Food brings people together. Eating and socializing go hand-in-hand, but we all know how expensive this habit can be. That’s why Izakaya is a great option for those that want to socialize on the cheap. So for those of you who like to eat and mingle without spending a ton of dough in the process, tell your friends to each bring five bucks and head out for the Japanese version of tapas. Here are a few spots that are offering some share-worthy deals in Vancouver.
The Japanese Omelette, Chicken Karaage, yam fries, and Yaki Onigiri are just a few items for under a Vancity Buzz and Chowmenow budget. For a sweet treat, try the fried vanilla ice cream or matcha and dark chocolate mousse for $4.80.
You can score some sweet savings between 3pm and 6pm at Ebisu. Available 7 days a week, oysters are 99cents, chicken wings are 49 cents, and a ton of dishes like gyozas, calamari, and the Volcano Roll are $4.99. If you dine outside of these hours, you can find tapas like Takoyaki, Takowasa, and BBQ chicken skewers for the same price.
Perhaps Vancouver’s most popular izakaya watering hole, Hapa’s Hapa Hour is high on our list for cheap eats. For one hour every day, you can get dishes like Spicy Pork Ishi-Yaki, Ebi Mayo, and Beef Tataki for $4.99 or less. Each location slightly differs in menus and time, so just make sure to check before you head out.
Some $5 highlights here include the Gingawa Age, deep-fried chicken gizzard skin, and the sticky rice with sweet soy sauce. Grab a couple extra quarters and you can get three appetizers for $5.50.
Pictured above is the Takoyaki, a deep-fried octopus ball topped with wasabi mayo and bonito flakes for $5. Other goodies under $5 include Kabocha Croquette, fish cakes, Tako Wasabi, and any of their desserts like the green tea ice cream.
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Photo Sources: Hapa Facebook, Ebisu Facebook, Guu Facebook, Kevin T., Fonny C.
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