Zakkushi Charcoal Grill (on Main): For those who are Adventurous or Drinkers

Zakkushi is one of my favourite non-sushi Japanese restaurants. They are known as tapas - snacks, appetizers, finger foods usually to accompany drinks. At Zakkushi, they are known to use a special type of Japanese charcoal grill, Binchotan. This flameless type of grilling has a high component of carbon (~95%) so the food is able to retain its own flavour without impurities.

They currently have 2 locations in Vancouver: Denman street and Main street. We visited the one on Main street and it may be easily missed as it's kinda in the dark corner of a square. Even though we were only a party of 2, we had to wait over 30 minutes to be seated, so we actually went to have dessert at Sweet Revenge first.

I think the seats at this location is quite cute and cozy. Perfect for couples, not so much for groups. Here we have the zakkushi set for $9.20. I recommend getting this one for the first-time visitors as it's like sample taster as it includes 5 different skewers: mono, umeshiso yaki, me maki, p-toro, and oropon beef. My favourite is the p-toro (pork belly) as it tasted unique, tender, and fatty!

Zakkushi set - momo, umeshiso yaki, me maki, p-toro, oropon beef $9.20

As you probably already know, I love chewy things and I fall for anything mochi, hence, I had to get the mochi maki.

mochi maki (sticky rice wrapped with pork) $2

I love trying new things and this was definitely different and you probably won't find it at a typical restaurant. Mochi (sticky rice) wrapped with pork?! Tasty!

Now on to one of my Zakkushi favourites: yakitori don $7.50. I loved this Japanese-style soft boil egg with teriyaki chicken sprinkled with seaweed. Break the egg and mix it up! Another one of my favourite dons (rice bowls) with the soft boiled egg and eel is from Deer Garden Restaurant.

Yakitori don - teriyaki chicken, half boiled egg, mayo, green onion, seaweed on rice $7.50

To finish off, I got the salmon onigiri (rice ball). What's so special about onigiris? I'm not sure, but I wanted to try one. I didn't find anything special, it was just like eating rice mixed with bits of salmon but in the same of a triangle.

Salmon onigiri

This restaurant is quite for those who are adventurous as the menu has a variety of unique items that one can order a bit of this and that to try. It's also great for those who like a drink or two with some light snacks.