Tiramisu and Ube Cream Puffs from Pablo Japanese Bakery Cafe

Happy Sunday! After Mass, my parents (specifically, my dad) requested that we hang out at a coffee shop. We originally planned on going to Lumiere, but it looked full, so we ended up at Pablo.

Pablo is known for their Japanese cheese tarts. We tried two new flavors today: juicy mango and crème brûlée.

Pablo Japanese Bakery Cafe

The foundation of their excellent tarts is the crust. It isn't flaky like a Portuguese tart but is more solid yet crumbly, providing a satisfying textural contrast to the filling. The juicy mango tart offers generous slices of ripe, sweet mango, creating a burst of tropical flavor with each bite. The crème brûlée tart is topped with a perfectly caramelized sugar crust that shatters with a delicate crack, revealing a smooth, rich custard beneath. The burnt sugar adds a subtle bitterness that balances the sweetness of the custard. I prefer the latter.

Creme Brulee and Juicy Mango Cheese Tarts from Pablo

Pablo also introduced new cream puffs, and we managed to try a couple of flavors: tiramisu and ube. Both are delicious and not overly sweet, achieving a perfect balance of flavor. The tiramisu cream puff features a light and airy choux pastry shell filled with a creamy, coffee-infused filling, dusted with cocoa powder for a hint of bitterness. The ube cream puff has a vibrant purple filling made from ube (purple yam), which has a subtly sweet and earthy flavor, contrasting beautifully with the delicate pastry.

Tiramisu and Ube Cream Puffs from Pablo

It was great to spend time with my parents and husband over delicious sweets.

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For future reference, below is a list of cheese tarts flavour we have tried from Pablo.

• Blueberry
• Chocolate
• Creme Brulee
• Juicy Mango
• Matcha
• Original Cheese Tart
• Roasted Chocolate Almond Marshmallow
• Ube

Retro Donut: Lemon Cake Donut from Tim Hortons

Tim Hortons is bringing back for a limited time two retro donuts: the Blueberry Fritter and the Lemon Cake Donut.

Lemon Cake Donut from Tim Hortons

Lemon Cake Donut from Tim Hortons

I tried the Blueberry Fritter when it first returned, so today I decided to try the Lemon Cake Donut. It features a soft and fluffy cake donut covered in sweet and citrusy glaze. I love it!

Pad Thai from Thai Away Home at Club Kitchen

For our company-paid team lunch today, we walked to Club Kitchen to enjoy Thai cuisine from Thai Away Home. I usually go for their green curry, but today I had a craving for noodles that was definitely satisfied by the delicious pad thai.

Pad Thai from Thai Away Home at Club Kitchen

The soft, slippery noodles were coated in a complex, umami-rich sauce with tender chicken and tofu, topped with crunchy peanuts and bean sprouts. It was the perfect bowl.

White Chocolate Pistachio arrives at Tim Hortons

Our Sunday mornings usually involve a trip to Tim Hortons for a quick and easy breakfast. This week, we were excited to see they had launched a new line of White Chocolate Pistachio beverages, promising a unique twist on winter comfort. Naturally, we had to try a couple! We grabbed a White Chocolate Pistachio Latte and a White Chocolate Pistachio Hot Chocolate to see if they lived up to the hype.

The Latte was a visually appealing drink. The foam was nicely frothed, and the Belgian white chocolate curls on top added a touch of elegance. The first sip was a burst of sweetness, unfortunately with no pistachio flavour.

The Hot Chocolate was a different experience altogether. It has the same visual appeal of the latte and the aroma was primarily of sweet hot chocolate. The taste was very sweet, a bit too sweet for our liking. The pistachio flavour was not noticeable, almost completely overpowered by the chocolate. It was served at a good temperature, but the sweetness made it a bit difficult to drink a whole cup.

White Chocolate Pistachio Hot Chocolate from Tim Hortons

Have you tried the new White Chocolate Pistachio drinks at Tim Hortons? Let us know what you thought in the comments below!

Eggplant Parmigiana from Olive Garden

Happy Friday! I took a vacation day from work today for a dental appointment. My youngest sister asked if I wanted to join them at Olive Garden in Langley, BC, on Sunday. I called her and asked if we could go today since I was off.

Off we went! We started by sharing the Stuffed Ziti Frittata, a crispy, golden-brown disc of pasta filled with a rich, creamy blend of cheeses and meat sauce. The crispy edges gave way to a soft, cheesy interior, making it a perfect appetizer for sharing.

Stuffed Ziti Fritta from Olive Garden
Crispy fried ziti filled with five cheeses. Served with Alfredo and marinara dipping sauce

Then, we moved on to their bottomless bowls of soup and those addictive breadsticks. The soup, a creamy chicken gnocchi, was rich and comforting, dotted with tender potato dumplings and shreds of chicken. The breadsticks, warm and buttery, were perfect for soaking up every last drop. 

My husband ordered the creamy and cheesy Five Cheese Ziti al Forno. The blend of five cheeses—ricotta, Parmesan, Romano, mozzarella, and fontina—created a rich, decadent sauce that coated the perfectly cooked ziti pasta. The baked, bubbly top added a delightful textural contrast. It was perfect for my gums, which were still tender from my appointment.

Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno from Olive Garden
A baked blend of Italian cheeses and Olive Garden's signature five Cheese marinara

I opted for the "healthier" eggplant parmigiana. The spaghetti was a classic—al dente, with a bright, tangy tomato sauce that had just a hint of sweetness. The eggplant parmigiana itself was a delightful combination of textures: crisp, golden-brown breading on the tender eggplant slices, layered with melted mozzarella and that same vibrant tomato sauce. It was a satisfying, lighter version of the more traditional chicken parmigiana.

Eggplant Parmigiana from Olive Garden
Hand-breaded eggplant, lightly fried and topped with marinara and melted mozzarella, served with a side of spaghetti

For dessert, we indulged in warm Italian doughnuts, known as zeppoli. These pillowy soft fritters were dusted with powdered sugar and served with dipping sauces. The chocolate sauce was deep and intensely sweet, a classic pairing. However, I was surprised by how much I preferred the raspberry sauce. Its bright, tart notes cut through the richness of the doughnuts, creating a perfect balance of sweet and tangy—I loved it. I told my sister I now have a more mature palate, preferring the raspberry over the chocolate.

Warm Italian Doughnuts from Olive Garden
Fried doughnuts tossed in vanilla sugar, served with raspberry and chocolate sauce

Below is a list of dishes we tried at Olive Garden:

Appetizers

• Calamari
• Lasagna Fritta
• Meatballs Parmigiana
• Mozzarella Sticks
• Spinach Artichoke Dip
• Stuffed Ziti Fritta

Classic Entrees

• Cheese Raviolli
• Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara
• Chicken Marsala Fettucine
• Chicken Parmigiana
• Fettuccine Alfredo (part of 6 oz. Sirloin)
• Italian Feast 
• Lasagna Classico
• Ravioli Carbonara 
• Shrimp Scampi
• Spaghetti with Marinara (part of Eggplant Parmigiana)
• 6 oz. Sirloin
• Tour of Italy

Desserts

• Black Tie Mousse Cake
• Cannoli
• Chocolate Caramel Lasagna
• Tiramisu
• Warm Italian Doughnuts

Giant Katsu and more at Kinkura Sushi + Sake

Happy Thursday! My husband picked me up from work today, and I was too exhausted to cook dinner at home. We decided to grab dinner at Kinkura Sushi + Sake along Davie Street before walking across the Granville Bridge.

I was blown away by their "Giant Katsu" — it was truly huge. My husband ordered it thinking it would be a wide but thin fried pork cutlet. However, we received a behemoth of a tonkatsu — a thick slab of pork, easily longer than a chopstick and nearly two inches thick! It was a golden-brown, crispy mountain of meat. The sheer size of it dwarfed the accompanying bowl of fluffy white rice. It was crazy! The unexpected size was a delightful surprise, and the katsu itself was perfectly executed: a satisfyingly crunchy, golden-brown exterior giving way to a tender, juicy interior. Yum!

Giant Tonkatsu from Kinkura Sushi
Deep-fried breaded pork served with house salad and rice

I ordered a healthier salmon teriyaki with vegetables. A generous fillet of tender salmon, glazed with a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce, was served alongside a colorful medley of crisp-tender vegetables. It was delicious, too.

Salmon Teriyaki from Kinkura Sushi + Sake
Grilled salmon and vegetable with teriyaki sauce

To share, we got their original chicken karaage — piping hot and fresh from the fryer! Each bite-sized piece of chicken boasted an incredibly crispy exterior that shattered with a satisfying crunch, revealing a juicy, flavorful interior bursting with savory goodness. I loved it!

Regular Chicken Karaage from Kinkura Sushi + Sake

We also got takoyaki. The delicate wheat flour batter balls were filled with tender pieces of octopus and topped with savory takoyaki sauce, mayonnaise, and dancing bonito flakes. They were soft but could be skipped. Kinkura Sushi + Sake was a random find for us, and I absolutely love discovering new spots around Vancouver.

Takoyaki from Kinkura Sushi + Sake

I am making an attempt this year (2025) to try and support new restaurants that we have not tried before. Below is a list of restaurants we have tried for the first time:

1. Ramen One (January 3, 2025)
2. Kinkura Sushi + Sake (January 9, 2025)

Gyro from The Greek Yaletown

It was the first company-paid team lunch of 2025, and the theme was Greek! We went to our favourite spot: The Greek in Yaletown.

Their gyro is my absolute favourite, and I've stopped trying anything else on the menu. The chicken is perfectly seasoned with a fragrant blend of oregano, garlic, and other Mediterranean herbs, making it incredibly tender and juicy. The warm, soft pita wrap cradles the savoury meat, and the crisp, fresh lettuce, juicy ripe tomatoes, and sharp red onions provide a delightful contrast of textures and flavours.

Gyro from The Greek
Slow-roasted chicken, lettuce, tomato, onion and tzatziki on a fresh baked pita with avgolemono soup

Plus, it comes with either soup or salad. I always choose their avgolemono soup. The creamy, lemony broth is rich and comforting, with a subtle tang that perfectly complements the savoury gyro.

Hot Chocolate and Moroccan Vegan Wrap from Lovelarte

Happy Thursday! This morning, a colleague and I headed to the nearby Lovelarte to grab breakfast and have a meeting.

Hot Chocolate from lovelarte

I decided to try the Moroccan Vegan Wrap, and I paired it with a rich, creamy hot chocolate.

Moroccan Vegan Wrap from lovelarte

The hot chocolate was the perfect complement to the wrap. Its smooth, velvety texture helped balance the dryness of the wrap. While the wrap itself was flavourful with its blend of Moroccan spices and vegetables, it had a slightly dry and gritty texture that made the drink a welcome addition to the meal. Together, they provided a satisfying combination of warmth and flavour, making for a cozy and fulfilling breakfast.

Spinach & Feta Savoury Egg Pastry from Tim Hortons

Happy Sunday! As part of our breakfast this week, we tried the new Spinach & Feta Savoury Egg Pastry from Tim Hortons.

Spinach & Feta Savoury Egg Pastry from Tim Hortons

It was a bit warm, but the pastry wasn't flaky. Additionally, the feta cheese and egg combination had an unusual texture — almost rubbery. The flavour is also off-putting.

I'm not a fan of this one.

Poutine and Pulled Pork Sandwich from Ikea restaurant

Happy Saturday! We visited Ikea today for dinner and were pleasantly surprised to find two new items on their menu: Poutine (a Canadian classic) and a Pulled Pork Sandwich.

Let’s dive into the details. Ikea's take on the Canadian favorite, poutine, was passable. It had all the essential components: crispy fries, gravy, and cheese curds. However, I believe the gravy is what truly makes or breaks a poutine, and this one was just okay. The first bite had a strange aftertaste that I couldn’t quite place, but it eventually mellowed out and became more enjoyable.

Poutine from Ikea's restaurant

Next up, the Pulled Pork Sandwich, an American classic. The pulled pork was beautifully shredded, incredibly tender, and packed with flavor. However, the barbecue sauce was a bit too sweet for my taste, with an almost fruity undertone due to the lingonberry base. While it wasn’t bad, it certainly wasn’t my ideal version of a pulled pork sandwich.

Pulled Pork Sandwich from Ikea's restaurant

All in all, while these dishes were decent attempts, next time, I think I’ll stick with the tried and true, always-delicious Swedish meatballs!

Chicken Strips from A&W

Happy Saturday! Ugh. I'll be back to work on Monday, and since my hubby has a dental appointment, I decided to wait for him inside a nearby A&W. It's my first time trying the A&W chicken strips. I want to say that they're like any typical chicken strips from a fast food chain, but they're a bit above the rest because they taste like real chicken.

Chicken Strips from A&W

Chicken Strips from A&W

The seasoning is simple—salt and pepper—nothing fancy, just this classic combination. Plus, they're lightly breaded. I surprisingly enjoyed them!

Tonkotsu Miso Ramen from Ramen One

Happy Friday! It's our first time eating out in 2025, and we’re checking out a relatively new spot, Ramen One, located along West Broadway between Cambie and Yukon.

Spicy Tonkotsu Miso Ramen from Ramen One
Tonkotsu broth mixed with our house-made miso paste. Topped with Kikurage mushroom, green onions, pickled ginger, 3 pieces of chashu and an egg.

The rainy weather makes it the perfect day for a warm bowl of ramen. What sets Ramen One apart is its unique ambiance and service. Each diner gets their own private booth (similar to those you’d find in Japan), and your ramen is served through a little window — it's actually pretty fun!

Ramen One

I tried the Spicy Tonkotsu Miso Ramen, and it did not disappoint. The chashu was tender, the soft-boiled eggs were just right, and the noodles were perfectly cooked. Super satisfying!

Spicy Tonkotsu Miso Ramen from Ramen One
Tonkotsu broth mixed with our house-made miso paste. Topped with Kikurage mushroom, green onions, pickled ginger, 3 pcs. of chashu and an egg.

It might not be the best ramen in Vancouver, but if you're in the area and craving a bowl with a bit of privacy, this place is definitely worth a visit.

Fried Pork Chop and Fried Chicken Thigh Bento from Pearl Castle Cafe inside Club Kitchen

Happy Sunday! It's been a long day running errands and finishing up last-minute Christmas shopping. In between stops, we decided to take a much-needed break for lunch, as I was starting to feel hangry.

Pearl Castle Cafe at Club Kitchen

We stopped by Club Kitchen in Yaletown, a unique spot featuring 13 different restaurants under one roof. While they primarily focus on delivery, they do offer a handful of tables, and eating in is absolutely encouraged.

Fried Chicken Thigh Bento from Pearl Castle Cafe
Slightly chili powder on top of chicken. All bento includes rice, side dishes of the day: tofu, fishcake, and veggie

We ordered from Pearl Castle Cafe, where we indulged in some of our favorite Taiwanese dishes: crispy fried pork chops, juicy fried chicken thighs, and flavorful Taiwanese sausage.

Fried Pork Chop Bento from Pearl Castle Cafe

The sausage was ordered as a side dish, perfect for sharing. The fried pork and chicken came as part of bento boxes, each served with fluffy rice and three tasty side dishes: silky tofu, savory fishcakes, and a medley of fresh vegetables.

Taiwanese Sausage from Pearl Castle Cafe

It was such a fun and satisfying lunch, and I’m already drooling for more!

Four Cheese Omelette Bites from Tim Hortons

Happy Sunday morning! The Four Cheese Omelette Bites from Tim Hortons were first released in October of this year, and it took nearly three months for us to finally give them a try.

Four Cheese Omelette Bites from Tim Hortons

The bites are exactly as described: soft, fluffy eggs infused with a bold cheese flavor. The combination of two types of cheddar, Gouda, and mozzarella creates a rich, savory taste that's pleasantly indulgent without being overwhelming. The texture is smooth and creamy, with the cheese melting seamlessly into the eggs, giving each bite a satisfying, melt-in-your-mouth feel. It actually reminds me of the omelettes I make at home when I use those marble cheese slices, which lend a similar creamy and mild richness. 

Four Cheese Omelette Bites from Tim Hortons

While I’m sure many people could easily recreate this dish at home, if you’re in need of a quick, cheesy breakfast on the go, these omelette bites are a tasty and convenient option.

Birria Nachos from Patrón Tacos and Cantina

Happy Thursday! It’s the final company-paid team lunch of 2024, and we decided to revisit our most frequent spot this year: Patrón Tacos and Cantina.

I finally gave in and ordered their nachos. The crispy tortilla chips were generously covered with melted Mexican cheese, which created a wonderfully indulgent, rich layer.

Birria Nachos from Patrón Tacos and Cantina
Corn tortillas chips covered with melted cheese. Garnished with pico de gallo, sour cream, jalapeños, olives, with a side of guacamole, and birria

The nachos were elevated by a bold combination of flavorful toppings, including spicy jalapeños, tender birria, a surprising yet delightful addition of olives, fresh pico de gallo, and a side of creamy guacamole. The dish was comforting and packed with layers of savory, spicy, and tangy flavors that made each bite an experience. It was quite a hefty portion for one person, so I was able to save half for dinner, enjoying the leftovers just as much as the first serving.

For future me, below is a list of menu items we have tried:

Appetizers

• Empanaditas
• Nachos (Birria)

Sopas Tradicionales

• Tortilla Soup
  

Main

• Burrito (Chicken Tinga)
• Chilaquiles (Chorizo)
• Enchiladas (Carnitas and Garlic Mushroom)
  
• Huaraches (Garlic Mushroom)
  
• Quesabirria
• Quesadillas

 Desserts

• Churros
  

Onion Rings from Boston Pizza

It's all-day happy hour at Boston Pizza, which means I can order all my favorites—Cactus Cut Potatoes and Boston Pizza nachos.

Onion Rings from Boston Pizza

We also decided to try their onion rings as part of my goal to try everything on the menu. The onion rings have a perfectly crispy, golden-brown exterior that offers a satisfying crunch with every bite. Inside, the sweet, tender onion adds a delicious contrast to the crisp coating, creating a balanced flavor and texture that’s both savory and slightly sweet.

Below is a list of menu items I’ve tried from BP.

Apps & Shareables

• Bandera Pizza Bread
• Cactus Cut Potatoes (my favourite!)
• Classic Nachos with BBQ Chicken
• Classic Nachos with Seasoned Ground Beef
• Classic Nachos with Spicy Chicken
• French Onion Soup
• Garlic Parmesan Fries
• Onion Rings
• Spinach and Artichoke Dip
• Thai Bites (part of The Triple Play)
• The Triple Play

Pizza

• Boston Royal Pizza
• Carbonara Pizza
• Deluxe
• Great White North
• Loaded Pepperoni & Bacon Squarefooter Pizza
• The Meator
• Mediterranean Pizza
• Pepperoni Pizza
• Spicy Perogy Pizza (I highly recommend!)
• Tropical Chicken

Pasta

• Boston's Lasagna

Sides

• Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Desserts

• Chocolate Explosion
• Salted Caramel Panookie

Seasonal

• Barbacoa Nachos
• Breakfast Pizza
• Southwest Breakfast Bowl
• Summer Pesto Chicken Pizza
• Tour of Italy

Tiramisu Cake from Waves Coffee House

It was a gorgeous Sunday morning when my parents, my sister and her boyfriend, and my husband and I went to Waves Coffee House on West Broadway to hang out.

Tiramisu from Waves Coffee House

Hubby and I shared a slice of tiramisu cake. It wasn't overly sweet, with just the right balance of rich coffee flavor and velvety layers of mascarpone cream. The cake itself was perfectly soft, each bite melting in your mouth. The dusting of cocoa powder on top added a subtle bitterness that complemented the sweetness of the cream, making for a delightful, well-rounded dessert.

Below our Waves food and drinks we have tried:

Food

• A La Capresse Sandwich
• Bacon and Egg Bagel Sandwich
• Breakfast Bagel
• Calzone Classic Italian
• Chicken Fajitas Wrap
• Chicken Pesto Sandwich
• Double Chocolate Muffin
• Ganache Decadence Cake
• Ham and Cheese Sandwich
• Italian Calzone
• Lemon Poppyseed Zucchini Muffin
• Lumberjack Breakfast Wrap
• Lemon Coconut Macaroon Bar
• Nanaimo Bar
• Oatmeal Cookie
• Spinach Feta Bistro
• Sticky Toffee Pudding
• Tiramisu

Drinks

• Blue Spirulina Coconut Frapp-eh
• Dark Chocolate Belgian Mocha
• Hazelnut Mocha Frapp-eh
• Iced Dark Chocolate
• Mango Fruit Shake
• Matcha Frapp-eh
• Salted Caramel Eggnog Latte
• Salted Caramel Mocha
• Toffee Nut Latte
• White Chocolate Belgian Mocha

Pita and Hummus from The Wicklow

Happy Thursday! For dinner, I met up with my former colleagues, who have since become close friends. It’s always such a joy to spend time with them. We went to our usual spot: The Wicklow.

True to form, I ordered my favourite dish—the Yorkshire Pudding Bowl. These are, hands down, the best I’ve had in Vancouver so far. The Yorkshire puddings are perfectly soft and chewy, offering the ideal contrast to the creamy mashed potatoes they’re filled with. The dish is then drenched in rich, savoury gravy and topped with tender Angus beef, which is melt-in-your-mouth delicious. I absolutely love it.

Yorkshire Pudding Bowl from The Wicklow
Certified roast angus beef, house gravy, garlic mash potatoes, horseradish aioli, served in a big Yorkshire pudding bowl

I arrived a bit too early and, while waiting for everyone, decided to try the Pita and Hummus. The roasted garlic hummus was smooth and flavourful, with just the right amount of garlic to make it savoury without overpowering. The warm, soft pita bread slices were perfect for dipping, providing a comforting balance to the rich hummus.

Pita and Hummus from The Wicklow
Roasted garlic hummus, black olives, paprika oil, fresh parsley

I also tried a mocktail—the Pineapple Sour. This refreshing drink was a simple yet delightful mix of pineapple juice, egg whites, lemon juice, and simple syrup, resulting in a tangy-sweet beverage with a silky texture. It was a great way to sip something light while catching up.

Pineapple Sour from The Wicklow
Pineapple juice, egg whites, lemon juice, and simple syrup

I love The Wicklow! It never disappoints. For future me, below is a list of menu item we have tried in The Wicklow.

• Chips & Salsa
• Nachos (Decembmer 2021,February 2022)
• Pesto Linguine
• Pulled Pork Poutine (December 2018, May 2019, May 2019)
• Sesame Crusted Tuna Saku
• Yam Fries
• Yorkshire Pudding Bowl (March 2019, May 2019, December 2019, August 2021, February 2022)

Vegetarian Shepherd's Pie and Billy Miner Pie from The Keg

Happy Merry Tuesday! We celebrated the holiday season at the office with a delightful dinner at The Keg, followed by watching the Vancouver Canucks game at Rogers Arena (they lost 4-3 in overtime).

Vegetarian Shepherd's Pie from The Keg
Carrots, peas, mushrooms, green lentils, chickpeas, red wine gravy, and mixed green salad

For dinner, I ordered the Vegetarian Shepherd's Pie. It was wonderfully creamy and surprisingly satisfying, especially for a low-calorie option. The dish featured a comforting blend of carrots, peas, mushrooms, green lentils, chickpeas, all topped with a rich and savoury red wine gravy. The flavours were hearty and well-balanced, offering a great alternative to the traditional meat version.

Vegetarian Shepherd's Pie from The Keg
Carrots, peas, mushrooms, green lentils, chickpeas, red wine gravy, mixed green salad

I also couldn't resist the Keg Fries, which were perfectly crispy and golden—ideal for mopping up any leftover gravy from the Shepherd's Pie. The fries were seasoned just right.

Billy Miner Pie from The Keg
Mocha ice cream, chocolate crust, fudge, caramel, and almonds

To cap off my meal, I indulged in the Billy Miner Pie. This dessert is incredibly decadent — rich mocha ice cream nestled on top of a velvety chocolate crust. As if that wasn’t indulgent enough, the mocha ice cream is drizzled with warm fudge and caramel, and topped with crunchy sliced almonds. It was an absolute treat for the senses!

Below is a list of menu items I have tried from The Keg.

Appetizers

• Scallops & Bacon

Keg Steaks

• Baseball Top Sirloin
• Peppercorn New York
• Top Sirloin

Accompaniments

• Garlic Mashed Potatoes
• Twice Baked Potato

Mains

• Oven Roasted Salmon (Pistachio Crusted)
• Vegetarian Shepherd's Pie

Casual Plates

• Loaded Nachos with Braised Beef

Desserts

• Billy Miner Pie
• Crème Brûlée

Teriyaki Bento Boxes from Namiya Sushi

It’s a beautiful Monday evening, and we attended the Immaculate Conception Mass at church today. After the peaceful hour, we decided to grab dinner at the newly opened Namiya Sushi on West Broadway.

Salmon Teriyaki Bento Box from Namiya Sushi
includes California Roll, tempura, organic salad, fruit slices, and rice

Hubby and I both ordered teriyaki bento boxes. I chose the sockeye salmon teriyaki, while hubby went for the beef teriyaki.

Beef Teriyaki Bento Box
includes California Roll, tempura, organic salad, fruit slices, and rice

The bento boxes arrived with a comforting, hot bowl of miso soup, perfect for such a chilly night. The meal also included 8 pieces of California rolls, 4 pieces of crispy tempura, a light and refreshing salad, and some sweet fruit to balance the flavours.

Chicken Karaage from Namiya Sushi

I couldn’t resist trying their chicken karaage, which was decent but didn’t stand out, and the takoyaki, which had a nice crisp on the outside and a soft, savoury center.

Takoyaki from Namiya Sushi

There are at least five sushi spots within a kilometre of our place, so I’m always looking for that one standout dish that will make me return. For example, Sushivan has its Korean ramen, while Masa serves a fantastic Japanese curry. What’s Namiya Sushi’s signature dish? I suppose I’ll have to keep coming back to discover my go-to item.