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Archive for the ‘asian cuisine’ 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. [...]

Beat the heat with Juice King’s Special Bubble Tea

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

Bubble black tea with tapioca pearl at Juice King, Yaohan Centre Food Court

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. [...]

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, [...]

2010 World Cup Soccer and Chinese Take-Outs—Tsui Hang Village Take–Out Window

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

Take Out window at Tsui Hang Village Seafood Restaurant

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 [...]

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. [...]

Prime Time Chicken and Chinese Food—Know Thy Patrons

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

Prime Time Chicken special: one leg, one thigh and fries for $3.25

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. [...]

T&T Supermarket Stewed Beef Brisket with Daikon Radish — A Great Dish from an Unexpected Place

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

T&T stew beef brisket with daikon radish on rice

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. [...]

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. [...]

McDonald’s McMini Sandwiches. The Little Sandwiches with Big Flavor?

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

McDonald's Pesto Grilled Chicken McMini and Spicy Thai Crispy Chicken McMini

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 Appetite in Thailand Part 3—Khao Jao Restaurant and Café

In Cheap Eats Thailand, asian cuisine, beverages, cheap dinner, cheap lunch, restaurants on April 12, 2010 at 2:05 am

By Tana Kosiyabong

Gaeng Som (sour curry) Cha-om Goong at Khao Jao

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. [...]

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. [...]

Cheap Appetite in Thailand Part 2—Pae Krung Kao Ayutthaya Floating Restaurant.

In Cheap Eats Thailand, asian cuisine, cheap dinner, cheap lunch, restaurants on March 15, 2010 at 12:45 am

By Tana Kosiyabong

Pae Krung Kao Green Curry Fish balls stuffed with salted eggs

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. [...]

Cheap Appetite in Thailand Part 1—SeeFah Restaurant

In Cheap Eats Thailand, asian cuisine, cheap dinner, cheap lunch, dessert, restaurants on February 28, 2010 at 11:59 pm

By Tana Kosiyabong

See Fah Khao Khai Khon Goong (Soft omelette with shrimp on rice)

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. [...]

The Dynamic Duo—Viet Sub Special Sub Sandwiches and Beard Papa’s Original Cream Puffs

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

Special Sub Sandwich by Vietsub

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 [...]

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 [...]

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. [...]

Cheap Appétit Recipes No. 003: Red Curry Tuna with Udon Noodles — Why Eat out When You Can Cook at the Office?

In Cheap Appétit recipes, asian cuisine, cheap dinner, cheap lunch, cooking shortcuts, easy recipes on December 20, 2009 at 11:30 pm

By Tana Kosiyabong

Red Curry Tuna with Udon Noodles

Winter had arrived and I hated it. I didn’t know about others, but I’d rather stay warm and dry in my office than run out in the cold rain to grab some lunch. However, I could only endure so much of ramen noodles, frozen dinners and leftovers at work. I desperately needed better lunch solutions. Fortunately, I have found one in the office’s microwave oven! [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

Breakfast at Yummy Sushi.

In asian cuisine, breakfast, cheap eats vancouver under $5, north american cuisine, restaurants on October 18, 2009 at 6:05 pm

By Tana Kosiyabong

yummy sushi breakfast special

I first heard about Yummy Sushi when I posted my Bon’s off Broadway breakfast link on the Chowhound.com forum a while back. Grayelf, a fellow food lover, had suggested Yummy Sushi as an alternative to Bon’s. I jotted down the name in my notebook along with many other suggestions for cheap breakfast joints in Vancouver. Unfortunately, I hadn’t had a chance to check any of them out yet. [...]

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. [...]

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 [...]

Cheap Appétit Recipe No. 001: Green curry mushroom with Thai red rice and Edamame – So easy you can cook with one hand tied behind your back.

In Cheap Appétit recipes, asian cuisine, cheap eats vancouver under $5, cooking shortcuts, easy recipes on August 28, 2009 at 8:46 pm

By Tana Kosiyabong

This week, I would like to introduce a new section called Cheap Appétit Recipes. It will be a gathering place for my cheap, easy recipes and cooking shortcuts. I hope you’ll find them useful and will eventually try them [...]

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, [...]

Shrimp Wonton Noodle Soup and Veggie Spring Roll at East Fusion Food

In asian cuisine, cheap eats vancouver under $5, food promotion, restaurants on July 1, 2009 at 7:39 pm

By Tana Kosiyabong

Shrimp Wonton Noodle Soup and Veggie Egg Roll

When I first saw the promo sign – $2.99 Shrimp Wonton Noodle Special – at the International Village, I did a double take (actually triple). It sounds like a great case of the Cheap Appetite. So, I walked into the East Fusion Food and ordered myself a hot bowl of shrimp wonton noodle soup, and a veggie spring roll. Fifteen minutes later, [...]