604 Food Critic

Basil Box Subway-Styled SouthEast Asian Fast Food Lemongrass Chicken with Penang Curry

Basil Box Franchise Healthy South East Asian Fast Food

October 24, 2019

The food at Basil Box is tasty, but the flavour profile was a little bland for people who are used to higher sodium Asian food with a punch. I like how simple it is to order with no item on the menu that would cost you extra. Even a first-timer like me can have a pleasant ordering experience with a little help from the server. For $11.95 a box, it is a little expensive with the small portion. However, Basil Box is a healthy South Eastern Asian food alternative so it is really up to the individual's opinion whether they are worth it.

Presotea Bubble Tea Stand in Oakridge Food Court Milk Tea Triple Combo

The only bubble tea franchise inside Oakridge Food Court in 2019

October 23, 2019

I guess there are advantages of being an establishment with no similar stores nearby. That must be how Presotea was able to survive thus far. This tea station failed in all aspects of our review except for the service. I have not seen any bubble tea franchise do this bad. Customers paying for $7.04 per cup definitely deserve better. They can improve on either larger-sized drinks, cheaper price, more balanced flavour, or higher quality topping. Even if they only pick 2 items to improve, Presotea's drink would be acceptable. For now, I cannot recommend them.

Ramen Gaoh in North Burnaby

October 22, 2019

Ramen Gaoh created lots of hype when they first opened. We came to see if we can withstand the spiciest ramen in Vancouver but left with disappointment. The food quality is not bad, but they can be more careful when cooking. I like both the exterior and interior decoration. The dining area has a good atmosphere. Since Ramen Gaoh is opened by the group that opened Ramen Gojiro, Menya Kouji Group, I was expecting a little more for $20 per person.

QianDao hotpot in Surrey

October 21, 2019

QianDao hotpot is a nice hotpot establishment in Surrey T&T Supermarket. This restaurant offers natural and refreshing broth base for you to cook your raw food. The broth was very enjoyable before you move on to cooking. Once the cooking starts, this advantage diminishes as not much of the broth’s flavour gets carried to the food especially with the sauce from the condiment station. Service wise, the staff came to refill the broth at least 4 times but only came to refill the tea once at the end of our meal. This is likely to be a business decision to sell more drinks. The meat is pretty fresh but the assorted balls are expensive for what they are. Our visit cost us $40 per person with the majority of the cost coming from the broth. The combo can get you a cheaper meal. However, judging from the other customer’s order, they don’t not look like a good deal. Overall, QianDao has quality, but the cost is also pretty high.

Sooda Korean BBQ in Burnaby

October 20, 2019

Sooda Korean BBQ serves traditional Korean food alongside the newer type of Korean food. Their special hot plate dish can be enjoyed individually or mixed. the $20 per person price point isn't too expensive compared to other similar Korean food restaurants. They have plenty of parking and the location is close to the Brentwood Skytrain station. If you don't want to drive all the way to Coquitlam to enjoy good Korean food, Sooda Korean BBQ can be a good option for you.

Sushi Bang Cantonese styled Japanese Restaurant

October 19, 2019

Sushi Bang is operated by Cantonese. The food served here lack integrity from real Japanese food. Average-grade ingredients created average food. Their relocation caused the increased price, but the increase in food quality is almost non-existent. This type of Cantopanese restaurant is not for me but may cater to some people. I have no problem paying the default 15% tips because the service is not that bad. However, it should've been given, not requested. I don't recommend it because I cannot justify a $15 un-authentic Japanese bento box.

Veras Burger Shack on Main Street Vera Burger close up

Vancouver’s best burger for 10 years

October 18, 2019

you cannot get the smoky charred beef patty without it being flame-grilled. It is a flavour not many places can duplicate. Their weakness lies in the unclear menu options. I couldn't find a way to create a combo, so I didn't even get a drink. My Vera burger with fries cost $13.07 after-tax. This price is very similar to Fatburger. The burger at Vera's is slightly smaller, but they shine through with the flavour.

Beijing Hotpot in Richmond Jing Men Style Lamb Slices

Newly Opened Northern Chinese Style Hotpot in Richmond

October 17, 2019

Our visit to Beijing Hotpot cost us $47 per person after tax. It is expensive but it is also in line with most of the hotpot restaurants with similar quality. I like how wed on't need to pay extra to access a comprehensive condiment bar. The portion for both meat and veggies are larger than Dolar Shop. There is not much choice for the broth, but the excellent sauce made up for it. They really paid attention in the designing the detail to set the mood, and I have no problem recommending this hotpot restaurant.

Saboten delicious Japanese Cutlet in Aberdeen Centre Tenderloin Cutlet

Saboten Aberdeen, Tonkatsu in Richmond

October 16, 2019

Saboten is the biggest tonkatzu franchise in Japan. Unfortunately not a lot of us have heard about them. Because of that, I am considering Saboten a hidden gem in Richmond. Hiring Cantonese to take the order result in loss of true Japanese franchise experience. It's such a shame that this action gave customer a false first impression that the food may not taste authentic. The $11.50 price point makes them much more affordable than Saku. I have no problem recommending Saboten for anyone who visits Aberdeen food court.

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