Archive for 2010
Cheap Eats Vancouver, Deep Fried Seaweed Roll, Good Eats Vancouver, Hmart Food Court, Kim’s Snack, O-deng
In asian cuisine, cheap eats vancouver under $10, cheap eats vancouver under $5, cheap lunch, cheap snack, food court on August 30, 2010 at 1:20 am
By Tana Kosiyabong

I promised to write about Kim’s Snack on a Cheap Appetite mission back in July because that meal reminded me of this snack joint. I’m a fan of their deep-fried seaweed rolls and O-deng. And earlier today I was craving another dose of them. Attempting to kill two birds with one stone and save some money, I decided that it’s time to write about this food court vendor.
Kim’s Snack is located at H-Mart food court at Robson and Seymour Streets. Besides Kim’s, there are three other food vendors on the second floor of the building: one Korean, one Korean-style Chinese and one Japanese stalls. They all serve yummy dishes but they are a bit more pricey than Kim’s Snack. [...]
Binggrae Popsicle, Cheap Eats Vancouver, Cool Summer Treats, Good Eats Vancouver, Sunrise Tofu Dessert, Tim Hortons Iced Capp, Wendy’s Frosty
In cheap drinks, cheap eats vancouver under $5, cheap snack, dessert, fast food on August 23, 2010 at 12:03 am
By Tana Kosiyabong

I can’t afford buying Starbucks Frappuccino or Vivanno Smoothies every time I want some cool treats. And I’m sure many of my readers don’t want to pay that much money either. So I looked around downtown Vancouver and picked out 5 cool treats that will chill your sweat glands to the core. All are under $2 each.
1. BINGGRAE MELONA MELON FLAVOURED CREAMSICLE ($0.99 each at H-Mart (Robson and Seymour streets) or $6.19 for an 8-pack at T&T Supermarket). This heavenly awesome creamsicle was made in South Korea. Binggrae Melona comes in a variety of flavours including banana, melon, mango and strawberry. My favourite is the melon. The subtle sweetness and mild melon flavour make this milky iced bar a perfect treat on a stick. You will enjoy the refreshing sensations from the very first lick. The mango and strawberry are pretty good too. But I’m not a big fan of the banana one. [...]
Cheap Burgers, Cheap Eats Vancouver, Good Eats Vancouver, Urban Burger, Vancouver Burgers
In cheap dinner, cheap eats vancouver under $10, cheap lunch, fast food, north american cuisine, restaurants on August 16, 2010 at 2:30 am
By Tana Kosiyabong

My veggie mode was as short lived as Hollywood celebrity marriages. After a week or so of healthy eating, I decided to call it quit. Since then I have returned to the typical meat-lover diet to satisfy my cravings. A few days after I reinstated my carnivorous status, I walked past Urban Burger on my way to the beach. This restaurant is located on Davie Street between Burrard and Bute Streets, close to the Vera’s Burger Shack. Although both burger joints are not exactly right across the street from each other, they must have been in some sort of business wars.
Intrigued by the rivalry vibes in the air, I popped my head in Urban Burger to check out their menu board. And I was glad with what I saw in big bold types – $5.99 Urban Combo (a beef burger, fries and a 16 oz fountain drink). “Cool! The whole combo for the price one Vera Burger. Now this’s a good deal,” I mumbled as my feet took several involuntary steps closer toward the counter. “An Urban Combo, please,” I told the cashier. [...]
Budgie's Burritos, Cheap Eats Vancouver, Cheap Vegan Meal, Good Eats Vancouver, Vegetarian dish
In Vegetarian Cuisine/Raw Food, central american cuisine, cheap dinner, cheap eats vancouver under $10, cheap lunch, north american cuisine, restaurants on August 9, 2010 at 2:42 am
By Tana Kosiyabong

My belly is getting big, so my health conscious mode has finally kicked in. Last week, I ate more veggies than I had eaten in the previous six months combined. Hence, this week mission is about me operating a blog under the veggie influence. And just to be clear, I’m not talking about weed here.
I found Budgie’s Burritos over a month ago while I was on the way to visit a friend of mine. When I came back home, I did some research and realized that the burrito joint is vegetarian. Because I’m normally a meat-lover, I didn’t care much to check it out in person. But now that I have been on the boring salad diet for days, a vegetarian burrito started to [...]
Bubble Tea, Cheap Drinks Vancouver, Good Eats Vancouver, Juice King, Tapioca Pearl Drink, Yaohan Centre Food Court
In asian cuisine, beverages, cheap drinks, cheap eats vancouver under $5, coffee shop, food court on August 2, 2010 at 12:03 am
By Tana Kosiyabong

Ever since I moved to North America, my body has gradually adapted to the cooler and dryer climate. Unfortunately, I can no longer stand the heat and humidity like when I was living in Thailand. During the summer months, I’ve found myself drinking cold beverages everywhere I go. And it isn’t even hot here compared to Bangkok.
Last Saturday, I headed to Yaohan Centre in Richmond to check out their food court. So I hopped on the Canada Line at Waterfront Station and got off at Aberdeen station. After a walk through Aberdeen Centre and President Plaza, I was right smack in the middle of Yaohan Food Court. The long commute made me hot and thirsty. [...]
Cheap Eats Vancouver, Fish and Chips, Go Fish Vancouver, Good Eats Vancouver, Granville Island, Salmon Filet
In cheap eats vancouver under $10, cheap lunch, cheap snack, european cuisine, north american cuisine, restaurants on July 26, 2010 at 12:01 am
By Tana Kosiyabong

Last Wednesday was a beautiful day in Vancouver. So I decided to stroll along the False Creek’s seawall from Granville Island to engage in a Cheap Appetite mission at Go Fish Ocean Emporium. I have heard a lot about this restaurant but I hadn’t had a chance to visit. Rumor has it that they serve mean Fish Tacones there.
When I approached the restaurant (or better described as a seafood shack with metal sidings and wood patio), there were a long line of patrons waiting to order their lunches. “Dammit, this is gonna take forever,” I cursed. But since I was on a mission, I couldn’t just walk away and find another place to eat. So I toughed it up and walked towards the end of the line which wrapped around the shack. [...]
Cheap Eats Vancouver, Chi, Good Eats Vancouver, Pho Le, Vietnamese Noodle Soup, Vietnamese Pho
In asian cuisine, cheap dinner, cheap eats vancouver under $10, cheap lunch, restaurants on July 19, 2010 at 12:01 am
By Tana Kosiyabong

A couple of days ago, I was scouting around Vancouver Chinatown for an interesting restaurant I have yet to discover. As I walked past Ba Le Vietnamese Sandwich shop, I happened to look up and saw a sign of Pho Le Inc., a Vietnamese restaurant, on top. Since I haven’t done any Cheap Appetite mission on Pho noodle soup before, I was very excited to check it out.
So I looked around for the entrance of Pho Le and finally found it inside of a small concrete courtyard mall just north of the sandwich shop. [...]
Cheap Eats Vancouver, Cheap Korean food, Good Eats Vancouver, Kimbob E Ramyun, Korean Restaurant, oden
In asian cuisine, cheap dinner, cheap eats vancouver under $10, cheap eats vancouver under $5, cheap lunch, restaurants on July 12, 2010 at 12:04 am
By Tana Kosiyabong

Summer is finally here. Vancouverites can now enjoy the beautiful scenery and outdoor activities as they wish. Last Saturday was a beautiful day. So I decided to go for a bike ride around downtown Vancouver. Since it was about noon by the time I got out of my condo, I figured I should stop over at Kimbob E Ramyun first for lunch.
I’ve discovered Kimbob E Ramyun Korean Restaurant for at least a year now, but I hadn’t had a chance to write about them. The restaurant is named after two Korean dishes: Kimbob – also spelled Gimbap, Kimbap or Kimbop – is similar to maki sushi (sushi rolls) in appearance, but they taste quite different. Traditionally, Kimbop rice is seasoned [...]
Cheap Eats Vancouver, Cheap Lunch Kitsilano, Good Eats Vancouver, Kitsilano, Lunch Special Vancouver, Win's Chinese Restaurant
In asian cuisine, cheap dinner, cheap eats vancouver under $10, cheap lunch, restaurants on July 4, 2010 at 11:54 pm
By Tana Kosiyabong

I can’t believe it’s been a year since I started Cheap Appetite on Canada day of 2009. At the time, I didn’t expect I could keep it up this long. However, thanks for the supports of you, my beloved readers, I have been inspired to write about my Cheap Appetite mission week after week. Also thanks to Neveen Hegab and Grant Proulx, my good friends for editing some of my blog posts; all my food blogger friends for their kind words. And finally, George Froehlich of savvyinsiders.ca, for featuring my stories on his website every other Thursday.
A couple of weeks ago, I was freelancing in Kitsilano, just south of downtown Vancouver. Even though the area is not that far from where I live, [...]
Cheap Eats Vancouver, Gastown, Gastown Events, Swiss Style Nuts, Top Dog Hot Dog, Vancouver International Jazz Festival
In cheap eats vancouver under $10, cheap eats vancouver under $5, cheap lunch, cheap snack, fast food, food event Vancouver on June 28, 2010 at 12:03 am
By Tana Kosiyabong

While people around the world are still keeping their eyes on the World Cup Soccer, many Vancoverites have already moved on to our very own “Vancouver International Jazz Festival”. From June 25th to July 4th, hundreds of jazz concerts will be performed in several venues around the city. Some are free to the public; others are paid events.
During the last weekend, Gastown had hosted one of the festival free venues. And because the event was only a block away from my condo, you bet I wouldn’t miss them. [...]
calamari caesar salad, Cheap Eats Vancouver, Cheap Lunch Yaletown, FIFA World Cup Soccer, Good Eats Vancouver, Opa! Souvlaki
In cheap dinner, cheap eats vancouver under $10, cheap eats vancouver under $5, cheap lunch, european cuisine, fast food on June 20, 2010 at 11:59 pm
By Tana Kosiyabong

I have been to Opa! Souvlaki in Yaletown two Tuesdays in a row to take advantage of their Calamari Tuesday’s special. The first time was because I couldn’t resist the promotion. A week later, I found myself back at Opa! again for the second dose of the deep-fried calamari, and of course, to watch a World Cup Soccer match between Brazil and North Korea on their TV.
Opa! Souvlaki is a Greek/Mediterranean fast food franchise originally from Calgary, Alberta. Now the chain has expanded across Canada and the US. According to their website, the word “OPA!” [...]
Chinese Take Out, Tsui Hang Village, FIFA World Cup Soccer, Chicken Curry, Black Pepper Beef, Game food
In asian cuisine, cheap dinner, cheap eats vancouver under $5, cheap lunch, fast food, restaurants on June 14, 2010 at 12:13 am
By Tana Kosiyabong

World Cup Soccer is one of the most celebrated sport events on earth. Its alluring power can waken soccer spirits hibernating inside millions of people. Take me, for instance. I am normally not a soccer fan. But whenever the World Cup bandwagon has arrived, I jump on it. All of a sudden, I have found myself watching soccer matches one after another.
At the 1994 FIFA World Cup, I was very fortunate to attend a first-round World Cup match between Russia and Sweden in the US. It was the same year that a Columbian soccer player, Andrés Escobar, got shot to death on his return to Columbia after accidentally [...]
Cheap Eats Vancouver, Good Eats Vancouver, Golden Girls, Chocolate Cheesecake, Rue McClanahan, Gastown, Trees Organic Coffee
In bakery, cheap eats vancouver under $10, coffee shop, dessert, north american cuisine on June 6, 2010 at 11:59 pm
By Tana Kosiyabong

I’m not a big fan of cheesecake. But I am a big fan of the Golden Girls. So when Rue McClanahan passed away earlier this week, I just had to write a tribute for her. Blanche Devereaux is one of my favorite sitcom characters. Actually, to hell with it — I love them all; Sophia Petrillo, Dorothy Zbornak, Blanche Devereaux, and Rose Nylund.
If you are also a fan of the Golden Girls, you’d know how much they love cheesecake. And chocolate cheesecake was always their favorite. Although my budget doesn’t allow me to fly in the best chocolate cheesecake from Miami, I did my best to [...]
Aberdeen Mall Food Court, Ajijiman Hanabi Okonomiyaki, Cheap Eats Vancouver, Good Eats Vancouver, Strawberry Cones Pizza, Wo Fung Fried Chicken
In asian cuisine, cheap eats vancouver under $10, cheap eats vancouver under $5, cheap lunch, cheap snack, food court on May 31, 2010 at 6:00 am
By Tana Kosiyabong

Last Saturday, I was free all day for the first time in months. So I decided to go to Ikea to buy Brada laptop support I had been wanting for weeks. Just before I walked out the door, Natee, a friend of mine, called and asked if he could tag along. So we met at the Waterfront Station, hopped on the Canada Line, then headed to grab a bite first at the Aberdeen Mall food court.
I have been a big fan of this food court for a long time now. Unfortunately, I rarely make a trip there because [...]
Beef and Vegetable Ho Fun, Cheap Dim Sum Vancouver, Cheap Eats Vancouver, Good Eats Vancouver, Ha Gow, Kam Wai Dim Sum
In asian cuisine, cheap eats vancouver under $10, cheap eats vancouver under $5, cheap lunch, dessert, restaurants on May 24, 2010 at 12:03 am
By Tana Kosiyabong

I came across Kam Wai Dim Sum, a new restaurant in Vancouver Chinatown, while I was exploring the area a few weeks ago. The restaurant is located on Pender Street between Main and Gore street, the block I rarely walk on. Thanks to my inquiring mind, I have a new restaurant to check out. So I took a quick look at the menu on a store window and the prices were very wallet-friendly. However, dim sum is meant to be shared with others. So I made a mental note to come back later for a review.
A few days later Natee, a friend of mine, called around lunch time. So I told him to meet at Kam Wai. [...]
Brownies, Cheap Eats Vancouver, Cheap Lunch Yaletown, Good Eats Vancouver, MeatLover Sandwich, Spicy Sandwich
In cheap eats vancouver under $10, cheap eats vancouver under $5, cheap lunch, coffee shop, dessert, north american cuisine on May 16, 2010 at 11:59 pm
By Tana Kosiyabong

I had been freelancing in Yaletown for almost 6 weeks. It was fun working in a new and friendly environment. However, I had a hard time finding a Cheap Appetite for lunch in the neighborhood. For weeks, I had survived on either Subway meatball or cold cut subs ($3.29 for a 6-incher). Although I enjoyed experimenting on different combinations of bread and sauce at first, it got old really fast.
That was when I moved along to a few ethnic restaurants nearby, but they weren’t worth writing about. While I’m sure [...]
BBQ Chicken, Cheap Eats Vancouver, Chinese roast chicken, Crunchy French Fries, Deep-fried chicken, Good Eats Vancouver
In asian cuisine, cheap eats vancouver under $5, cheap lunch, cheap snack, european cuisine, fast food on May 10, 2010 at 12:38 am
By Tana Kosiyabong

I have been working seven days a week for two weeks now. So I couldn’t venture out of my neighborhood for my Cheap Appetite missions. Hopefully you, my beloved readers, wouldn’t mind sticking around the downtown east side for a while longer.
I walked past Prime Time Chicken and Chinese food a bunch of times while I was on my way to Kent’s Kitchen. But with a destination in mind, I didn’t bother to check it out. This week, however, I was crunched on time. [...]
Cheap Eats Vancouver, Chinese Comfort food, Daikon Radish, Good Eats Vancouver, Stewed Beef Brisket, T&T Supermarket
In asian cuisine, cafeteria, cheap dinner, cheap eats vancouver under $5, cheap lunch, fast food on May 3, 2010 at 12:33 am
By Tana Kosiyabong

The first time I heard about this amazing stewed beef brisket with daikon radish was when Xiao, a Chinese friend of mine, came back from her trip to T&T Supermarket. “Tana, I just ate the most awesome dish at T&T,” Xiao bragged with excitement. She is quite finicky when it comes to Chinese food, the same way I am with Thai food. So when she raved about this pre-made Chinese dish from a grocery store, regardless of my doubt, I declared it my new Cheap Appetite mission. [...]
Cheap Eats Vancouver, Good Eats Vancouver, Pad Canadian, Pad Thai Goong, Pad Thai Krung Thep, Thai Basil Vancouver, Thai food under $10
In asian cuisine, cheap dinner, cheap eats vancouver under $10, cheap lunch, restaurants on April 26, 2010 at 12:08 am
By Tana Kosiyabong

I meant to write about Pad Thai for a while now, but I couldn’t find a truly authentic one here in Vancouver. Last month, I have accidently found one that came pretty close. It is Thai Basil’s Pad Thai. Wait! This is NOT the Pad Thai on the restaurant menu. Chef Goh of Thai Basil normally makes this mean Pad Thai just for his Thai acquaintances. But, thanks to me, you can now order this dish at Thai Basil under the name of Pad Thai Krung Thep. [...]
Cheap Eats Vancouver, Good Eats Vancouver, McDonald's McMini, McDonald's McMini Nutritional Value, Pesto Grilled Chicken McMini, Spicy Thai Crispy Chicken McMini
In asian cuisine, cheap eats vancouver under $5, cheap snack, fast food, north american cuisine on April 18, 2010 at 11:59 pm
By Tana Kosiyabong

I was invited to attend the new McMini tasting event hosted by a McDonald’s Canada PR firm a few weeks ago. But I couldn’t make it because the timing was conflicted with my new freelance work. Fortunately, the PR lady was kind enough to send me a $10 gift card so I could try the McMinis on my own time. “Um… Just so you know… I won’t write about them if I hate them” I warned the lady on the phone before she sent me the gift card. But she seemed content just for me to try the products. So, why not? I’ll try them. They are free. [...]
Cheap Eats Thailand, Gaeng Som Goong, Good Eats Thailand, Khao Jao Restaurant and Cafe, Pad Thai Goong, Som Tum Thai
In Cheap Eats Thailand, asian cuisine, beverages, cheap dinner, cheap lunch, restaurants on April 12, 2010 at 2:05 am
By Tana Kosiyabong

The third installment of my Cheap Appetite missions in Thailand had been intentionally put off for a few weeks to emulate my culinary experience there. Since the first day I landed in Bangkok, I had devoured almost every food items I found with little to no concern from where they came. By the end of the first week, my stomach had decided to put an end to this madness. As a result, I got the worst case of the runs I’ve ever had. For almost two days, I spent all my time between the bed and a toilet. By the third day, I felt much better already. However, I had lost my desire to eat, eat and eat everything in front of me. [...]
Blood Alley, Cheap Drinks Vancouver, Cheap Eats Vancouver, Gastown Bar, Judas Goat Taberna, Vancouver Tapas Bar
In cheap eats vancouver under $10, european cuisine, north american cuisine, pub/bar on April 5, 2010 at 12:12 am
By Tana Kosiyabong

Earlier this week, a PR firm sent me a press release of a new Spanish-inspired Tapas Bar called Judas Goat. The bar is located in Blood Alley, Gastown, just across the street from my condo. I was quite surprised when I first read the news. Why would anyone open a business in such a notorious alley with very little foot/car traffic except from a bunch of junkies in the neighborhood? Then it blew my mind even more when I discovered that Judas Goat is beside another fancy restaurant in the same alley. OMG, they opened two eateries right under my nose, and I didn’t even know until now! [...]
Cheap Eats Vancouver, Good Eats Vancouver, Vegetarian dish, Hainanese Chicken Rice, Hawkers Delight, Khao Man Gai
In asian cuisine, cheap dinner, cheap eats vancouver under $10, cheap eats vancouver under $5, cheap lunch, restaurants on March 28, 2010 at 11:59 pm
By Tana Kosiyabong

Aside from my trip to Japan and Thailand, I rarely venture out of downtown Vancouver for my Cheap Appetite missions. However I think it’s time to find out what the Greater Vancouver has to offer. Recently, LotusRapper, one of my regular readers, suggested me a few restaurants. Hawker’s Delight was among them. The name sounds so interesting I must check it out. [...]
A&W Sirloin Uncle Burger, Burger under $5, Cheap Eats Vancouver, Food Promotion Vancouver, Good Eats Vancouver, Premium Burger
In cheap dinner, cheap eats vancouver under $5, cheap lunch, fast food, food promotion, north american cuisine on March 21, 2010 at 9:54 pm
By Tana Kosiyabong

When Jason, my coworker, told me about the $3 Sirloin Uncle Burger special at A&W, my eyes lit up with delight. Even though I hadn’t planned on reviewing a burger this week, I decided to do so before the promotion is over. I’d had my fair share of A&W Mama and teen burgers in the past few years because they were normally on promotions. Ever since I tasted the Sirloin Baby Burger Twins four months ago, I wanted to try the Sirloin Uncle Burger too. But I didn’t want to pay the full price due to my cheapness. Finally the time had come. [...]
Ayutthaya travel, Cheap Eats Thailand, Floating Restaurant, Good Eats Thailand, Pae Krung Kao, Thai food under $10, Thai Food under $5
In Cheap Eats Thailand, asian cuisine, cheap dinner, cheap lunch, restaurants on March 15, 2010 at 12:45 am
By Tana Kosiyabong

After a few days in Bangkok, I decided to take a trip to Ayutthaya, an ancient capital of Thailand. Located just an hour north of Bangkok, the old city is perfect for a day trip. Ayutthaya Kingdom (sometimes spelled Ayuddhaya) existed from 1351 to 1767. According to Wikipedia, the city was once comparable to Paris in both size and wealth. Sadly, the once glorious kingdom was reduced into ruins and debris by the Burmese invasion in the last year of its existence. [...]
Bon Chaz, Cheap Drinks Vancouver, Cheap Eats Vancouver, Good Eats Vancouver, Mexican buns
In bakery, central american cuisine, cheap eats vancouver under $10, cheap eats vancouver under $5, coffee shop, dessert, european cuisine on March 8, 2010 at 12:45 am
By Tana Kosiyabong

It was a beautiful Wednesday morning so I decided to walk to work. As I passed by Bon Chaz, a new bakery/café on West Hastings Street, I could smell freshly baked buns in the air. Suddenly I felt as if the delightful aroma had transformed into a giant hand; It grabbed me by the arm and dragged me inside. Since I had no breakfast yet, I went along with it.
A friendly staff greeted me as I walked in. She also offered me a free sample. The bun was so soft and delicious I wanted to start my Cheap Appetite mission right then and there. Unfortunately, I had to go to work. So I [...]
Cheap Eats Thailand, Good Eats Thailand, Green Curry, SeeFah, Thai food under $10, Thai Food under $5
In Cheap Eats Thailand, asian cuisine, cheap dinner, cheap lunch, dessert, restaurants on February 28, 2010 at 11:59 pm
By Tana Kosiyabong

The Vancouver 2010 Olympics are over. It’s time to move on. During the next two months or so, I will alternate between my Thai culinary adventure stories and Vancouver restaurant reviews. With no further ado, here’s my first installment on Cheap Appetite in Thailand.
I landed on the Suvarnabhumi Airport, the new Bangkok international airport, at 10:30 pm. It was a breeze getting through the Thai immigration and custom. So I had to wait a bit for my brothers to pick me up. By the time we got near our house, it was almost midnight but we did stop at the Sukhumvit 38 Road for some midnight snacks. [...]
Cheap Eats Vancouver, Gastown Burgers, Good Eats Vancouver, Vancouver Burgers, Vancouver's Best Hamburger, Vera's Burger Shack, visitors guide
In cheap dinner, cheap eats vancouver under $10, cheap lunch, fast food, north american cuisine on February 22, 2010 at 12:37 am
By Tana Kosiyabong

After hearing a CTV news reporter estimated fifty thousand visitors walking around Vancouver’s downtown core last Saturday night, I went out to experience this phenomenon firsthand. It was great to see Vancouver in such a lively vibe. Everybody seemed to enjoy the Olympic Spirit. As walking past a McDonald’s, I saw a long line of people waiting to get their burgers. I couldn’t help but wish I was able to change their minds. Not that I thought less of the McDonald’s. [...]
Beard Papa's Cream Puff, Cheap Eats Vancouver, Good Eats Vancouver, Japanese fast food, Robson Street Restaurants, Viet Sub Vietnamese Cuisine
In asian cuisine, bakery, cheap eats vancouver under $5, cheap lunch, dessert, fast food on February 15, 2010 at 12:17 am
By Tana Kosiyabong

The south side of the Robson Street between Seymour and Richards is becoming one of the most exciting culinary warzone. Many food vendors–including a falafel shop, a Vietnamese sub shop, a dessert shop, a pan Asian noodle bar and a couple Japanese restaurants–are all located within the block (not to mention a food court on the second floor of H-mart). And very soon two more fierce newcomers–Gyudon-ya and Japadog–will join this battle field. Most of [...]
Cheap Eats Vancouver, Fritz European Fry House, Good Eats Vancouver, Must Eats Vancouver, Smoked Wild Sockeye Salmon, Vancouver 2010 WInter Olympics
In asian cuisine, cheap eats vancouver under $10, cheap eats vancouver under $15, cheap eats vancouver under $5, european cuisine, north american cuisine on February 10, 2010 at 1:29 am
By Tana Kosiyabong

As the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics is getting closer, I’ve seen a drastic change in our downtown area. The city is all cleaned up nice and shiny. There are more visitors on the street than ever. Being a proud Vancouverite, I feel the urge to welcome them to my beloved city. So I compiled a list of food and drink I think visitors must try while they’re in town. Here are my 5 Must Eats in Vancouver (in no particular order): [...]
Cheap Eats Tokyo, Curry No Ryu, Good Eats Tokyo, Harajuku, Japanese Beef Curry, Omotesando
In Cheap Eats Japan, asian cuisine, cheap dinner, cheap eats vancouver under $10, cheap lunch, restaurants on February 7, 2010 at 11:59 pm
By Tana Kosiyabong

It was freezing when I woke up in a three-tatami-mat room at JuYoh Hotel. So I decided to go to the top floor to take a Japanese hot bath in the communal pool. Fortunately nobody was there. The bath was so relaxing I could have stayed submerged for hours, but I had a Cheap Appetite mission to complete before I left Japan at 5:30 p.m. [...]
7-Eleven Oden, Cheap Eats Tokyo, Good Eats Tokyo, Japanese fast food, McDonald's Ebi Filet-O
In Cheap Eats Japan, asian cuisine, cheap dinner, cheap eats vancouver under $10, cheap eats vancouver under $5, cheap lunch, fast food on February 1, 2010 at 12:07 am
By Tana Kosiyabong

I woke up at 9 a.m. to get ready for a two-week trip to Japan and Thailand. After a short morning routine, it was time to say goodbye to my pet parrotlet “Giant.” The poor guy didn’t have a clue that he would be home alone for the next two weeks (except for when a caretaker came by to feed him). Then I dragged my luggage to catch the Canada Line at the Waterfront Station. From there, the train only took 25 minutes to the airport. Thanks Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics. [...]
Cheap Eats Vancouver, China Town Vancouver, Chinese Cuisine, Chinese roast chicken, Good Eats Vancouver, Stir-Fried Mushrooms
In asian cuisine, cafeteria, cheap eats vancouver under $10, cheap eats vancouver under $5, cheap lunch on January 24, 2010 at 11:59 pm
By Tana Kosiyabong

Despite being Kent’s Kitchen loyal customer for years, I hesitated to write a review about them at first. Up until recently, I had only ordered take-out from this restaurant. Dining at Kent’s Kitchen was a bit of a challenge for me. Sometimes the restaurant was full of customers with striking characters (the kind I didn’t want to look at while eating). Frankly, I was too gross out to eat there.
Nonetheless, a few of weeks ago I decided [...]
Cheap Eats Vancouver, Chicken Noodle Soup, Good Eats Vancouver, Granville Island Public Market, Stock Market Soup
In cheap eats vancouver under $10, cheap eats vancouver under $5, cheap lunch, cooking shortcuts, fast food on January 17, 2010 at 11:59 pm
By Tana Kosiyabong

I meant to write a story about Stock Market at Granville Island’s Public Market for a while now. But I hadn’t had time to do so. Last time I was in the neighborhood, my stomach had already been stuffed with Yummy Sushi’s breakfast. Fortunately I was able catch up with some of my wish list during the holidays.
At first, I spent a few days watching the first and [...]
Cheap Eats Vancouver, Good Eats Vancouver, Japanese bento, Japanese Restaurants, Lunch Special Vancouver, Samurai Lunch Special Bento
In asian cuisine, cheap eats vancouver under $10, cheap lunch, restaurants on January 10, 2010 at 11:59 pm
By Tana Kosiyabong

I woke up around 8am on Christmas Eve, and after a short morning routine, I went off to work in Coal Harbour. Whether liked it or not, I did stay at the office until 1pm. “Thanks G-D,” I murmured to myself while heading out of the building. I was now officially on holiday for the next ten and a half days! This special time called for a special lunch. And I knew exactly where to go. [...]
2010 Food Budget, Cheap Appetite Poll, Cheap Eats Vancouver
In Cheap Appetite Budget, Cheap Appetite Poll on January 4, 2010 at 12:01 am
By Tana Kosiyabong
Well… not so fast. First I’d like to thank all voters who participating in our 2010 food budget poll. Especially thanks to Lululu, Wasabi Prime and TR from Kitchen-OCD who kindly left their comments and gave their supports throughout the year. For other voters who I didn’t write your name here, please don’t be jealous. I’d like to offer you special thanks too. I just don’t know who you are because all votes are anonymous.
Our 2010 food budget poll is a success. We received more votes than I previously anticipated. Although we didn’t get as many votes as the lame, ugly stepsister show “Canadian Idol” did, I’m very proud to see that there are plenty readers out there who actually read my stories and care enough to voice their opinions.
This poll is such an eye opener to me. I now realize what most my readers wants. It was mind-boggling to learn that only 3% of the readers wanted me to “Live like Scrooge.” (THANK YOU!) Moreover, “the Live a little” and “Live it up a notch” were neck and neck in the poll. The winning category managed to edge out the second place by a small [...]