Tag Archives: noodles

Danbo on Robson

Ramen Danbo Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - ZomatoThe second location has opened for Danbo on Robson. The unfortunate thing is, they took took over the location where a previous Ramen-ya used to be, Maruko Ramen, which was one of my favourite ramen-ya. So sad to see it go… But will the new ramen-ya be just as good?

The interior was a bit different, but a lot of it was from Maruko – like the cubed wooden chairs where you could open the seat lid and place your items inside. Convenient for a small restaurant.idearabbit_danbo_robson1 idearabbit_danbo_robson3

A friend of mine knew the person running the restaurant, so despite my negative review for the one of 4th, I thought I’d give it another try.

We met for lunch at 11:30am on a cold, drizzling Saturday. The place was bare, and there was only a single man eating. There were 3 front staff.

idearabbit_danbo_robson2idearabbit_danbo_robson4I ordered the Classic Tonkotsu Ramen $9.95 this time, with thick noodles, standard firmness, light broth, no lard and standard spiciness. This time, the noodles were the thickness that I was used to, and loved. However, I and my friend both found it a bit too firm once again. If I ever go back, I will ask for soft. As I got closer to ending my bowl, the firmness got a bit better as it soaked up more broth, which was light and good. Next time, I would completely take out the spiciness (the mountain of red stuff) as since it seems to completely mask the good pork broth.

idearabbit_danbo_robson5 idearabbit_danbo_robson8As time went by, there were 2-3 other tables, mostly in pairs that joined for lunch. By then, there were 5 Japanese female staff, standing there, having not much to do. I felt like so many eyes were on us. It did feel a little uncomfortable.

I know they’d like to make the experience as authentic as possible, but the staff’s name tag had their names written big – in Japanese, and in romaji/English in small underneath, barely able to read. My Japanese is super rusty, and I couldn’t read any of them. Even worse is the fact that names in Japanese characters have so many ways to read them (sometimes uniquely for names only), so that even Japanese people can’t always read names. Though not sure how important knowing the names of the staff is…

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My friend had the Blazing Hot Ramen.idearabbit_danbo_robson7Every time they served a bowl, they all shouted “Goyukkuri meshiagarikudasai”. I guess that can be translated to ‘take time, enjoy the food’. Staff in Japan do say that to you directly, but it was the first time that the entire staff shouted. It doesn’t bother me – cuz I understand it, but for the majority, I doubt anyone does, or even notices. If they’re used to Guu, they’d think Japanese staff are always shouting something, lol.

But service was excellent. English for some was a bit of trouble… but no major problems.

Shout outs of “Arigatougozaimashita” (thank you) echoed as we got up to leave, and our main server helped open the door for us.

Although the ramen was better this time, it’s still not the kind of ramen I’d go back for on my own.

Taste: carrotcarrotcarrot    Price for Value: carrotcarrotcarrot

Atmosphere:  carrotcarrotcarrot   Service:  carrotcarrotcarrot
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Tim Kee Kitchen

Tim Kee Kitchen Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato I called them up for take out. A Chinese lady picked up. I asked for the Chicken Chow Mein $7.50. She asked if I wanted it as a lunch special. Since I didn’t know about it (as I did not see it on Zomato), I asked. She was reluctant in explaining what it was and told me it was such and such $ (more than chow mein) for a special, and so you want, ok? No, I didn’t want that much for lunch and told her I only wanted the Chow Mein.

idearabbit-timkeekitchen2The place is a hole in the wall. Typical Chinese restaurant that looks run down, and maybe only 10 people can sit inside? There was no one there when I was there to pick up.

idearabbit-timkeekitchen1I was surprised to find a spring roll, though I later realized that it came with it :P But it was pretty burnt badly. Boo. The portion was huge! I couldn’t finish it, and ended up saving some for dinner. Taste was alright…

Another time, one of us ordered the Pan Fried Rice Noodles with Beef. I tried a bit, and it was slightly oilier, but I really liked the flavour a lot more! One of our staff did not feel good after consuming it, but the other staff and I were ok, so not sure if it was related to the food.

Last Time

Again for take out, I had the House Special Chow Mein with crispy noodles and toppings on top – my favourite! I was super excited.

idearabbit_timkee5 idearabbit_timkee6However, I was super disappointed. The sauce just seemed like it was soy sauce with no additional flavour. It had an odd smell that was unappetizing… It looked great with shrimp, beef, chicken and broccoli, but it had no flavour and the meat were fatty. I kept sniffing every bite. Something was off. The smell made me nauseous. When I bit into the broccoli, it was really gross. Not sure if the broccoli itself was bad, or the bad meat’s juice had seeped into it, but I had to spit it out. I tried eating it as I hate wasting food, but unfortunately, over half of it went into the trash T_T… I will not go back again.

Taste: carrotcarrot    Price for Value: carrotcarrotcarrot

Atmosphere:  carrot   Service:  carrotcarrot
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Pho Central

Click to add a blog post for Pho Central on Zomato I had been to Pho Central when it was at the old location. It was filthy and tiny, though their pho were good. I had always walked by it and seen how full it was, so I suspected that their pho must be still good.

I met a with a friend for lunch around 1pm. It wasn’t overly busy, so it was good timing. The interior was quite spacious and nicer than most other whole in the wall pho places. In fact, this must be the best one I’ve been to in Metro Vancouver area. It has a bar on one side with blue LED lighting which gives it a modern, moody look.

idearabbit-pho_central1 idearabbit-pho_central2 idearabbit-pho_central3 idearabbit-pho_central4I ordered the Beef Ball Noodles Soup $8 (regular). I was surprised by the portion. It must be the biggest one I know. The broth wasn’t overwhelmingly salty, and the noodles and beef tasted great. We kept eating, but it seemed like the amount never shrunk. Each bowl of Pho came with a plate of sprouts, slice of lime, jalapenos and Vietnamese basil. I usually put in all the sprouts, a sprinkle of torn up basil and squeeze the lime. No extra sauces. I know most people use them, but a recent reading has taught me that the use of extra sauces aren’t authentic. I guess it’s like how California rolls aren’t authentic Japanese rolls (in fact none of the fancy rolls are). I often don’t like a lot of sauces on anything since it usually covers up the real flavour.

I love this place! I think it’s the best Pho in town – in terms of quality, quantity, price, atmosphere, location and service. Extra points for serving water in glass, and not plastic. The spoons for the noodle soups are also porcelain and not plastic.

Back for Dinner
This time I returned with Sheepie who isn’t a fan of Pho (what?! lol). Anyways, there were plenty of non-Pho dishes to order and he ended up getting the Chicken Curry. Looked spicy, but it wasn’t too hot. The chicken were super tender and really just melted in your mouth. I again ordered the Beef Ball Pho – sorry, I’m just in love with this bowl!

It was super busy this time with usually 3 groups waiting by the entrance. However there were no compromise with the food quality. Service was a bit slower, but that was expected.

My favourite Pho in Metro Vancouver!

Taste: carrotcarrotcarrotcarrotcarrot    Price for Value: carrotcarrotcarrotcarrotcarrot

Atmosphere:  carrotcarrotcarrot  Service:  carrotcarrotcarrot
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