After nearly a decade, it's time for a little switch-up in concepts as Downtown's Gyoza Bar becomes a new weekday destination for Japanese curry dishes.
Wa! Curry is a fresh concept launching mid-March in the 622 W Pender St space that has long been a go-to for ramen and sides, and for a time a mini marketplace.
Ownership of the restaurant has remained the same - it's still Vancouver's esteemed Aburi Restaurants Canada behind the new curry-centric venture - but the team felt it was time for a change.
Wa! Curry takes its name from the Japanese word “washoku,” which essentially means Japanese food - symbolizing the harmonious nature of Japanese cuisine, describes Aburi Restaurants, which uses the term in conjunction with its popular off-shoot venture, Aburi Market (the flagship standalone store is in West Vancouver at Ambleside).
Diners at Wa! Curry will experience a counter-service dine-in and take-out concept with a menu of wagyu curry and stew dishes, made using Iwate A5 wagyu direct from Japan, alongside a plant-based Keema Curry, all served with rice.
A range of toppings will be available to enhance the dishes, such as breaded shrimp fry, pork katsu, scallop fry, yellowtail fry, hamburg steak, Japanese fried chicken, kaisen fry medley, brussels sprouts, potatoes, sweet potatoes, and crispy tempeh.
“We wanted to create a spot that would offer guests both convenience and comfort food and look forward to having them try our curry using the best Japanese beef,” said Seigo Nakamura, founder and CEO of Aburi Restaurants Canada in a media release.
Limited seating will be available for dine-in on a first-come, first-served basis. Under the Wa! Curry banner, Aburi will continue to use the kitchen space at the former Gyoza Bar as a commissary kitchen for its operations. Wa! Curry will be open Monday to Friday from noon to 5 p.m.
