowing which zone to hit for your specific need is half the battle.

The first and most obvious zone is the Central City Shopping Centre Food Court. This is a traditional mall food court located on the lower level, anchored by major chains and popular local franchises. It is designed for high volume, with ample seating and a bright, noisy atmosphere perfect for a fast lunch. The second zone is the SFU Surrey Campus. Accessible via a skybridge from the shopping centre's upper level, this is an institutional food hall. It caters primarily to students, with longer hours during the academic year and a focus on value and convenience.

The third zone is the Central City Office Plaza. This refers to the ground floor retail of the office towers surrounding the central plaza. Here you will find more cafe style outlets and quick service restaurants aimed at office workers, with slightly higher price points and shorter, sharper lunch rushes.

Summary: The Surrey Central Skytrain area features three main food hubs: the Central City Shopping Centre food court for classic fast food and Asian fare, the SFU Surrey campus food hall for student focused value, and the Central City office plaza for cafes and quick service aimed at professionals. The Central City food court is the largest and most accessible, directly connected to the station concourse. For the widest variety during peak lunch hours, this is the primary destination.

Our ranking methodology: taste, value, variety, speed

To rank the options across these different hubs, we used a consistent set of criteria tailored to a transit rider's needs. We visited each location multiple times during peak lunch (12:00 1:30 PM) and off peak hours. Our goal was to identify which spots deliver the best overall experience when you have limited time.

Taste and Quality is the most important factor. A convenient meal is pointless if it is not enjoyable. We looked for fresh ingredients, well executed dishes, and flavors that stand out even in a fast food setting. Value for Money is critical in the current economic climate. We assessed portion sizes relative to price, looking for meals that are filling without breaking the bank. The sweet spot for a satisfying lunch in this area is between $13 and $ 16. Variety and Dietary Options matter for regular visitors. We noted which places offer vegetarian, vegan, or gluten aware choices, as a limited menu gets old fast. Speed and Convenience is the final, non negotiable metric. How long is the line at 12:15 PM? How quickly is the food prepared? Can you get from the train platform to holding your meal in under 10 minutes? This includes ease of payment (tap accepted everywhere) and packaging for taking food on the go.

We also considered the ambiance and seating. While not a primary ranking factor, having a clean, available place to sit down and eat before your next meeting or train is a significant plus. The SFU campus often wins here for its quieter, studious atmosphere. For those managing specific dietary goals, like seeking out anti inflammatory ingredients, some spots are better than others, a topic we explore in our guide to Anti Inflammatory Foods at Vancouver Asian Restaurants.

Summary: We ranked every Surrey Central Skytrain food option based on taste, value, variety, and speed of service. The best vendors consistently deliver fresh, flavorful meals for $13 $16, accommodate dietary needs, and can serve customers quickly during the hectic lunch rush. Speed and convenience are weighted heavily, as most patrons are transit riders or workers on a tight schedule.

Central City Shopping Centre food court: a full review

The Central City food court is the heart of casual dining at this transit hub. Located on the mall's lower level, it is a large, open space with communal tables and natural light from the atrium. As of 2026, the vendor lineup is a mix of enduring staples and newer arrivals. It is the most reliable spot for a wide selection after 5:00 PM and on weekends.

The Standout Vendors: A few spots consistently draw the longest lines for good reason. HK BBQ Master Express (Unit 1203) is a local legend for a reason. Their roast pork and soy sauce chicken are top tier, with a two item combo on rice costing about $15. 50. It is worth the occasional wait. Gyu Japanese Fast Food (Unit 1205) offers solid teriyaki bowls and udon. Their chicken katsu curry ($13.99) is a hearty, reliable choice. For a quick, customizable meal, Freshii (Unit 1201) is the go to for salads, wraps, and bowls, with many vegan and gluten free options marked.

The Classic Fast Food: The court has the expected national chains: A&W, Subway, and Pizza Pizza. They serve their purpose for extreme speed and familiarity. The A&W is particularly busy in the mornings for their breakfast wraps and coffee. For a sweet treat or a mid afternoon pick me up, Dairy Queen and Gong Cha bubble tea are also present.

Seating and Atmosphere: The seating is abundant but fills up completely between 12:15 and 1:00 PM. It can be loud and bustling. If you need a quieter call or a place to briefly open a laptop, the tables near the periphery or the upper level seating overlooking the court are better bets. Cleanliness is maintained well by mall staff throughout the day.

Summary: The Central City Shopping Centre food court is the largest and most diverse dining hub at Surrey Central Station, featuring over a dozen vendors like HK BBQ Master Express and Gyu Japanese Fast Food. Meal prices average $14, and the space offers ample seating, though it gets crowded at peak lunch hours. For the widest selection after 5 PM or on weekends, this food court is your only guaranteed option.

SFU Surrey campus food options guide

Cross the skybridge from the mall's upper level (near Winners) and you will enter the SFU Surrey campus. The main food service area is the Surrey Mezzanine, home to a Starbucks and a Tim Hortons. These are your standard, reliable options for coffee, baked goods, and simple sandwiches. They are open early and cater to the student crowd cramming for exams.

The more interesting food is found at the Dineen Cafe in the main atrium and the Discovery Cafe in the engineering building. These are not typical food court stalls but cafeteria style operations run by the university's food services. The menus change daily and feature rotating hot entrees, sandwiches, wraps, and salads. You might find anything from butter chicken with rice to a grilled vegetable panini. Prices are student friendly, with many hot meal combos priced under $12, making it arguably the best value in the entire area.

Payment is easy for the public, they accept credit/debit just like any other cafe.

The major caveat is hours of operation. During the summer semester and on weekends, the cafeteria style outlets have severely reduced hours or may be closed entirely. The Tim Hortons and Starbucks maintain more consistent, longer schedules. The ambiance is a huge plus, it is generally much quieter than the mall, with plenty of seating, natural light, and power outlets. It is an excellent spot to have a peaceful lunch or to get some work done with a coffee. For transit information to plan your visit, you can always check the TransLink website.

Summary: SFU Surrey's campus food options, primarily in the Surrey Mezzanine and Dineen Cafe, offer exceptional value with student priced meals often under $

12. The atmosphere is quieter and more studious than the mall food court. However, operating hours for the cafeteria style outlets are limited, especially outside of the academic fall and winter semesters, making it a less reliable option for evening or weekend visits.

Hidden gems in the nearby office plazas

Venture outside the main mall doors onto the Central City plaza (the area with the London Drugs) and you will discover a handful of standalone eateries that many commuters miss. These spots cater heavily to the office workers in the towers above but are absolutely open to the public. They often have shorter lines at peak times than the mall food court.

Bean Around The World (13401 108 Avenue, Unit 100) is the premier coffee shop in the immediate vicinity. They roast their own beans and make excellent espresso drinks, along with a selection of fresh sandwiches, soups, and pastries. It is the spot for a quality latte and a quiet meeting. Just around the corner, in the smaller retail pod, you will find Central City Donuts. This local chain serves up fresh, cake style donuts and strong coffee, a perfect grab and go breakfast.

For a more substantial hidden lunch, walk one minute west to the small plaza at 10760 City Parkway. Here, Sushi & City offers a reliable, fast sushi train and takeout option. Their lunch specials, like a 10 piece assorted nigiri combo for $16, are popular. A few doors down, Pho Central serves straightforward, steaming bowls of pho for about $ 14. These spots lack the seating abundance of the mall but are often faster during the core lunch rush. They represent the kind of local, independent businesses that define Surrey's food scene, similar to the favorites listed in our Best Indian Curry Houses in Vancouver and Surrey.

Summary: Hidden food gems near Surrey Central Station include Bean Around The World for quality coffee, Central City Donuts for breakfast, and Sushi & City for fast Japanese lunch specials. Located in the office plazas around 108 Avenue and City Parkway, these spots typically have shorter lines than the main food court and cater to a local professional crowd, offering a quicker in and out experience during peak hours.

Best options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Your optimal choice changes dramatically depending on the time of day. Here is a breakdown of where to head for each meal period.

Breakfast (Before 10:30 AM): Your best bets are A&W in the mall food court (opens early), Tim Hortons at SFU Surrey, or Central City Donuts on the plaza. A&W offers hot breakfast sandwiches and hash browns. For a sit down coffee and pastry, Bean Around The World opens at 7:00 AM on weekdays. If you are running late and need something you can eat on the train, the convenience store inside the mall near the food court sells fruit, yogurt, and granola bars.

Lunch (11:30 AM 1:30 PM): This is the peak chaos period. For the absolute fastest hot meal, Pizza Pizza or Subway in the mall food court usually have the shortest prep times. For better quality with a slightly longer wait, join the line at HK BBQ Master Express or Gyu Japanese. If you want to avoid the mall crowds entirely, the SFU Surrey cafeteria (Dineen Cafe) is a sanctuary with great value, provided it is a weekday during the academic year. For office plaza options, Sushi & City is efficient.

Dinner (After 5:00 PM): Options thin out considerably. The Central City mall food court is your most reliable bet, as most vendors are open until mall closing (9:00 PM). The SFU campus options are likely closed. Pho Central in the office plaza is a good choice for a warming evening meal. It is worth noting that while many people order delivery to the area, if you are meeting someone or picking up yourself, services like The Storm Cafe can be an alternative for prepared meals, though they are not physically located at the station.

For a comforting dinner that feels like home, the concepts here align with our picks for Best Chinese Comfort Food for Vancouver's Rainy Season.

Summary: For breakfast, head to A&W or Central City Donuts. At lunch, HK BBQ Master Express offers the best flavor, while Pizza Pizza provides the fastest hot meal. For dinner, the Central City mall food court is the only hub with guaranteed open options after 5:00 PM, as SFU campus outlets typically close. Planning your meal around these time based availabilities is important.

A transit rider's guide: fastest options for a train connection

You have 12 minutes until your train. Can you get food? Yes, but your choices are limited. This guide is for the true speed eater or the person who needs to grab something to eat on the journey.

The Sub 5 Minute Grab: If you are coming from the platform and need to be back on a train in under 5 minutes, your only real options are pre packaged goods. The Hasty Market convenience store in the mall (on the way to the food court) has sandwiches, sushi packs, fruit, and drinks. You can be in and out in two minutes. The Dairy Queen in the food court also sometimes has pre wrapped burgers or hot dogs ready to go.

The 7 10 Minute Mission: This is the sweet spot for getting a fresh, cooked meal. Exit the train and walk briskly to the food court. Pizza Pizza is your best bet, a slice is often ready immediately for $5. 50. Subway can also be fast if the line is short, as assembly is quick. Gyu Japanese often has pre made bowls of teriyaki chicken rice that just need to be scooped and paid for. Avoid any vendor with a custom grill or wok order during this tight window.

Pro Tip for Commuters: If you take the same train daily, consider placing a pickup order via an app for a specific time. Some vendors, like Freshii, allow you to order ahead and skip the line entirely. You can walk in, grab your bag, pay, and leave. This is the ultimate way to secure a healthy, fresh meal when you are on a clock. Remember to factor in walking time from the vendor back to the platform, which can take 2 3 minutes at a good pace.

Summary: The fastest food options for a tight train connection at Surrey Central are pre packaged items from Hasty Market or a ready to go slice from Pizza Pizza, achievable in under 5 minutes. For a 7 10 minute window, Subway or pre made bowls at Gyu Japanese are reliable choices. Ordering ahead via an app is the most efficient method to secure a fresh meal during the peak lunch rush.

Key Takeaway

The Surrey Central Skytrain food scene is a multi hub network centered on the Central City Shopping Centre food court. For the widest selection and evening hours, the mall is your destination. For the best value and a quieter atmosphere on a weekday, head to SFU Surrey's campus. For quick coffee and shorter lunch lines, explore the office plazas. Always check hours for campus outlets, and for the fastest service during a short connection, target Pizza Pizza or pre packaged convenience store items.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a food court directly inside Surrey Central Skytrain station?

No, there is not a food court inside the fare paid area of the station itself. However, you can walk directly from the station platforms into the Central City Shopping Centre via a covered concourse without going outside. The mall's main food court is located on the lower level, just a one to two minute walk from the fare gates.

What are the best vegetarian options at Surrey Central food courts?

Freshii in the Central City food court is the top choice, with fully customizable bowls, wraps, and salads packed with vegetarian and vegan ingredients. In the SFU Surrey cafeteria, the daily hot entrees and salad bar always include vegetarian choices. Many other vendors, like the teriyaki spots, offer tofu as a protein option, though it is best to ask about sauces.

Where is the best place to sit and work with a laptop near Surrey Central?

The SFU Surrey campus is ideal. The seating areas in the atrium near the Dineen Cafe or in the Surrey Mezzanine are designed for students, with plenty of tables, power outlets, and a relatively quiet atmosphere. Bean Around The World in the office plaza also offers a good cafe workspace, though seating is more limited.

What time do the food courts close?

The Central City Shopping Centre food court generally follows mall hours, which are 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM Monday to Saturday, and 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM on Sundays. Individual vendor hours may vary slightly. The SFU Surrey campus food outlets have shorter, variable hours, often closing by 5:00 or 6:00 PM and with limited weekend service. Always check specific venue hours if you are visiting later in the day.

Is parking available if I'm driving to the food courts?

Yes, Central City Shopping Centre has a large parkade with paid parking. The first 2 hours are typically free with validation from a mall purchase, which includes food court receipts. There is also some limited metered street parking around the office plazas. For longer stays, the parkade is the most convenient option.

Can I use a credit or debit card at all the food vendors?

Yes, as of 2026, every food vendor we visited in the mall food court, SFU campus, and office plazas accepted tap payment via credit or debit card. Some may have a minimum purchase amount (usually $5), but this is rarely an issue for a meal. Cash is also accepted almost everywhere.

References

[1] TransLink, "SkyTrain and Bus Network," 2026. Metro Vancouver public transit routes connecting food neighborhoods across the region. https://www.translink.ca/

[2] Tourism Richmond, "Richmond Dining Guide," 2026. Official guide to Richmond's Asian restaurant scene and food courts. https://www.visitrichmondbc.com/eat-drink/

[3] City of Vancouver, "Vancouver Food Strategy," 2023. The city's long-term plan for a healthy, sustainable food system. https://vancouver.ca/people-programs/vancouvers-food-strategy.aspx

[4] Daily Hive Vancouver, "Food Section," 2026. Local news coverage of Vancouver restaurant openings, closures, and food trends. https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/food

[5] Georgia Straight, "Food and Drink," 2026. Independent coverage of Vancouver's food, drink, and restaurant scene since 1967. https://www.straight.com/food