New year, new noodles: A Tokyo-based ramen chain will be opening a new location in Vancouver with an outpost in Mount Pleasant.
Afuri Ramen + Dumpling is moving into 2801 Main Street in a former Hakim Optical location. Signage is up on the windows of the space, which will undergo renovation to transform from retail to restaurant.
Afuri, which entered the Canadian market two years ago with a debut location in Richmond, is known for its chicken-broth based Yuzu Shio Ramen. The restaurant is named for Mt. Afuri, "on the east edge of the Tanzawa mountains in Kanagawa prefecture," according to the business.
The franchise came stateside in 2016, launching in Portland, Oregon. There are also Afuri locations in California, as well as in Singapore and Hong Kong.
In addition to their Yuzu Shio and other chicken broth-based ramen, Afuri's ramen selection includes tonkotsu-style (pork broth), tsukemen (cold noodles), and a hazelnut broth ramen. Their noodles are made in-house and come in thick and thin.
Elsewhere on the menu, you'll find small plates, like fried shishito peppers and stuffed buns, as well as dumplings, and "gohan" dishes - which are dishes served over rice. Their drinks menu includes cocktails, shochu, sake, whiskies, and multiple non-alcoholic beverages.
Afuri also offers an electronic ordering system where customers can order from kiosks on their own and customize their meals.
To get a taste of Afuri before the Main Street location opens, head to 140-7971 Alderbridge Way in Richmond to check out their first Metro Vancouver location.
