Usually, Kitsilano is the neighbourhood that doesn’t change much when it comes to its food scene.
Well, recently that hasn’t been the case at all.
While we were checking out the new Goldie’s Bakery last week, we noticed a new sign had sprung up at the previous Kokoro Tokyo Mazesoba unit.
We swung by the area to check out (anonymously as usual), The Hungry Duck, and we were surprised by what we found.
The restaurant describes itself as a Japanese-style fire-grilled meats served donburi-style over rice.
On its signage, there is a tagline that says it all: quick, smoky, value.
Hint: it checks out.
The Kokoro space has been completely transformed from an old izakaya theme to a whimsical duck theme that is hard to miss.
Bright cartoon duck illustrations cover the walls with phrases like “Quack if you’re hungry” and “Feed the Duck.”
A plush duck mascot sits near the entrance, and yellow and white striped accent walls give the room a cheerful, playful feel.
It is a noticeably different vibe from what Kokoro had in the same space.
Ordering is done on iPad screens at each table, keeping the experience quick and self-directed.
We ordered the signature Buta Don set, and it arrived on a wooden tray looking like something straight out of a Tokyo lunch counter.
A towering pile of smoky char-grilled pork belly covered every inch of the bowl, with a bed of warm rice hidden underneath.
The regular set starts at $17.99 and comes with miso soup, chawanmushi, seasoned seaweed, scallion tofu, cabbage salad, and kabocha salad.
For under $20, it is one of the better value lunch sets on W 4th right now.
The portions are no doubt generous and should fill most people up.
Even the staff said many customers end up packing leftovers to take home.
Near the end of our meal, we spotted a familiar face in the kitchen.
It turns out The Hungry Duck is actually by the same team behind Kokoro Mazesoba.
The owner shared that this is their new test concept, inspired by the donburi shops across Japan that are known for filling portions at approachable prices.
That influence is clear.
Butadon, or grilled pork belly rice bowls, originated in the Tokachi region of Hokkaido in the 1930s as a filling meal for farm laborers.
It has since become one of Japan’s most popular quick lunch formats, especially among office workers looking for something fast and satisfying.
Beyond the Buta Don, the menu includes a Chicken Don, a Deluxe Don topped with an onsen egg, and a Beef Short Rib Don starting at $21.99.
There are also vermicelli bowls, curry rice, a banh mi sandwich, and two plant-based options.
Guests can swap the rice base for noodle salads, fried rice, or other carb substitutes.
Add-ons include Hokkaido scallop skewers and an onsen egg.
For dessert, the tiramisu and Hokkaido soft serve from the previous Kokoro Mazesoba days are still on the menu.
This is an interesting addition by the Kokoro Mazesoba team – who also has Tendon Kohaku under its umbrella.
I can forsee this doing quite well in other parts of the city and in Richmond.
But for now, The Hungry Duck joins a growing wave of new food spots in the area, including Angus T River District, ChaTraMue, and IMRAN Beef Noodle.
For more new and upcoming food spots in Metro Vancouver, take a peek at our tracker here, and subscribe to our weekly newsletter here.
Address: 1835 W 4th Avenue, Vancouver, BC