Vancity Day 2 – Nan Chuu Ramen Izakaya

Cuisine | Japanese Street Food
Address | 8391 Alexandra Rd, Richmond, BC

     Formerly known as Gmen Ramen, Nan Chuu is a busy little Japanese shop located in Richmond. Expect a lineup when you come to this place, and don’t bring birthday cakes (they aren’t fans of birthdays). PS- put your name on the waiting list or forever wait outdoors. PPS- We learned the hard way. As we continue the Vancity Series, Vic will be writing in blue and Shay in purple.

     When you first walk into Nan Chuu, you are instantly transported to a scene that resembles the back alleys of Japan. The decor is made up of wooden planks and stone walls, and the whole place gives off a vibe of traditional and authentic Japanese cuisine. The menu consists of Japanese appetizers, rice bowls, sashimi, grilled/fried items, ramen, and inexpensive drinks (alcoholic and virgin).

TO – Japango v. Wow! Sushi (Sushi Showdown)

     This week has been filled with sushi and sashimi, and so am I. I had the pleasure of visiting two sushi joints in Toronto; Japango, a small place I have heard many good things about, and Wow! Sushi, a personal favourite of mine.

     Let’s start with Japango.

Address | 122 Elizabeth Street, Toronto, ON
Price | $20

     I came here with high expectations from all that I have read about this restaurant. When we first arrived, we were greeted inside of a tiny room that seated about 15 people, a good sign of authenticity within this bustling urban city. We decided to go with the sashimi platter, Japango roll, as well as a salmon teriyaki bento box. I believe that they made their own teriyaki sauce, but it seemed to be a bit too sweet for my taste. The Japango roll was a bit of a disappointment because it was a standard California roll topped with sashimi. However, I enjoyed the sashimi, which was served fresh, although a few pieces were a bit too firm. Overall, I would say skip the bento and go with the sashimi and a roll.

VAN – Sushimoto

Cuisine | Japanese
Location | 2221 Holdom Ave, Burnaby, BC, (604) 293- 2201

(This is a detailed post cause we ordered a ton of food so skip through if you’re a busy person and ain’t got time for me..)

I went to Sushimoto for the second time for lunch with my family and had yet another great experience. The meal got even better at the very end when they brought us 5 pieces of complimentary salmon sashimi (FREE food.. it doesn’t get better than that).

The place is small and would be quite dim if eating at night, so try going for lunch or sitting by the window. You get the typical wooden Japanese-style booth with a thin cushion which isn’t exactly comfy but I’m here for the food so whatevaa. The servers and kitchen staff are actually Korean but they pull off a very convincing “Irashaimase” (“welcome” in Japanese). They have exceptional service; our waitress was patient in explaining menu items and attentive in checking up and bringing more tea, but not to the point where she got annoying. My one complaint would be the invisible force field surrounding the restaurant that blocks off phone reception. Luckily, I was closest to the window and decided to trade a sore arm for two bars of service.