Ebi Ten Japanese Fast Food (map, 388 Robson Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada, phone: 604-689-9938) is a bright, bustling take-out restaurant across from the Vancouver Main Library downtown that serves inexpensive sushi, teriyaki, tempura, and other tasty Japanese food selections.

The restaurant is run by mostly Japanese students who are very efficient at serving big lineups quickly. Fast food is the name of the game here – Ebi Ten seems to have taken a cue from McDonalds and if there is a big line, someone might take your order while you are still in line, so that when you get to the cashier your food will soon be ready.

Pictured below is some of the ready-made sushi that is available in the refrigerated display case at the entrance to the restaurant. A roll such as the ones pictured costs in the range of $1.75 to $3.00 depending on the type. I really like the Ebi Ten Roll (pictured below) and the Tuna Avocado Roll (also pictured below). Other fun treats to try are the Takoyaki, the battered and deep fried octopus balls which are served with a topping of mayonnaise (not pictured), and the green Seaweed Salad (pictured below) which has a delicate, slightly salty flavor and is a little bit chewy.

Ebi Ten Japanese Restaurant is within walking distance of the major theatres such as the Queen Elizabeth Theatre, the Playhouse, as well as the sports stadiums (GM Place Stadium and BC Place Stadium), making it a good place to go to grab a quick bite before a concert, theatre play, or game.

Don’t expect haute cuisine here – the food is simply cheap, fast, filling, and can satisfy a sushi or teriyaki craving.

For more photos and info please view: Part 1, Part 2.

Tuna and Avocado Roll Sushi from Ebi Ten Japanese Restaurant in Vancouver BC Canada.

Ebi Ten Roll (around $3) from Ebi Ten Japanese restaurant in Vancouver, BC, Canada.

Seaweed Salad from Ebi Ten Japanese Restaurant in Vancouver, BC, Canada.

Asakusa Sushi (map, visitor reviews, 4729 Kingsway, Burnaby, BC, Canada, phone: 604-436-5505) is a hole-in-the-wall Japanese restaurant across from Metrotown mall that is the favorite of some true sushi aficionados.

hisashi_rocks, a reviewer on Menuism, writes (click here to read review):

They may not have the best sushi ever but they have the best affordable sushi in town. Some people probably prefer Sushi Garden to this one but not me. One of my favourites.

I visited on a friend’s recommendation and I was impressed by the generosity of the portions, especially the Sashimi for One Person, which was gigantic and good quality ($12, pictured below). Other dishes we ate are also pictured below. I’ll definitely visit Asakusa again soon.

Tako sunomono ($3.50) from Asakusa Japanese restaurant in Burnaby

Sushi from Asakusa Japanese Restaurant in Burnaby

Sashimi for One Person ($12.00) from Asakusa in Burnaby

More sushi from Asakusa Japanese Restaurant near Metrotown.

Miso soup ($1.00) and tea from Asakusa Japanese restaurant in Burnaby, BC, Canada.

Tacos Mexico Rico (map, visitor reviews, 309 West Pender, Vancouver, BC, Canada, phone: 604-688-7426) serves authentic Mexican food in a casual, unpretentious atmosphere.

eastvanstones, a reviewer on DineHere.ca writes (click here to read review):

The chicken enchiladas with verde sauce are exactly like they are in a local place in small town Mexico. Others have had the burritos and salads and are always happy.

The atmoshpere is good too with the cheesy Mexican soaps and gameshows on the TV, and the service is decent – the woman who runs the place is always smiling and happy, even though her English is limited.

Pictured below is the Chicken Enchilada that I ate (for around $9), which I thought was really tasty. I went with a large group of coworkers and we agreed that it was a satisfying Mexican lunch. The place is decorated in a simple style that reminds me of some of the inexpensive but honestly-good restaurants in Mexico I visited which were mainly frequented by locals.

Chicken Enchilada from Tacos Mexico Rico Mexican Restaurant in Vancouver, BC, Canada.