Archive for the ‘Cheap Appetite Budget’ Category
Ba Le Sandwich Shop, Banh Mi, Cheap Eats Vancouver, Chinatown Vancouver, Vietnamese Dessert, Vietnamese Sub
In asian cuisine, cheap eats vancouver under $5, cheap lunch, cheap snack, dessert, fast food, sandwich shop on August 28, 2011 at 11:44 pm
By Tana Kosiyabong
It has been a while since my previous post. But I have a good excuse. Recently I have adopted a French Bulldog puppy named Angus. He is a real handful. I hardly have time to rest, let alone writing a new blog post. So in the next little while (depending on how well Angus behaves), please be patient with my irregular post schedule.
Now let’s get back to the Cheap Appetite. A couple of weeks ago, I went out for a dim sum lunch. However, on the way there, I realized that I only had five bucks and changes in my pocket. Too lazy to go back for more money, I headed to Ba Le Sandwich Shop in Chinatown instead. [...]
cheap pizza, Fresh Slice Pizza, New York Style Pizza, Pizza Downtown, Uncle Fatih’s Pizza
In cheap dinner, cheap eats vancouver under $5, cheap lunch, cheap snack, european cuisine, fast food, north american cuisine on July 11, 2011 at 12:35 am
By Tana Kosiyabong
If you live around the International Village, you’d probably notice a pizzeria war on the 600 block of Abbot street. Fresh Slice and Uncle Fatih’s are duking it out to rule the block. Who knows how long the fight will go on. But as a cheap appetiter, I’m quite happy to take advantage of their rivalry. [...]
Food Promotion Vancouver, iced coffee, Mcdonald's, Starbucks
In beverages, cheap drinks, cheap eats vancouver under $5, coffee shop / tea house, food promotion on June 20, 2011 at 12:38 am
By Tana Kosiyabong
Most of you have already heard about the recent riot here in Vancouver. But you may not hear about several heroes who stood up against the rioters. And many others who helped cleaning up the riot scene afterward. These heroes make me proud to be a Vancouverite. Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart.
Now let’s get back to the Cheap Appetite mission. The weather is getting warmer. And the best deal in town to cool down is the new McDonald’s promo: $1 for any size soft drinks or iced coffee. However, finding a participating McDonald’s that serves a $1 iced coffee is almost as hard as finding a needle in a haystack. A few stores near my condo and my office don’t have it. The closest one I found is about 30-minute walk away. It won’t make sense to go that far just for a cheap glass of iced coffee. [...]
Cheap Dessert, Cheap Eats Vancouver, Good Eats Vancouver, hot dog
In cheap eats vancouver under $10, cheap eats vancouver under $5, cheap lunch, dessert, fast food, food court, north american cuisine on June 6, 2011 at 12:13 am
By Tana Kosiyabong
I was working with my friend Grant a couple of weeks ago on a freelance project at a coffee shop near Tinseltown. Around lunch time, he told me that I should check out Costco Food Court for the next Cheap Appetite mission. I was hesitated at first because I thought it was for Costco member only. I’d rather not write about the place where only a few readers can check it out. To my surprise, Grant assured me that everyone can dine there.
So we walked down the Abbott Street and turned right onto the Expo Boulevard. Costco Food Court is located just across the street from the Rogers Arena where the Vancouver Canucks play. There was already a long line of patrons when we arrived. [...]
All day breakfast, Breakfast Special Vancouver, Cheap Breakfast, Cheap Eats Vancouver, Good Eats Vancouver, North American Breakfast
In breakfast, cheap eats vancouver under $5, cheap lunch, north american cuisine, restaurants on May 16, 2011 at 12:04 am
By Tana Kosiyabong
Last weekend, I went out for brunch with my friend, Peter. He wanted to check out a restaurant called the Red Wagon which received a rave review from the Globe and Mail. Unfortunately, Peter wasn’t the only one who had read the article. There were a bunch of patrons waiting to be seated when we reached the restaurant. Neither of us want to waste at least half an hour just to get a table. So I told Peter to drive a few block north and turn left onto Powell Street where I remembered seeing a couple of cheap breakfast joints before. And sure enough, they were there.
Luckily, we got a rockstar parking spot right in front of the restaurant called J’s Grill and Pasta. So we walked right in and didn’t even bother checking out the other breakfast joint located a block away. I felt like I was transported back into the 70s. The décor was outdated. The floor was covered with hunter green carpet. But thanks to the big windows in the front and the back, the shabby joint didn’t look dingy. [...]
Food Promotion Vancouver, Frappuccino, Happy Hour, Starbucks, Starbucks Promotion
In beverages, cheap drinks, cheap eats vancouver under $5, coffee shop / tea house, food promotion on May 12, 2011 at 1:00 am
By Tana Kosiyabong, Sharon, Kylie and Stacey
Last Friday, my coworker Sharon came over to my desk and told me about the half-price Starbucks Frappuccino. “Let’s go now,” I exclaimed. “Well, we have to wait until 3 pm,” she replied. According to Starbucks website, the Frappuccino Happy Hour is only valid between 3 and 5 pm, from May 6 to 15, 2011. I don’t know why they came out with this promotion when the weather is still cold. But I don’t care because I’m a sucker for all kinds of cheap food and drinks. (Sharon and several other coworkers in the office are also suckers for the half-price fraps.)
At 3 pm sharp, Sharon walked by my desk again. She had already put on her jacket and was ready to go. “C’mon, it’s time!” she said. Without hesitation, I jumped off the chair and we were on our way to the Starbucks store across the street. [...]
Bulgogi, Cheap Eats Vancouver, Cheap Korean food, Good Eats Vancouver, Korean Food Vancouver, Korean Restaurant
In asian cuisine, cheap eats vancouver under $10, cheap lunch, restaurants on April 25, 2011 at 12:26 am
By Tana Kosiyabong
Last week I got on a Canada Line skytrain to the Arberdeen Station in Richmond again. But this time, instead of going straight to the Arberdeen Centre Food Court, I headed the opposite direction. On my previous trips, I had noticed a strip mall located next to the Arberdeen Station, (across the street from the Richmond Acura Dealer). So I was curious to see if could find any interesting restaurant there.
Once I was in the strip mall, I then realized it was a lot bigger than I saw from the station. This mall is the home of many Asian restaurants. But I was drawn to a promo sign in front of a Korean restaurant called Kim Ga Nae. The huge yellow banner featured “Any 5 Items only $7.99.” I wasn’t sure exactly what the deal was, but it made me want to check it out. [...]
Cheap Eats Vancouver, Fresh salad, Good Eats Vancouver, healthy food, Rice bowl, Salad Dressing, sesame pear dressing
In asian cuisine, cheap dinner, cheap eats vancouver under $10, cheap lunch, north american cuisine, restaurants on April 4, 2011 at 3:34 am
By Tana Kosiyabong
Every once in a while, I become mindful about what I eat. But this health-conscious stage comes and goes so fast like tornados. Earlier this week, another healthy twister has hit me again after several months in hibernation. Fortunately, I know a few restaurants nearby that suit my need. For this week Cheap Appetite mission, I decided to go on a Cheap Appetite mission at “Something Healthy Wholesome Meals & Juice Bar.” Oh my, that’s mouthful name!
I bet you can guess that Something Healthy sells healthy, wholesome dishes and drinks. To be honest, it wasn’t appeal to me when I first found the restaurant a few weeks ago. But now that I’ve been in the health-conscious mode, it suddenly becomes more interesting. [...]
Cheap Eats Vancouver, daily specials, Good Eats Vancouver, vietnamese beef stew, vietnamese food
In asian cuisine, cafeteria, cheap eats vancouver under $10, cheap lunch, european cuisine, north american cuisine, restaurants on March 28, 2011 at 4:25 am
By Tana Kosiyabong
Inspired by last week’s result, I decided to explore other walking routes between my condo and the office. And lucky was on my side once again. Earlier this week, I stumbled upon another cafe/restaurant called Cafe Des Arts on my way home. The menu on the front exterior looked very promising. Most of the daily special menu items were under $7. The Bò Kho (Vietnamese Beef Stew – No. 9 on the menu) had caught my eyes. It sounded so intriguing I wish I could declare the Cheap Appetite Mission right then and there. Unfortunately, the restaurant has already closed at 5pm. So I made a mental note to come back tomorrow for lunch.
The next morning, I was eager to start a new Cheap Appetite mission at Cafe Des Arts. On my lunch break, I headed to Cafe Des Arts situated on the edge of Yaletown, less than 10-minute walk from my office. [...]
Cheap Eats Vancouver, Cheap Japanese, Good Eats Vancouver, Healthy Dish, Robson Street Restaurants, teppanyaki
In asian cuisine, cheap dinner, cheap eats vancouver under $10, cheap lunch, restaurants on March 21, 2011 at 4:49 am
By Tana Kosiyabong
I have been freelancing in Yaletown for several months now. The office is located only twenty-five minutes walk from my condo. So I normally walk to work and back home on the same route everyday, rain or shine. A few days ago, however, I took a new turn onto Robson street on my way home. Only half a block into the new route, I came across a new restaurant called Super Chef Grill.
The sidewalk signage features the Today’s Special: Grilled Chicken and Beef on Rice for $5.35 (regular price $7.25). Because the price sounded great and it was the dinner time, I decided to check it out. [...]
Cheap Chinese Food, Cheap Eats Vancouver, China Town Vancouver, Gain Wah, Good Eats Vancouver, lemongrass pork chop, Noodle Soup
In asian cuisine, cheap dinner, cheap eats vancouver under $5, cheap lunch, cheap snack, restaurants on March 14, 2011 at 1:42 am
By Tana Kosiyabong
First of all, I’d like to offer my condolences to everyone in Japan, especially to those in the earthquake/tsunami disaster areas. I’m truly impressed and touched by how they all are coping with the horrible situation. And I wish them all the best for the future.
Now let’s get back to the business. As I mentioned in the previous post, this week is also about Gain Wah. On the second visit, I ordered an impressive dish called the Lemongrass Pork Chop Noodle Soup ($4.25 HST included–or around $3.80 before HST). Believe it or not, it was actually the most expensive noodle soup on the green sheet menu (under the glass table top). The others – bbq pork, beef ball, fish ball, beef brisket, and minced pork noodle soups – were priced at $3.95 (HST included). [...]
Cheap Chinese Food, Cheap Eats Vancouver, China Town Vancouver, Chinese Cuisine, Gain Wah, Good Eats Vancouver, Hot pot
In asian cuisine, cheap dinner, cheap eats vancouver under $10, cheap lunch, restaurants on March 7, 2011 at 2:01 am
By Tana Kosiyabong
I’m happy to tell you that I have found my new favorite restaurant during this week Cheap Appetite mission. It’s been a while since I was very excited about an eatery. And this time it is pretty much right under my nose. Gain Wah was one of the first Vancouver restaurants I had dined in when I moved here five years ago. However, since I discovered Kent’s Kitchen (a cheap Chinese take-out joint located next door), Gain Wah had gradually been overlooked.
I recall that LotusRapper, one of my long-time reader, had once suggested me to check out this old Chinese restaurant. But Kent’s Kitchen was like a cheapo magnet. [...]
Cheap Eats Vancouver, Good Eats Vancouver, Mexican Food, Mexican sub sandwich, Mexican Tortas, Salsa and Agave
In central american cuisine, cheap dinner, cheap eats vancouver under $10, cheap lunch, restaurants on February 28, 2011 at 12:30 am
By Tana Kosiyabong
I came across Salsa and Agave Mexican Grill last month. However, it took me a long time before I could actually check it out. During the first few visits, the restaurant was too crowded during the lunch hour and I didn’t feel like waiting. So I moved on to the other restaurants nearby. A few days ago, I had launched another Cheap Appetite mission in an attempt to conquer this Mexican restaurant. Instead of visiting during the lunch hour, I had waited at the office until 1:15 pm before I headed out for lunch.
By the time I reached the restaurant, I was really hungry. But soon I realized that my patience had paid off. A couple of patrons were leaving when I walked into Salsa and Agave. So I rushed to the empty table by the window before anyone else could take it. [...]
Cheap Eats Vancouver, East Fusion Food, East Indian Take out, Good Eats Vancouver, Rasoee, Robson Street Restaurants
In asian cuisine, cheap dinner, cheap eats vancouver under $10, cheap lunch, restaurants on February 21, 2011 at 12:48 am
By Tana Kosiyabong
Last week I wrote about the Japanese Katsu Curry from Ebi Ten. So I think it would be fun to compare the dish against a curry dish from Rasoee Indian kitchen located about a block away. The restaurant has been opened for a few months now, but I haven’t had a chance to check it out. Therefore, when I declared this week Cheap Appetite mission, I was looking forward to the new exotic experience.
So I headed to Rasoee on Robson Street about thirty minutes before the lunch hour. As I got closer, I could smell fragrant East Indian spices in the air. A few patrons were already there when I stepped inside. It took me a few minutes to peruse the menu board and decide on the Classic Beef Curry (a special blend of garam masala, with tomatoes and onion– $7.69) [...]
Cheap Eats Vancouver, Ebi-Ten, Good Eats Vancouver, Japanese Restaurants, Katsu Curry, Tonkutsu Downtown Vancouver
In asian cuisine, cheap dinner, cheap eats vancouver under $10, cheap lunch, restaurants on February 14, 2011 at 12:33 am
By Tana Kosiyabong
Ebi-Ten is one of my favorite restaurants across the street from the Vancouver Main Library. The restaurant has been famous for several years now. My usual dish was the Ten-Don (tempura on rice – $6.38) which I always ask for an extra spoon of sauce. It was good and affordable. However, a few weeks ago I wanted to try something new. So I ordered their Katsu Curry (Deep-fried pork cutlet with curry on rice – $7.95 or $8.55 combo with miso soup or a can of soda) instead.
Within a few weeks of my first try, I found myself eating the Katsu Curry for the third time. It has become my new usual at Ebi-Ten. I think it’s time I start writing about the dish. [...]
Cheap Eats Vancouver, Cheap Korean food, Good Eats Vancouver, H-mart, Korean Food Vancouver, Korean Seafood Pancake, Wang Ga Ma
In asian cuisine, cheap eats vancouver under $10, cheap lunch, cheap snack, food court on February 7, 2011 at 1:42 am
By Tana Kosiyabong
While working late last week, my co-worker and I somehow talked about the Korean seafood pancake. At the time, it sounded so good that I wished I had tasted a piece right then and there. By the time I finished my work, it was too late for the savoury pancake.
The next day I went straight to the Wang Ga Ma for the dish I craved overnight. The restaurant is located at H-Mart food court, 2nd floor (next to E-Mo and Kim’s Snack, food vendors I wrote about a while back). Once there, I wasted no time to order the Korean Seafood Pancake ($9.95). Although the dish was pricier than what I normally paid for a meal, this was a case of food emergency. [...]
Cheap Chinese Food, Cheap Eats Vancouver, Dinner Specials, Good Eats Vancouver, New Town Bakery & Restaurant, spicy chicken
In asian cuisine, bakery, cheap dinner, cheap eats vancouver under $10, restaurants on January 31, 2011 at 12:59 am
By Tana Kosiyabong
I’ve been a regular at New Town Bakery & Restaurant in Chinatown for a few years now. The Chinese style bakery (also sells Dim Sum) is located in the front; The restaurant section is in the back. The interior decor is old and outdated. During the first year, I only purchased their baked goods and dim sum. My favorite is the spicy pork bun. It made mouth water just to think about.
Not until I moved into my condo a few block away did I start to go for lunches at New Town. But recently I found myself heading there mostly for dinners. New Town Bakery & Restaurant $5.50 Dinner Specials are hard to resist. Although it was not as cheap as the pre-cooked meals at Kent’s Kitchen (located a few blocks away), I could upgrade to a freshly prepared dinner at New Town for just 75 cents more. [...]
Cheap Chinese Food, Cheap Eats Vancouver, Good Eats Vancouver, SuperWok, Taiwanese Food, Taiwanese rice vermicelli
In asian cuisine, breakfast, cheap eats vancouver under $10, cheap eats vancouver under $5, cheap lunch, restaurants on January 24, 2011 at 12:35 am
By Tana Kosiyabong
I was so busy last week. Before I knew, it was already Saturday. I had to find the next Cheap Appetite mission fast. So I walked out the door, strolled around the neighbourhood and somehow ended up in front of the SuperWok. Even though it was close to my place, I had never checked it out before.
SuperWok sounded to me like one of those typical North American Chinese food court vendors at the malls. Moreover I was confused by the varieties of cuisines it offered, from North American breakfast and sandwiches to Korean and Taiwanese dishes. That was why I couldn’t take the restaurant seriously. However, it was getting late in the day and the beautiful sun light would be gone in a few hours. Time was running out. “Screw it! I’m going in,” I mumbled to myself. [...]
Cheap Eats Vancouver, Cheap Lunch Yaletown, Dash, fish filet, Good Eats Vancouver, sweet corn
In asian cuisine, cheap eats vancouver under $10, cheap eats vancouver under $5, cheap lunch, coffee shop / tea house, restaurants on January 17, 2011 at 12:09 am
By Tana Kosiyabong
While exploring the southern perimeter of Yaletown for this week Cheap Appetite mission, I came across Dash, a bubble tea house/Chinese restaurant located on the Pacific Boulevard between Davie and Drake streets. The ”$5.99 specials“ signage had caught my attention. It featured four choices to please both meat-lovers and vegans alike: sweet and sour pork, mixed vegetables, sweet corn fish filet, and curry chicken. Each comes with steamed rice.
Although I am not a big fan of the name “Dash” (it reminded me of the Kardashian sisters’ fancy boutique, no offense.), I love the sweet corn fish filet. And since the wallet-friendly price helped sweeten the deal, I decide to check it out. Dash was a small tea house with only a few tables and window bar seats. The wall was painted in muted purple – pretty but definitely not my top choices for restaurant colours. However, the paint was the least of my concerns when I saw [...]
Cheap Chinese Food, Cheap Dim Sum Vancouver, Cheap Eats Vancouver, Good Eats Vancouver, Kam Wai Dim Sum
In asian cuisine, cheap eats vancouver under $10, cheap eats vancouver under $5, cheap lunch, fast food, take-out on January 10, 2011 at 2:06 am
By Tana Kosiyabong
It had been few months since I last visited Kam Wai Dim Sum. My taste buds were dying to savor some of these Chinese delicacies. So I stopped by the restaurant a few days ago for a quick fix. To my surprise, Kam Wai has drastically transformed into a dim sum take-out (with a small dine-in section) on one side; a frozen dim sum shop on the other.
It was such a bitter sweet discovery. There were fewer dim sum selections and my favourite beef and veggie Ho Fun was no longer available. However, I was excited to see all the new menu items were priced at three dollars or less. Because I’m a big sucker for cheap eats, I couldn’t stop myself [...]
Cheap Eats Vancouver, Good Eats Vancouver, Japanese fast food, Kushi Box, oden, Yakitori
In asian cuisine, cheap dinner, cheap eats vancouver under $10, cheap eats vancouver under $5, cheap lunch, fast food on January 3, 2011 at 2:33 am
By Tana Kosiyabong
Happy New Year everyone. For 18 months now, I have been executing over 80 Cheap Appetite missions to help you find cheap, good eats here in Vancouver. I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished. And I hope to carry on the future pursuits as long as I can. Thank you for your supports thus far.
My last week of 2010 was spent mostly on the couch watching “24,” season 1 and 2. The show is freakin’ addictive (even more so than the Wu Fung chicken wings). Fortunately a good friend mine came visit from out of town so I had a chance to go out and enjoy the city for a couple of days. After he left, I went back on to my “24” fix. Before I knew it, the 2010 had already passed. [...]
Cheap Eats Vancouver, Cheap Lunch Yaletown, Chicken Cordon Bleu Sandwich, Euro Pastry House, Good Eats Vancouver, Spicy Sandwich
In bakery, cheap eats vancouver under $10, cheap lunch, european cuisine, north american cuisine, sandwich shop on December 27, 2010 at 1:00 am
By Tana Kosiyabong
I was fortunate enough to freelance with the same company in Yaletown again. It was really great working with these friendly colleagues. We all get along really well. While I was working there, I noticed many of them carrying tin foil wrapped sandwiches back into the office during lunch hours. Every time I asked they all told me about the “Schnitzel Place” down the block. But somehow I couldn’t manage to find it.
After two weeks of watching people carrying around the mysterious sandwiches, I was extremely curious to find out exactly where it was. So I asked Allen, one of my friendly coworker/supervisor, because I saw him eating one of the sandwiches the day before. He told me the place was actually called “Euro Pastry House.” Schnitzel sandwich was one of their specialties. However, he recommended me to try the Cordon Swiss Sandwich there. [...]
Cheap Chinese Food, Cheap Eats Vancouver, Deep-fried chicken, Fried chicken, Fried rice, Good Eats Vancouver, Well Tea
In asian cuisine, cheap dinner, cheap eats vancouver under $10, cheap lunch, coffee shop / tea house, restaurants on December 20, 2010 at 1:00 am
By Tana Kosiyabong
It’s been a busy couple of weeks for me. I’ve been working long hours with very little sleep. Coffee has become my best pal while I worked through the cold winter night. Duuring this hectic week, I had also tried an energy drink called “Monster” but it was too sweet for my taste. I felt as if I drank sugar syrup down my throat. The good ol’ coffee is the best for me. It not only keeps me awake in the wee hour, but also makes me warm.
Last week, my team and I had to give an important presentation which we got a short time to prepare. Fortunately, we had managed to pull off a great one. After the event, we decided to have a quick celebration at Well Tea, a Taiwanese style teahouse and restaurant located next to the BCIT downtown campus on Seymour street. Since the majority of the customers are the BCIT students, you can rest assured of the affordable food prices and generous serving portions. [...]
Cheap Eats Vancouver, Good Eats Vancouver, O'Tray Noodle, President Plaza Food Court, Soft Tofu Soup, Tian Jin Wrap
In asian cuisine, breakfast, cheap eats vancouver under $10, cheap eats vancouver under $5, cheap lunch, cheap snack, food court on December 13, 2010 at 2:30 am
By Tana Kosiyabong
A few months ago I came across O’Tray Noodles, a food court vendor located at the President plaza in Richmond. The stall attracted a steady stream of hungry patrons during the lunch hour. I wish I could give it a try, but my stomach had already been filled with my favorite Wo Fung chicken wings and other dishes from the Aberdeen Centre food court across the street. So I made a mental note hoping to check it out next time I’m in the area.
Last week, my crave for Wo Fung wings had become so outrageous I started to see my pet bird turning into flying chicken wings. Before an “unplanned tragedy” happened to him, I jumped on a skytrain to the Aberdeen Centre to get my fix. -[...]>
Cambie Street, Cheap Eats Vancouver, Gastown, Good Eats Vancouver, Meat & Bread, meatball sub, Spicy Sandwich
In cheap eats vancouver under $10, cheap lunch, european cuisine, north american cuisine, sandwich shop on December 6, 2010 at 12:30 am
By Tana Kosiyabong
I had my eyes on Meat & Bread, a new fancy sandwich shop on the edge of Gastown long before they even open. While the space were renovating, I thought the place was going to be a high-end butcher shop that also sells bread. What a weird concept!
About a month ago, however, I happened to walk past Meat & Bread during their grand opening. So I went inside to check it out and soon realized that it is actually a gourmet sandwich shop. I felt like an idiot standing in the faux meat packing factory. The hanging sandbag at the far end of the shop reminded me of a cow carcass waiting to be cut. A couple of trophy animal heads completed the décor. Somehow, the interior designer had skillfully turned the gross, negative vibe associated with a slaughter house into a cool and hip sandwich shop. [...]
Cheap Eats Vancouver, Cheap Korean food, Emo, Good Eats Vancouver, H-mart, Jajangmyeon
In asian cuisine, cheap dinner, cheap eats vancouver under $5, cheap lunch, food court on November 29, 2010 at 3:33 am
By Tana Kosiyabong
On the recent Black Friday, I had performed a massive lipo-suction on my fat piggy bank so I could get a new Ipod Touch. After the purchased, I wanted to celebrate the new gadget with a cheap, good eat. Given the name of the day, I opted for an appropriate black dish called Jajangmyeon (Jjajangmyun). To be honest, I was a bit concerned with my choice. Up until then, I had never tried it before. The black sauce somehow didn’t look appetizing to me.
However, I remembered reading once that Jajangmyeon derived from Zha Jian Mian, a Chinese dish I wrote about a couple of months ago. Since I like the original, I thought I should give the Korean sibling a try. [...]
Bulgogi Sandwich, Cheap Eats Vancouver, Good Eats Vancouver, Miura Waffle Milk Bar, Vancouver Milk Bar, Waffle Sando
In asian cuisine, breakfast, cheap eats vancouver under $10, cheap lunch, cheap snack, coffee shop / tea house on November 22, 2010 at 2:50 pm
By Tana Kosiyabong
You may wonder what the hell “Sando” is. No worries — you’re not alone. I didn’t know either until I learned the answer, thanks to Miura Waffle Milk Bar’s take-out menu. According to said menu, “Sando” is derived from a Japanese word “Sandoicchi” which means “Sandwich.” Therefore, Bulgogi Waffle Sando is basically a Korean-style barbecued sandwich that’s made with waffle instead of bread. Sounds weird yet intriguing, doesn’t it? In fact, it made me so curious I had to check it out.
So I walked into Miura Waffle Milk Bar at around 3 pm last Wednesday. Perhaps it was a post-lunch downtime, but there were no other customers there. However I didn’t let that bother me; I walked straight to the counter and ordered a Bulgogi Waffle Sando ($5.99) from the Savory Waffle Sandos Menu. [...]
Big Mac, Chicken Salad, Chocolate glazed donut, Sandwiches, Tim Hortons, Tim Hortons Coffee
In cheap dinner, cheap eats vancouver under $5, cheap lunch, coffee shop / tea house, fast food, north american cuisine on November 15, 2010 at 3:08 am
By Tana Kosiyabong
If you are a fan of my blog, you may wonder why the hell my staple meal is a western dish. Even I was surprised when I became aware of my choice. It’s really hard to believe because I was born and raised in Thailand. My favorite food is Thai. And my tongue is definitely pro-Asian flavors. But somehow I have found myself eating more Tim Hortons’ chicken salad sandwiches than the mouth-watering Pad Thai this year. What gives?
Well… after a careful deliberation, it all comes down to three factors: value, accessibility and nutritional value. That’s right. Subliminally, I’ve been processing these complicated data in my head for ages. No wonder why my receding hairline is getting higher and higher every year. Dammit! [...]
Candra, Cheap Eats Vancouver, Good Eats Vancouver, Kottu Roti, Sri Lankan Cuisine, tinseltown food court
In asian cuisine, cheap eats vancouver under $10, cheap lunch, fast food, food court on November 8, 2010 at 2:30 am
By Tana Kosiyabong
Earlier last week, I stumbled upon a new food court vendor on the second floor of Tinseltown. Canra Sri Lankan Cuisine caught my eyes with the bright color scheme and a scrolling LED signage. But the flashy decor wasn’t enough to lure me closer. Their exotic food, however, made me so curious I had to check it out.
When I was at the front of Canra, I saw that the restaurant catered both pre-cooked and made-to-order traditional Sri Lankan dishes. Despite the limited selections, they were reasonably priced. On top of that, they also offered a few sandwiches and fries. Since I hadn’t had lunch yet, I decided to take a closer look. [...]
Cheap Eats Vancouver, Good Eats Vancouver, Granville Street, mongolian barbecue, spicy korean beef, urban grill
In asian cuisine, cheap eats vancouver under $10, cheap lunch, restaurants on November 1, 2010 at 12:30 am
By Tana Kosiyabong
Last week I had a morning meeting with a client in downtown Vancouver. Once it was over, I headed toward the main library to do some research. But since it was already 11:30 am, I wanted to stop for an early lunch first. Soon enough, I came across a Mongolian Barbecue restaurant on Granville street called Urban Grill. Underneath the name appears a phrase “Create Your Own Stir Fry.” Because I was in the mood for a balance meal of veggies and meat, I decided to check it out.
When I walked inside, I then realized that the restaurant connects with another restaurant called Urban Sushi from within. Although both restaurants have their own entrances and dining sections, patrons can walk from one to the other. They are also welcomed to sit in either sections. It is likely that both restaurants [...]
Best Pizza Vancouver, Cheap Eats Vancouver, Good Eats Vancouver, Lunch Special Vancouver, New York Style Pizza, Unforgettable Pizza
In cheap eats vancouver under $5, cheap lunch, european cuisine, fast food, north american cuisine, take-out on October 25, 2010 at 12:32 am
By Tana Kosiyabong
It’s been a while since I wrote about pizza. If you followed my blog from the start, you’d probably remember my favourite Goldies Rustic Pizza. Unfortunately, since my review, Goldies has become even pricier. Many of their pizzas are now sold for $3 to $3.50 per slice. Although they still offer a few cheaper options, it’s time to find a back up plan in case they hiked up their prices again.
A few weeks ago, Nancy, my coworker, told me about the Unforgettable pizza. The Wednesday and Friday specials she told me sounded interesting. For $5, you get two slices of pizza and a can of pop. Since I had no other plans and it was Friday, I decided to declare a Cheap Appetite mission on it. [...]
Cafe Gloucester, Cheap Chinese Food, Cheap Eats Vancouver, Good Eats Vancouver, Hong Kong Style Coffee, Portuguese Chicken
In asian cuisine, cheap dinner, cheap eats vancouver under $10, cheap lunch, european cuisine, restaurants on October 18, 2010 at 2:43 am
By Tana Kosiyabong
I have a good news to share with all of you. CheapAppetite.com has gained a recognition from the 24 Hours Newspaper, the third largest newspaper in BC. Recently, I was invited to write a couple of reviews for their redesign food page. Not to mention that Savvyinsider.ca also see some value in my thrifty nature and has been featuring my reviews every other Thursday since last year. Thanks for the opportunities, guys.
Now let’s get back to the cheap good eats, the main reason why we’re all here. Although my freelance gig at West Broadway and Cambie has already completed, I still have a few restaurants in the area to write about. Joseph, my co-worker who was born and raised in Hong Kong, had told me about a restaurant called Cafe Gloucester. [...]
Cheap Eats Vancouver, Good Eats Vancouver, Japanese noodles, Menya, Nagahama Ramen, Noodle Soup
In asian cuisine, cheap dinner, cheap eats vancouver under $10, cheap lunch, restaurants on October 4, 2010 at 12:14 am
By Tana Kosiyabong
For years, my go-to Japanese Ramen was Kintaro on Denman street because I used to work in the Coal Harbour area. But now that I’ve become a freelancer, I haven’t had a chance to visit to Kintaro in the past six months. It’s about time to find a new Ramen shop to fill my craving belly.
Menya Japanese Noodle wasn’t just a convenient choice; the restaurant also had a nod of approval from Nancy, my food-loving co-worker who told me about the $5 lunch box at New India. So I headed to Menya on a Cheap Appetite mission during my lunch break last week. [...]
$5 Lunch Box, Cheap Eats Vancouver, East Indian food, East Indian Take out, Good Eats Vancouver, New India Buffet
In asian cuisine, cheap eats vancouver under $10, cheap eats vancouver under $5, cheap lunch, restaurants, take-out on September 27, 2010 at 12:56 am
By Tana Kosiyabong
Last time I wrote about East Indian food was over a year ago when I visited the Taste of Vancouver event. Since then I hadn’t stumbled upon a good material for the second review. This doesn’t mean that Vancouver is in shortage of this exotic cuisine. However, my wallet usually cringes and whines whenever I think of expensive East Indian dishes. To avoid an upset wallet, I try to steer clear from them.
However, a couple of weeks ago, I discovered an East Indian restaurant that got two thumbs up from my frugal wallet. Thanks to the tip from Nancy, my co-worker whose five-dollar-lunch-box pitch was more than enough to convince me to declare a new Cheap Appetite mission. [...]
Authentic Mexican Tacos, Best Tacos Vancouver, Cheap Eats Vancouver, Chronic Tacos, Fatty Tacos, Good Eats Vancouver, Mexican Hot Sauce
In central american cuisine, cheap dinner, cheap eats vancouver under $10, cheap eats vancouver under $5, cheap lunch, fast food, pub/bar on September 20, 2010 at 12:30 am
By Tana Kosiyabong
A few days ago my coworker Tania proposed I embark on a Cheap Appetite mission to Chronic Tacos, a new taco joint that recently opened around the corner from our workplace. Although she hadn’t tried it yet, she thought it looked promising and I should give it a try (as her lab rat). That same night, my friend Grant also mentioned about this joint. So now that I’d heard about it twice I was very curious. “What’s up with this place? I’ve gotta check it out,” I told myself. [...]
Cheap Chinese Food, Cheap Eats Vancouver, Good Eats Vancouver, Handmade Noodles, Sha-lin Noodle House, Zha jiang Mian
In asian cuisine, cheap dinner, cheap eats vancouver under $10, cheap lunch, restaurants on September 13, 2010 at 12:46 am
By Tana Kosiyabong
I have been freelancing near West Broadway and Cambie streets for two weeks now. Up until last month, I had rarely spent time in this neighborhood even though it is just across the Cambie Bridge from downtown Vancouver. This freelance gig gives me a great opportunity to explore this unfamiliar territory.
Boy, was I glad to find out that the area is full of culinary adventures, especially the South side of the West Broadway five hundred block. It houses at least ten restaurants including a montreal-style sandwich shop, a pizza joint, a couple of handmade Northern Chinese noodle shops, an East Indian, a couple of Japanese, [...]
All day breakfast, Cheap Breakfast, Cheap Eats Vancouver, Evelyn's Cafe and Grill, Far Coast Coffee, Good Eats Vancouver
In beverages, breakfast, cheap eats vancouver under $10, cheap eats vancouver under $5, coffee shop / tea house, north american cuisine on September 6, 2010 at 1:00 am
By Tana Kosiyabong
I first heard about Evelyn’s Cafe & Grill a few weeks ago from Grant, a good friend of mine. He is very supportive to my blog, and once in a while, he even helps editing my Cheap Appetite stories. Although I didn’t remember Grant’s exact word, he basically told me that he found another cheap breakfast joint for the Cheap Appetite. Evelyn’s is a bit more expensive than Yummy Sushi, but at least it is nice and clean.
Grant distastes Yummy Sushi, a cheap breakfast joint I wrote about last year, even though he has never set foot in that dingy place. In fact, I don’t think [...]
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 central american cuisine, cheap dinner, cheap eats vancouver under $10, cheap lunch, north american cuisine, restaurants, Vegetarian Cuisine/Raw Food 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 / tea house, 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!” [...]
Black Pepper Beef, Chicken Curry, Chinese Take Out, FIFA World Cup Soccer, Game food, Tsui Hang Village
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, Chocolate Cheesecake, Gastown, Golden Girls, Good Eats Vancouver, Rue McClanahan, Trees Organic Coffee
In bakery, cheap eats vancouver under $10, coffee shop / tea house, dessert, north american cuisine, Uncategorized 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 / tea house, 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. [...]
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, Hainanese Chicken Rice, Hawkers Delight, Khao Man Gai, Vegetarian dish
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. [...]
