Japanese for “lucky tiger,” Torafuku first opened its doors in 2015 and has quickly become one of Vancouver’s Main Street staples. Using ingredients sourced from local farmers, Executive Chef Clement Chan serves up boldly flavoured dishes designed for sharing. This Pan Asian eatery boasts large floor to ceiling windows allowing passersby a glimpse of its beautifully decorated interior. The minimalist design features polished cement floors that flow seamlessly into a large counter space. The middle of the room is dominated by a long communal table, while rows of earth-toned booths line the walls.
We started with the DY-NO-MITE roll, a classic dish with a prawn tempura, avocado, and cucumber filling. A thin slice of steelhead salmon was draped over the length of the roll for a delicious twist, and finished with a togo aioli drizzle for an added kick. This dish achieves the perfect balance of salty and sweet.
Next, the playfully named Hooked on Crack dish blends Brussels sprouts, broccoli, and cauliflower: a truly addictive combination. The vegetables are charred to perfection and tossed in a black bean balsamic vinegar. The plate is then sprinkled with crispy chickpeas and toasted almonds for extra crunch. The balsamic glaze is full-bodied and savoury, an ideal pairing with the fresh and crisp vegetables.
For dessert we had the Magic Stick, a chocolate ganache paired with a hazelnut feuilletine, accompanied by a scoop of condensed milk ice cream, and nestled on a bed of matcha crumble. The ganache is a shot of pure chocolate, and the condensed milk ice cream is just the right amount of sweet. The crunch of the matcha crumble is a clever complement to the creamy textures of the other ingredients.
Torafuku’s snackable dishes are delicious and affordable. Paired with a refreshing pint of classic Japanese beer, dinner for two runs around $60, a reasonable price to pay for an enjoyable night out in Vancouver.
Torafuku
958 Main Street
Vancouver, BC
778-903-2006
www.torafuku.ca
