Lost in Sushi

Living aboard could be sometimes tough. Differences in language, culture, climate… One of the biggest challenges, however, may be the food. I have been living outside Japan for over 12 years, and the last five years mostly in Geneva. Japanese food in Geneva was very expensive and unfortunately not very good. Vancouver, on the other hand, is a paradise for Japanese food. It is a good city for any ethnic food, but the popularity of Japanese food is really growing, even compared to five years ago. The number of Japanese food place is incredible; there are far more shushi places than Starbucks. On the UBC campus alone, there are at least 4 places, which sell sushi. I must admit that this fact, at least subconsciously, affected my decision to accept the offer for my job here!

Our TWIST collaboration takes advantage of this environment, and go out for a sushi lunch occasionally (see photo). And you won’t believe what you can get for $11.95 (Canadian Dollars). All you can eat sushi, of very good quality, as well as all you can eat Korean BBQ! I really don’t understand how the restaurants can afford this kind of deals, but this seems to be a standard price for lunches. In fact, I eat so much sushi in Vancouver these days, and when I go back to Japan, I don’t feel like eating it any more (it’s more expensive there as well).

So, all the sushi lovers, move to Vancouver (or at least visit)!

Comments

[Matthew]

Hi Makoto

I left Vancouver about 6 months ago, and it's the Japanese food I think I miss most. If you haven't tried them, Vancouver has several excellent Izakayas as well. The original, and still the best is Guu, on the corner of Robson and Thurlow (on Thurlow, across the street from the White Spot). They also have two other locations one at the end of Robson, near the Choices, and one in Gastown.

There's also Hapa Izakaya, on Robson, which is really good, and Shiru Bay, in Yaletown. These are a bit pricey, but very good.

Now I really miss Vancouver :)

[ursula]

Hey, we will have a collaboration meeting in Vancouver in June - will you let us know your prefered Japanese restaurants by then?

[makoto]

Thanks Matthew, I haven't been able to go down town lately. But I would definitely like to check out the Izakaya seen here. -Makoto

[Makoto]

Ursula,

Sorry for the delay in response! Our TWIST people are divided into two camps. Shabusen on Granville and 10th Ave, versus Tampopo on Denman St. The former has all you can eat BBQ as well as Sushi, so it would be a good place if there are non-fish eaters in your group. The latter offers all you can eat Sashimi (raw fish without rise) as well, so it would be great if you want to eat fish without stuffing yourself too much.

-Makoto

[Daniel]

Tampopo sushi is far superior to all the other sushi buffet's. Shabusen does have the novelty bbq, but who really wants to eat bbq meat in a sushi restaurant, also the sushi is not even as good as Robson sushi (which is $13.95 eat all you want).So to conclude if you want good sushi with a great selection of Nigiri and great sashimi go to Tampopo, for the price you can't really complain. Sorry forgot to say the service in Robson sushi is terrible, try NOT to be served by Irene