Monthly Archives: July 2024

07.17.24
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[Vancouver, BC] The Fast and the Furious with Ramen Danbo on Robson St.

20240216_2203321333 Robson St
Vancouver, BC

Hours: Daily from 11p.m to 11 p.m.
Menu: ramendanbo.com
Phone: (604) 559-8112

On a chilly night, sometimes a warm dish of ramen is required to chase the blues away. Technically, we’re now in summer, and it’s a great time to explore the big city, or the adjacent municipality like Richmond. Trying to find a bite late at night isn’t all that tough, but when my appetite strikes closer to midnight, the options are fewer. Thankfully, Ramen Danbo came to the rescue! With this chain opening operations all around the world (almost), I had to check out this operation. Every time I’m on the Robson strip, I see lineups. 

The buzz is in the broth, and it’s all about what’s in the white tonkotsu (pork bone) soup. Part of the process is now “mass-produced” so that it can be shipped to outlets so it can be brewed properly in house. Unlike open window operations, I couldn’t get to see how it’s made (when compared to another place I hit while in town).

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07.03.24
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[Seattle, WA] A Doh at The Dough Zone

20240301_165356815 Pine St
Seattle, WA

Hours: 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Website: doughzonedumplinghouse.com
Phone: (206) 682-6666

I don’t find the trend of choosing what you want to eat in advance all that unusual these days. This is more common in metropolises than anyplace else, and when operations like The Dough Zone to be as speedy as possible, I wonder if diner satisfaction is on top of the restaurant manager’s mind? I get the feeling they’re trying to the McDonalds of the Asian fast food scene when considering it is a franchise operation stretching from Washington State to California (and Texas).

If anyone wants to grab a quick bite here during the busy hours, I don’t recommend it. It’s best to reserve in advance. When the operation I went to is in the beating heart of the convention centre alley, they’re very popular. Also, when I didn’t want to stray too far when there were evening activities, they were pretty much the only choice unless I wanted to pay more at the bar that’s located at the Summit Building.

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