Chef Clement Chan and Steve Kuan of Vancouver's popular food truck Le Tigre have give us a 48-seat, sit-down restaurant on Main Street.
Even though Torafuku means "lucky tiger" in Japanese, it doesn't seem like it's luck they need, as locals are loving this latest venture.
Torafuku's delicious ramen — Photo courtesy of Torafuku
Scott and Scott Architects were brought in to create the minimalist space that sets the stage for the vibrant dishes. One thing you'll notice when you sit down is that the acoustics are on point, and it's incredibly easy to have a conversation.
The restaurant is predominantly an open concept, with a few cozy nooks. The kitchen is in the middle of the space, so diners can get a glimpse of the action.
With a play on flavors found in Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese and Taiwanese cuisines, the menu is bursting with flavor. Dishes are made to be shared, and food comes out as each dish is ready.
The Kickass Rice 2.0 is a take on a popular dish from the food truck and is turned into an aburi-style torched pork belly sushi.
All dishes have fun names, like Get in My Belly and Silence of the Lamb.
A meal out wouldn't be complete without something to wash it all down with, and at Torafuku you're in the very capable hands of Max Borrowman. Bringing experience from the Fairmont Pacific Rim, Borrowman's cocktails are well thought out and the perfect sippers to accompany your meal.
The All England Club was Borrowman's winning cocktail at the Beefeater MIXLDN Competition 2015 in Vancouver. It's a tasty mix of Beefeater gin, strawberry butter-infused Beefeater 24, cream of Earl Grey-infused Amaro Montenegro, Maiden Dry vermouth and a five-spice tincture.
There's street parking out front. Or, if you're planning on imbibing in a few cocktails, the Skytrain is a short walk away.
Torafuku's pan-Asian cuisine, fantastic cocktails, and sleek space make for a great night out.
