Donburiya

Takoyaki

Chicken Karage

Curry with Pork Cutlet on Rice

I’ve always wanted to try those restaurants down Robson Street – the ones past all the shops. Their store front or ads on their windows always attract me but I’m never in the mood to eat at that time! Finally a day where I was craving some food and of course I walk past Donburiya. This chicken karage picture on their ad outside totally attracted me, and it’s actually not the first time. I remember seeing it a long time ago and wanting to try it. And aren’t I happy that ad pulled me in! The chicken karage comes in a bowl of 4 for $3.50 and are boneless. The batter isn’t very thick so it wasn’t very oily. Also decided to try the takoyaki which I have to say is one of the best I have had. And lastly, the curry with pork cutlet on rice was a great deal as it was a huge plate for only $9.25, compared to places such as Aoyama which charges around $13 for a small plate that isn’t as good as this one! The place is however very small and can probably only sit 20 people and it is more like a self serve restaurant. You pick up your own utensils, seasonings, and water. They do however bring you your food in a tray. So perhaps take out is the way to go. They are famous for their rice bowls which I saw many people eat and it looked delicious. It seemed like a lot of Japanese people were eating here too so it must be good Japanese food! Definitely going back here again!

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Chicco Coffee & Dessert Bar

Cheesecake Parfait & Green Tea Parfait

I’ve been seeing pictures of these delicious parfaits in food magazines for a long time but never really knew where Chicco was. Finally decided to search it up, and found it was on Robson St, past all the shops. A very small store, but greeted immediately with friendly employers that seemed to be Japanese. They have a variety of hot and cold drinks, cakes and other small desserts, and their famous parfaits. My friend and I decided to try the Cheesecake Parfait and Green Tea Parfait. Both have pieces of cake at the very bottom, then a layer of cornflakes, then a layer of jelly depending on the flavour, and some whipped cream along with ice cream. The cheesecake parfait came with vanilla flavoured ice cream topped with a piece of Japanese soft cheesecake and drizzled with strawberry sauce. The green tea parfait came with green tea ice cream, red beans, mochi, and a piece of green tea sponge cake. Definitely satisfied my sweet tooth!

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Hokkaido Ramen Santouka

Miso Ramen

Always hearing fabulous stories about Santouka for their delicious ramen, so finally decided to check it out. This place is always packed! Line ups, but totally worth it. The soup base is delicious and is said to be one of the best authentic ramen restaurants in Vancouver. Kintaro is my other favourite. Prices are on the higher end for ramen compared to other restaurants, but quality is what it’s famous for! So definitely worth it!

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JapaDog (Robson Store)

I Love Meat & Terimayo

Shake Fries

Another trip downtown means getting some Japadogs! This time, I tried the I Love Meat, and it was real cheesy. I still prefer the Terimayo though. Most original! And also grabbed some shake fries. I forgot what the name of these were though, but much better than the butter-shoyu I had last time. I found that one too salty and soggy. This one was dry with some sort of flavouring powder. Delicious!

Japadog (Robson Store) on Urbanspoon

Falafel and Friends

Chicken Shawarama

This is kind of a late post, but during August, I went to English Bay to have a beach day with friends. Walking towards the beach, I was attracted by many different restaurants and snack shops along the way. And since I’m always hungry for food, I was craving some wraps and ended up in Falafel and Friends. The owner, I’m guessing, was really friendly and a little weird I would have to say, but he was pretty funny in a way. I got the Chicken Shawarama, and requested to have no tomatoes and parsley, and he started making fun of me. Weird. When my friend was paying for her wrap, she was digging for some change, and he said it was fine. Kind of weird in my opinion, but the food was quite good. Large portions as well!

Falafel & Friends on Urbanspoon

Aki Japanese Restaurant

Taro with Tuna

Assorted Sushi

Grilled Squid

Tuna and Salmon Sashimi

Spider Roll

House Roll


Aki Restaurant
is located in downtown Vancouver and is often known as the local gem for Japanese food. It offers traditional Japanese dishes at a reasonable price. Service and ambiance is also pleasant and the chefs and servers are all Japanese. A great place for some authentic Japanese food!

Aki Japanese Restaurant on Urbanspoon

JapaDog (Robson Store)

Love Meat

Kurogoma Age Ice & Matcha Age Ice

Got hungry in downtown and decided to get some famous Japadogs that I believe are only found in Vancouver! Instead of the street stands, my friends and I decided to head down to the store on Robson Street. They offer a different variety of japadogs, as well as shake fries and desserts that aren’t found at the street stands. You can also dine in or take out here, although the store is quite small. My friend chose the Love Meat and it looked real cheesy and delicious! Another friend decided to get the Kurogoma Age Ice, which is black sesame ice cream on a fried bun with sugar. It reminds me of the Chinese fried donuts in bakeries. I had the Matcha Age Ice and I also got a bag of shake fries, which unfortunately I forgot to take a picture of. The Age Ice is really filling, and a great dessert if you are craving some ice cream. Its cold in the inside and hot on the outside! Really good! I got the Shoyu Butter Shake Fries, but I found them too salty for my liking. Definitely go down to the Robson Store for some japadogs when you go downtown though! You can’t find most of these items on the menu of the street stands!

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