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Archive for the ‘cheap eats vancouver under $10’ Category

A Perfect Pairing: Kim’s Snack Deep Fried Seaweed Roll (Kim-ma-ri) and Fish Cake with Hot soup (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

Deep Fried Seaweed Roll with Korean Glass Noodles Fillings

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. [...]

A Super Extra Value Meal at Urban Burger.

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

Urban Burger's Urban Combo

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. [...]

Vegetarian meal can be surprisingly yummy—Budgie’s Burritos JameDog Veganized with Lots of Hot Sauce

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

JameDog Veganized with Guacamole sauce from Budgie's Burritos

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 [...]

Good things come to those who wait—Salmon Filet Fish and Chips at Go Fish

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

Deep Fried Salmon Filet Fish and Chips at Go Fish Vancouver

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. [...]

A hidden gem in a bowl of Pho at Pho Le Inc.

In asian cuisine, cheap dinner, cheap eats vancouver under $10, cheap lunch, restaurants on July 19, 2010 at 12:01 am

By Tana Kosiyabong

Pho noodle soup at Pho Le Inc in Chinatown

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. [...]

A Light Meal at a Right Price—Kimbob E Ramyun Korean Restaurant

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

Kimbob E Ramyun's Kimbob (Gimbap,Kimbap, or Kimbop)

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 Appetite 1st Anniversary—Eat like a winner at 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

Mongolian Beef Lunch Special at Win’s Chinese Restaurant in Kitsilano

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, [...]

There’s more than music in the air at the Vancouver International Jazz Festival—Swiss Style Nuts and Top Dog Hot Dog.

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

Vancouver International Jazz Festival Hot Dog Vendor

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. [...]

Thanks G_d It’s Tuesday—Calamari Tuesday’s at 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

Opa! Calamari–Caesar_Salad $6.49 on Tuesday

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!” [...]

Trees Organic Chocolate Swirl Cheesecake — A Tribute to the Golden Girls’ Rue McClanahan

In bakery, cheap eats vancouver under $10, coffee shop, dessert, north american cuisine on June 6, 2010 at 11:59 pm

By Tana Kosiyabong

Chocolate Swirl Cheese Cake at Trees Organic

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 [...]

Food Sampling at Aberdeen Mall Food Court—Ajijiman Hanabi, Wo Fung Dessert and Strawberry Cones Pizza & Pasta

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

Hanabi Okonomiyaki at Aberdeen Food court

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 [...]

Kam Wai Dim Sum—Good Dim Sum. Even Better Filler Dish.

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

Beef and Vegetable Ho Fun at Kam Wai Dim Sum

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. [...]

Bean Around The World Coffees YaleTown—Good value does exist in Yaletown.

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

Bean Around The World Yaletown Soprano Meatlover

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 [...]

Thai Basil Vancouver—The battle between Pad Thai and Pad Canadian

In asian cuisine, cheap dinner, cheap eats vancouver under $10, cheap lunch, restaurants on April 26, 2010 at 12:08 am

By Tana Kosiyabong

Thai Basil Pad Thai on the menu (left) vs Thai Basil Pad Thai Krung Thep (right)

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. [...]

Judas Goat Taberna—A New Kind of High in Blood Alley

In cheap eats vancouver under $10, european cuisine, north american cuisine, pub/bar on April 5, 2010 at 12:12 am

By Tana Kosiyabong

Judas Goat in Blood Alley 4 kinds of Bruschetta

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! [...]

Chicken Fat Rules—Hawker’s Delight Hainanese Chicken Rice and Veggie Spring Roll

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

Hainanese Chicken Rice and Vegetable Spring Roll

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. [...]

Freshly Baked Before Your Eyes–Bon Chaz

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

unbaked Bon Chaz Banana Walnut

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 [...]

A Great Vancouver Burger to write home about—Vera’s Burger Shack: The Vera Burger with the Works.

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

Gastown Vera's Burger Shack: The Vera Burger

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. [...]

5 Must Eats in Vancouver (Olympic Visitors Edition)

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): [...]

The Quest for a Great Dish in Tokyo — Curry No Ryu Beef Curry with Rice

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. [...]

One night in Tokyo—McDonald’s Ebi Filet-O Burger and 7-Eleven Oden

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

McDonald's Ebi Filet-O Wrap

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. [...]

My Offbeat Culinary Adventure at Kent’s Kitchen

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

Kent's Kitchen roast chicken and stir-fried mushrooms with beef

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 [...]

The Real Chicken Noodle Soup (RCNS) at Stock Market—Buy, Sell, or Hold?

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

Chicken Noodle Soup at Stock Market on Granville Island

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 [...]

A Special Time Calls for a Special Lunch—Samurai Japanese Restaurant 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

Samurai Japanese Restaurant Lunch Special Bento–$7.95

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. [...]

Spicy Chicken Teriyaki Don at Kamiya Sushi and My Pet Peeves with the Fake Sriracha Sauce

In asian cuisine, cheap eats vancouver under $10, cheap lunch, restaurants on December 13, 2009 at 11:59 pm

By Tana Kosiyabong

“Holy crap! It’s almost eleven,” I cried as I jumped out of bed in panic. I had a Cheap Appetite mission to tackle today. The plan was to survive a whole day at the Vancouver Public Library with only $10 food budget. I knew it wasn’t going to be easy, but I sure loved the challenge. Unfortunately, by the time I had made it to the library, it was already noon. I had missed the breakfast altogether. [...]

Time travel back to my childhood—Gold Stone Bakery & Restaurant

In asian cuisine, bakery, beverages, cheap eats vancouver under $10, european cuisine, north american cuisine, restaurants on December 6, 2009 at 11:59 pm

By Tana Kosiyabong

When I was young, authentic Western food in Thailand was hard to find. Nonetheless, some Chinese and Thai restaurants had concocted their own version of Western dishes. Most cooks/chefs had little or no training in European cuisine. They were forced to cook with locally available ingredients. Few people had ever heard of either extra virgin olive oil from Tuscany [...]

Gorilla Food Thai Fresh Wraps—Tasty Raw Food for Veggie Lovers; An Acquired Taste for the Rest of Us.

In Vegetarian Cuisine/Raw Food, cheap eats vancouver under $10, cheap eats vancouver under $5, cheap lunch, restaurants on November 29, 2009 at 11:59 pm

By Tana Kosiyabong

I love meat. It’s a staple in my diet as far as I could remember. Veggies, however, aren’t always my buddies. As a kid, I was a picky eater. I had all the patience in the world to pick out even the tiny pieces of veggies on the plate. Fortunately (or unfortunately?), my perseverance had diminished [...]

A Square Foot Full of Food — Dae-Ji Pork Cutlet

In asian cuisine, cheap dinner, cheap eats vancouver under $10, cheap lunch, restaurants on November 23, 2009 at 8:05 am

By Tana Kosiyabong

Daeji Pork Cutlet

I have had a hard time classifying Dae-Ji. It is definitely Korean by name. However, most dishes are either Japanese or Western inspired. Only few dishes, like Kimchi fried rice, are traditional Korean cuisine. Dae-Ji is pretty much like a teenager suffering from an identity crisis. Because of this, the restaurant is rarely on the top [...]

Home-style meals at Urban Fare Grocery Store.

In cafeteria, cheap dinner, cheap eats vancouver under $10, cheap lunch, north american cuisine on November 1, 2009 at 11:34 pm

By Tana Kosiyabong

It’s fair to say that Asian food is my favorite. However, every once in a while, I’ll crave hearty, North American dishes. But my western food palette is quite primitive compared to the eastern one. I enjoy simple, bold flavors in home-cooked meals rather than anything delicate, dainty, and, okay I’m going to say it, bland. [...]

Sipping my way to Japan at Sawa Tea Lounge

In asian cuisine, beverages, cheap eats vancouver under $10, cheap eats vancouver under $5, coffee shop, dessert on October 25, 2009 at 11:20 pm

By Tana Kosiyabong

sawatea

After finishing a wallet friendly breakfast at Yummy Sushi, I still wanted to hang out in the neighborhood. So I strolled toward Granville Island and spent my lazy afternoon there. Even with the cold breeze, it was a beautiful day. After a short walk around, I went straight to the Granville Island Public Market for some fresh produce and ended up sitting at one of the window seats on the north side watching the water traffic [...]

Sushi Mart. Great sushi especially for cold and rainy days.

In asian cuisine, cheap eats vancouver under $10, cheap eats vancouver under $5, fast food, restaurants on October 4, 2009 at 6:40 pm

By Tana Kosiyabong

sushimart BC roll & Tamago roll (2nd visit)

It was the lunch hour on a cold and rainy afternoon. My stomach was growling. I was desperately searching through my drawers and locker for any sign of edible items so that I could stay inside. Unfortunately, I got nothing to fill my empty stomach. It was do or die time. I must defy the spine chilling rain to grab something to eat. [...]

Gastown Blues & Chili 2009 — side effects and all.

In central american cuisine, cheap eats vancouver under $10, cheap eats vancouver under $5, food event Vancouver, north american cuisine on September 27, 2009 at 3:47 pm

By Tana Kosiyabong

cobrebasket

Last Sunday, I went to the Gastown Blues & Chili 2009. Twenty restaurants in the neighborhood were competing for bragging rights that come with having the best Chili in Gastown. The event was held from noon to 7 pm at the 200 block of Abbot Street as a fundraising event for the Girls Rock Camp Vancouver. Though I’m not sure why they played Blues to raise money for the rock camp, [...]

The Tacos showdown in Downtown Vancouver — La Taqueria vs. Don Guacamoles

In central american cuisine, cheap eats vancouver under $10, cheap eats vancouver under $5, fast food, restaurants on September 13, 2009 at 5:03 pm

By Tana Kosiyabong

tacoshowdown

My love for Mexican food started in Lincoln, Nebraska. It was the combination of cheap prices and great tastes that had won me over. The most delicious fish burrito from D’ Leons was priced less than $5. Or an awesome “Big Nacho” chicken at Oso was $6.50 with a free drink on a certain day of the week. They are so good, I still miss them to this day. [...]

Donburiya – Japanese fast food at the speed of the bullet train Shinkansen

In asian cuisine, cheap eats vancouver under $10, fast food on September 6, 2009 at 6:14 pm

By Tana Kosiyabong

buta-mayo_CU

I had my eyes on Donburiya, a new Japanese restaurant on Robson Street, since they were still under construction. That’s why I wanted to stop by for lunch on its Grand Opening day. However, Xiao, my coworker with whom I had made the lunch plan, couldn’t make it. She asked if we could postpone the visit until the next day. I reluctantly agreed to her request, but, in the back of my mind, I still [...]

Cheaper than Cook-It-Yourself (CIY): A Day at Ikea Restaurant

In breakfast, cafeteria, cheap eats vancouver under $10, cheap eats vancouver under $5, european cuisine on August 23, 2009 at 10:35 pm

By Tana Kosiyabong

ikeabreakfast

“Today is a Big Day,” I told myself as I woke up. Though it was not easy to dig myself out of bed at 8 am on Saturday, somehow I did it. As usual, it took me about an hour to get ready and walk out the door. Two buses and an hour later, I found myself at Ikea Richmond. Today, I’ll spend all day eating away 3 meals here and try my best not to buy any more furniture or decorating knick-knacks. [...]

Best Thai dish on this side of the Atlantic. And some of the Pacific – Pad Krapow at Vancouver’s Thai Basil Restaurant

In asian cuisine, cheap eats vancouver under $10, restaurants on August 2, 2009 at 10:37 pm

By Tana Kosiyabong

pad krapow nua

I was born and raised in Thailand, so I’m well aware of the authenticity of Thai cuisine. More often than not, Thai food in North America tastes remotely like the authentic siblings. Sometimes I don’t even recognize them, especially those frozen dinners at the grocery stores. Thai chicken this. Thai noodle that. I had tried [...]

The Taste of the City. What does Vancouver taste like?

In asian cuisine, beverages, carribbean cuisine, cheap eats vancouver under $10, food event Vancouver on July 26, 2009 at 6:20 pm

By Tana Kosiyabong

Last Saturday, I went to an annual event in Vancouver called “The Taste of the City.” The event was held at the PNE Fairgrounds, which meant I had to catch the bus at the stop across the street from the infamous Pigeon Park, where the junkies like to hang out. On my way to the bus stop, a woman threw up about 5 feet from me and walked away like nothing had happened. As she disappeared, [...]