Today we were at an unexpected spot for lunch. Ohashi is a food court stall in the International Food Court, located in downtown Vancouver. Just passing by the building you wouldn’t know or think to go. The exterior is in need of repair and the entrance blends into the background without any neon or signage to stop those passing by.
Ohashi is one of a handful of unique vendors offering international fare within this food fair, hence the name. It is a family owned and operated small business, serving up home style Japanese cuisine: rice bowls, noodles, and sushi.
We were here to try their new daily specials. Monday to Friday they are offering lunch deals every work day of the week. Some of it on their regular menu, others only available during that day of the week.
On Monday it is their Chicken Karaage Don for $9.95. The perfect amount of food, with plenty of rice to have with soft and crispy nuggets of chicken meat.
On Tuesday and Thursday the special is their Beef Teriyaki Don for $9.95. Generous ribbons of tender and chewy beef over saucy rice. I found great value in this one.
Coincidentally it was Wednesday when we visited and we all liked that day’s special the most. Japanese Curry with Sausage Don for $11.95. Even if it wasn’t a Wednesday I would still order their Japanese curry with egg and add on other toppings like fried chicken or shrimp, and/or teriyaki chicken and beef. A wonderfully thick and gelatinously sweet curry that was flavourful enough to just have over plain steamed white rice. The sausage wouldn’t be my first choice, but at that price it doesn’t matter much.
On Friday it is the Mixed Fry Bento with Tartar Sauce for $11.95. This is probably the best value given the selection you get here, and the addition of a miso soup. Not only rice, but a scoop of mashed potatoes to have with the collection of battered and fried scallop, shrimp, and fish. Unexpected was the Tartar sauce, whereas I was expecting the more traditional tangy and brown Japanese sauce for dip.
We couldn’t walk away without trying one of their fusion sushi rolls. This was an Aburi ebi roll with prawn and avocado on the inside, topped with their homemade aburi sauce, torched for a caramelized coating. The highlight was their shiso pesto, a more floral and light version of pesto. It was so iconic that we suggested they make it into a pasta dish on its own.
If only Ohashi was more readily available to me, I would be frequenting their shop. My only grievance is their cardboard spoons. It was quick to grow soggy and as a result lack the strength needed to scoop sauces and meats to the last bite. I can and will be recommending this one!
Ohashi Japanese
530 Hornby St Unit 3, Vancouver, BC V6C 2E7
(236) 785-7956
ohashijapanese.com
