Popular Japanese Bento & Onigiri Brand To Open New Downtown Vancouver Location

Vancouverites, get ready to welcome a new gem in downtown!

Takenaka, the beloved Japanese bento box truck and onigiri cafe, has been spotted setting up shop in a historic Gastown on Powell Street.

They will be taking over the unit once home to Rodney’s Oyster House which closed up after 10 years of operation at the end of 2023.

For many locals, Takenaka is a name that resonates with Japanese cuisine lovers across Vancouver.

Takenaka is a Japanese food truck that first started 4 years ago.

It was created to introduce delicious bento boxes on the go by Chef & Owner Shogo Takenaka and Sous-chef Daiki Ishikawa.

These chefs are part of the Tamaru Shoten Group, which is behind popular award-winning Japanese izakayas and restaurants like Kingyo, Raisu, Suika, and Rajio.

Back in March 2023, the Takenaka team opened their first storefront location inside East Vancouver’s COHO Commissary, selling onigiri, breakfast and lunch sets and their bentos.

After the success of their truck and onigiri cafe, they’re now ready to bring their food to Gastown.

If you already a fan of Takenaka’s menu, you’ll be happy that many will make an appearance. Expect bento boxes to set menus to small plates and their plump onigiris to be available.

Pair these delights with Japanese sake or beer for the ultimate dining experience.

The new Gastown location is expected to be complete in May and will be a great addition to the area as the city looks to revitalize the neighbourhood this summer by making it pedestrian-only for July & August.

Once we know the exact opening date, we’ll keep you up to date!

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: 52 Powell St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1E7

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