Inari (fried tofu) sushi and Tamago (egg) nigiri sushi
I have the best job ever. I just got home from teaching the second class of the Japanese Culinary Arts class for UBC Continuing Studies, where my job is to essentially host an educational dinner party at a Japanese restaurant each week! Eat and talk about the food I love? I know, I have it so tough…
This week’s class was all about sushi, and so I followed up our delicious meal at Temaki Sushi (on West Broadway near Arbutus – don’t get mixed up with the all-you-can-eat BC Sushi nearby!), where the owner was kind enough to give us a really great deal on a fantastic meal. If you go there, ask for the aji tataki, which is served with the whole fish presented with shaved daikon radish and the slices of tataki. Then, once you’ve eaten the raw fish, the bones are taken back to the kitchen to be deep-fried for aji karaage. So tasty! Very well-priced for the quality you receive, do give it a shot if you live in the west side of town.
If you’re looking for other places, though, here are a few more:
Downtown
I must confess that my knowledge of downtown sushi joints is pretty poor. I tend to avoid evenings out in downtown, unless I’m riding there on my bike. So here are the two top places I’ve been to, but I know there are many more!
- Kaide: http://vancouverkaidesushi.com/ On Richards near Pacific, this one is hard to spot, but is a shame to miss. Fresh fish, and a chef who knows what he’s doing. It’s in a part of downtown that is a little out of the way, so it’s a great place to get away for a downtown lunch.
- Honjin: Tucked in the corner of a complex in Yaletown, Honjin has Sushi Shooters that are creative and delicious. http://www.honjinsushi.com/ They tend more to fusion sushi, but the ingredients are fresh and well prepared.
Central/East Vancouver
- Shiro: on Cambie at 15th Avenue – very authentic sushi, fresh fish, and good specials! Students in the past have recommended the House Roll, and the BC Roll. I recommend asking the chef what is fresh and exciting that day. There is often a line-up, but not usually a terrible one. No reservations. http://maps.google.ca/maps/place?hl=en&source=hp&oq=&gs_rfai=&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=shiro+vancouver&fb=1&gl=ca&hq=shiro&hnear=vancouver&cid=5774980192787564347
- Toshi: on East 16th Avenue just west of Main street. Get there EARLY as there is always a long line (I think they open at 4:30?) Go inside and write your name on the list. If your entire party is not there at the time your name is called – you won’t be seated. It’s THAT good! I recommend the grilled squid and the grilled eggplant as well. http://maps.google.ca/maps?f=q&source=s_q&gl=ca&hl=en&g=3096+Cambie+Street%2C+Vancouver%2C+BC+V5Z+2V9&q=toshi+sushi+vancouver&btnG=Search+Maps
- Zipang: Another reasonably priced location on Main street, I recommend their non-sushi dishes, such as their grilled eggplant, which is one of the best I’ve ever had. http://www.zipangsushi.com/ They also serve takoyaki (octopus balls) and Okonomiyaki (although you’ll be able to make a better Okonomiyaki with your experience!)
Kitsilano/West Side
- Octopus’ Garden: A pricier option on Cornwall, this might be one of my new favourites. For this year’s Dine-Out Vancouver, this restaurant provided me with one of the most creative and delicious meals I’ve had in this city. http://www.octopusgarden.ca/ Definitely a place to bow to the chef’s choice and go for something special.
- Kibune: On Yew near Cornwall (just beside the Happa Izakaya) is a small and really great little sushi spot. Also not super cheap, but a more financially accessible than Octopus’ Garden, the sushi is very authentic and they also have tofu dengaku (grilled tofu with a miso paste). Delicious! http://www.kibune.com/
- Ajisai: Upstairs from London Drugs in Kerrisdale (on 42nd) Ajisai is the top pick of many a Vancouverite (and many Japanese Vancouverites) for high quality sushi. No tempura served here, they are about fresh fish and healthy choices. If you are going to go choose only one restaurant on this list, I know a lot of people who would say this should be the one. Read a review here: http://vancouverisawesome.com/2009/04/28/weekly-slop-ajisai-sushi/
South Vancouver
- Shimaya: If you want authentic at good prices, without the crazy line-ups, try this place on Victoria drive at 39th. I think it’s equal to Shiro and Toshi in terms of quality, just a little further out of the way. http://maps.google.ca/maps?f=q&source=s_q&gl=ca&hl=en&g=3096+Cambie+Street%2C+Vancouver%2C+BC+V5Z+2V9&q=toshi+sushi+vancouver&btnG=Search+Maps
Richmond
- Gyo-ou: An interesting approach to sushi – some deconstructed offerings at this new place just east of Aberdeen Centre on Sexsmith. They also have dishes like takoyaki. Check out their exciting menu: http://www.gyo-o.com/. Brought to you by the Gyoza King owners. They also own a ramen shop in the same complex that is VERY authentic – http://www.gmenramen.com/
I’ll be heading to three more restaurants for this course, so please stand by for more recommendations – and please do share your favourites, too!
Happy Forking!
South Vancouver
· Shimaya: If you want authentic at good prices, without the crazy line-ups, try this place on Victoria drive at 39th. I think it’s equal to Shiro and Toshi in terms of quality, just a little further out of the way.
Richmond
· Gyo-ou: An interesting approach to sushi – some deconstructed offerings at this new place just east of Aberdeen Centre on Sexsmith. They also have dishes like takoyaki. Check out their exciting menu: http://www.gyo-o.com/ Brought to you by the Gyoza King owners. They also own a ramen shop in the same complex that is VERY authentic – http://www.gmenramen.com/
Let's Forking! 