Vancouver Good

I was riding down Main St and noticed that a third Zakkushi location has opened on Main at King Edward. Nice!

I used to live three blocks from the Zakkushi on 4th ave and I still return again and again. The focus of Zakkushi is on their grill, which uses a high quality Japanese charcoal. I don’t know much about the technicalities, but the flavour from this grill is excellent. Smoky, charred, sweet. Mmmmm.

The first Zakkushi to open was on Denman St, then 4th Ave, and now Main St. The menus at each location are similar, but with a few things specific to each location. Looks like the Main St. location also does sushi rolls, which the other two don’t.

Anyway, enough of logistics…the food. Here are my all-time favourites:

• Zaru Tofu: fresh, soft, cold tofu on ice. If you love tofu, order this.
• Takowasa: diced octopus mixed with a wasabi dressing in a mini martini glass. Incredibly flavourful and fresh with that wasabi kick
• Yakitori (grilled items on bamboo sticks) – Asparamaki – tender green asparagus wrapped with fatty bacon and grilled. Harami – tender grilled beef topped with radish and ponzu sauce. Shiso Maki – juicy chicken with shisho leaf (note – shisho is a very strong herb. I like it, but it can be an acquired taste)
• Spinach salad with cripsy fried lotus root on top
• Mentai Kimchi Udon – the menu description reads: pan fried udon with seasoned fish roe and kimchi. Okay, to some this may sound funny. But trust me…it is SO DAMN GOOD. You have to try it.
• Banana Gyoza – deep fried bananas and ice cream for under $4? I’m in for dessert here

I find the prices at Zakkushi very reasonable. You can eat like a king for not much money. My meals for 2 average anywhere b/w $25 to $60. If you find Kingyo or Hapa too expensive for regular visits, go to Zakkushi.

One warning – Zakkushi is not the biggest restaurant.  They do take reservations, so call them if you have your heart set on a certain time.

Zakkushi Charcoal Grill Diner
3 locations (4th & Cypress, Denman & Robson, Main & 25th) – details here