There’s a new grab-and-go Japanese-inspired inari and sushi spot in Downtown Vancouver and it is by some familiar names!
Red Wasabi, a fresh-faced eatery specializing in inari, donburi, futomaki and kimbap, quietly soft opened in Yaletown last week, taking over the former Glory Juice unit.
We dropped by anonymously and were met with a warm welcome from the owner and his wife, who walked us through their beautifully arranged offerings.
The front case was stacked with eye-catching inaris – crispy pockets of tofu filled with rice and topped with goodies like spicy salmon, aburi scallop, shrimp tempura, and teriyaki beef.
There are over 9 different options, but if you want our recommendation, definitely go for the scallop one!
But the biggest surprise?
When we mentioned trying similar inaris at a small Coquitlam shop called Sushi Tree, the owner, Joon, smiled and said, “That’s ours too!”
Yup – Red Wasabi is the latest concept from the folks behind the highly rated Sushi Tree at Henderson Place Mall, which opened in 2021.
Joon also revealed that his family also runs the beloved Kimbap Cheonguk on Burnaby’s North Road, a local gem known for its affordable, homestyle Korean kimbap since the early 2000s.
This Yaletown outpost is their first foray into Vancouver, and while Joon mentioned they’re still ironing things out, it’s clear this isn’t their first rodeo.
For anyone who’s missed Kimbap Cheonguk’s classic kimbap – especially since the spot was temporarily shuttered due to a building explosion earlier this year, you’ll be glad to know a limited number of their kimbap are available here.
Joon says they hope to reopen the North Road location in 2 to 3 months.
Prices at Red Wasabi are super accessible: inari are $3 each, and both kimbap and futomaki are $6.
If you’ve never had inari before, just know these flavour-packed pouches make for a solid, satisfying lunch.
They’re more filling than they look!
And if you’re having some late night cravings, they have a happy hour deal from 8PM – 10PM where everything is 20% off.
The space itself is minimal yet bright, with bar seating by the window and a few patio tables for outdoor diners.
Ordering is done in person at the moment, but kiosks will be available soon for a streamlined experience.
Red Wasabi now joins a string of new food spots energizing the city’s dining scene, including Lucia, Moodbe Cafe, Sainam, and Provisions Kitsilano.
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: 437 Davie St, Vancouver BC