Dining in Vancouver
Vancouver has a vast array of restaurants to please everyone’s tastes, but there are four elements of Vancouvan cuisine that deserve special mention.
Izakaya!
Worthy of probably more than one exclamation mark, Izakaya are Japanese bars (the term originates from sake shops) that serve Japanese-style tapas, perfect for sharing. These pub-style venues have really taken off in Vancouver in recent years and typically feature a cool atmosphere and innovative cuisine that is a particular draw to a predominantly younger set. The menus may offer items such as pan-fried gyozas (dumplings) and Bunsen burner seared mackerel. In Vancouver, Izakaya are mainly concentrated in the Robson Street area.
Pacific Northwest Seafood
With its dramatic oceanfront location, sampling the local seafood is an absolute must! There is an absolute plethora of options to choose from; including mussels, oysters, cedar-plank salmon, Dungeness crab, prawns, etc., and the freshness and quality of this regional produce would be hard to match anywhere.
Black Gold (the Other Kind)
Everywhere you look on the streets of Vancouver, you will see people cradling their cups of coffee with an air of affection, and there seems to be a coffee house on almost every corner. We hesitate to use the word “addicted”, but let’s just say that the locals just adore their coffee! Regarded almost as an art form in this sophisticated city, there is no better way to while away an hour or two, than by following the locals’ example and chilling with a cup of their beverage and watching the world pass by.
Japa Dog
This being Vancouver, you’re obviously not going to opt for your common or garden hot dog, you’re going to push the boundaries of your taste buds, and try a Japa Dog, a dog with attitude! Try one with seaweed, or okonomiyaki sauce and those boring standard ones will never again hold quite the same appeal. These Japanese-style hot dogs are uniquely-Vancouvan, with their Asian-influenced tastes and creativity. Try one and see!
