I’m so happy that Vancouver is growing and expanding in terms of the variety of food it offers.  It’s not just the food that is being served, but how and where they are being served.  Tenku Bakudanyaki and Fumisen and Shoryumen is the symbol of such changes right in the heart of Richmond, BC.  I’ve visted Tenku Bakudanyaki on many occassions and have loved every morsel of that delicious giant bakudanyaki ball.

On to the directions first!  These unique little Japanese vans are located on the way to Richmond’s Olympic Oval and is in the parking of ICBC (right across from Rona).  The exact address is: 7100 Elmbridge Way, Richmond.  It’s not difficult to find because there is a giant Inuksku there right now because of the Vancouver 2010 Olympics.They are open from 11 to 8pm – 7 days a week!

They added a little wooden shed to the location for people to hide from the rain and cold.  It’s really comfy eating inside.  Take a look!

The reason we came here late at night is because iPanda was hungry and wanted a snack (as always).  As well, I wanted to check out Fumisen (rice cone) and the new ramen place located right next to it.  In total, there are now three vans serving different types of Japanese food.  The first is the giant bakudanyaki, then the Japanese rice cones, and finally the ramen place.  On this particular visit, we didn’t get to sample the ramen because we only wanted a snack.  But it sure smelled good!

Ahh!!!  Japanese rice cones are my favorite.  I’m sure most people have tried the chopped scallop cones at AYCE places.  But this place lets you choose our own ingredients!!  It was a must try.  It’s pretty easy to order.  All you have to do is follow the steps on the board.  Step one: I ordered nori….Step two: tried the salmon rice (no idea what the difference is between this and the sushi rice because they tasted the same)…..Step three: my favourite scallops (I was hopping he would load it on…I WANT MORE!)……step 4: my love for tobiko and avocado……step 5: Rockia’s favorite wasabi mayo.

TA DA!  After waiting a couple of minutes, the very nice man handed me my $5 cone.  It was delicious!  I fell in love with it after my first bite.  I think it makes a difference when you get to chose all of your favorite fillings.  The ingredients were all very fresh and juicy. The filling was stuffed from the top of the cone to the bottom.  The nori wasn’t very crunchy because of the moisture from the rice had already set in.  I had to chew the nori a bit to bite through. As well, I found that 5 dollars was a bit expensive for this cone.  The reason is because we paid the same thing for a giant bakudanyaki ball and they were way more filling and stuffed with ingredients.

I will probably go back to try the chef’s choices because they are less expensive.  Most of the recommended cones are around $3.50 and that is very reasonable.  Of course, the trade off is that I don’t get all my favourite ingredients wrapped in a medium sized seaweed cone.

We also had a craving for Bakudanyaki so we order the Miso Mayo for 5 dollars~  This takes longer to make so don’t order this if you are rushed for time.

They serve it in this really cute Chinese style take out box.  The reason these are so great is that it’s not messy at all.  I can close the lid of my box and eat it in the car or take it home to eat.  It’s great.  They also stick a napkin and chopsticks in the side of the box.

And here is my yummy miso mako.  The ingredients inside are: cabbage, shrimp, rice cake, fish cake,calamari, squid and quail egg.

Did I just list quail egg?  You got it!  It’s delicious inside the bakudanyaki because it is cooked perfectly tucked inside the ball.  The bakudanyaki is super hot though.  Be careful!

And lastly, here is the ramen cart we didn’t get to try. No worries though.  We will be back shortly.  This experience is so unique! To have these trio of vans in Vancouver (our beautiful British Columbia) is a super great experience.  Keep it up Tenku, Fumisen, and Shortumen!!!!!

Overall impression:

Good:

• unique food experience (FUN!)
• Bakudanyaki makes more than a light snack

Bad:

• maybe install heat lamps?
• 5 dollars for rice cone is a bit much