Tag Archives: Korean

06.04.25
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H-mart Victoria Is Finally Open! And Everyone Loves This Operation, Moreorless. 

H-Mart Front

Although H Mart is a U.S. based grocery store specializing in Asian (Korean) products, the current climate in Canada to not support American-based operations/goods did not stop the masses from checking out the grand opening. This place can do better by not carrying the usual Coca-Cola, Ferrero Group and the like, but I digress. Even on the second weekend, when I visited, it was packed. It felt like I was walking through a mini-Costco at Mayfair Shopping Centre. I sampled as much Korean food as possible and looked for the deals.

And the range of expanded Asian goods, when compared to other local operations, is the best I’ve seen in ages. I’ve visited T&T Supermarket in Vancouver, and the vast range of products is equally comparable. Had this operation decided on selling only South Korean, Chinese, and Japanese manufactured items, I’d shop very often here. Sadly, the pricing is no better than other places. A careful buyer is best advised to monitor H Mart’s weekly flyers to know where to go to buy those 5 packs of instant ramens!

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01.03.24
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When All I Crave is a BobaDog There’s Not Much to Bark About

20231210_1211251108 Blanshard St.
Victoria, BC

Hours: Daily from noon to 6:30 p.m.
With extended hours weekends
Phone: (778) 432-2622
Website: https://bobadogrestaurant.com/

ES: Every once in a while, all I want is a dog. It just has to be big and warm. As much as I would love to have a pet around the house to play with, I’m referring to the hot dog. When The Hot Dog Guys at Tillicum didn’t live up to all my expectations for themed dawgs, thankfully Bobadog Bubble Tea & Hot Dogs did not disappoint! I even had a Godzilla sized appetite….

20231210_121135

DK: While Ed was hoping Bobadog would erase bad memories of lesser dogs, I wasn’t looking for much. I pass by Bobadog multiple times a week, and would have been fine never going in. But when a friend is on a hot dog mission, by God, you stand beside him.

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07.05.23
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How to Turn a Corn Dog to a Chung Chun Rice Dog is Easy. You just….

20230423_145323502 S King St
Seattle, WA

Hours: Daily from 11 a.m.–8 p.m.
Menu: chungchunricehotdog.menu11.com
Phone: (206) 682-1300

ES: I must admit that in Seattle’s International District, there’s always a delightful scent that fills the air. No, I’m not talking about the smell of weed, but rather of all the bakeries that are around. From one place that we hit up for a quick baked snack that Don recommended to just walking around the block, I’m glad I wondered about all the people walking around with a corn dog in their hand. Although it didn’t take my nose to track it down, just walking by Chung Chun Rice Dog made me realise we gotta eat here!

DK: I’m a sucker for a slightly grubby looking place with a long line, and that’s how Chung Chun presented itself to us. By the time we ordered, there were approximately 20 people packed into a space designed for about half that, with another 20 or so waiting outside. We later learned part of the reason for the clown car conglomeration was likely the restaurant’s devotion to proper deep-frying. Our dogs were shockingly un-greasy, suggesting high-heat frying and an aversion to placing too many dogs in one fryer at the same time.

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10.05.22
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The Candid on Smile Chicken, in a busy Korean Fried Scene…

smile chicken1001 Douglas G12
Victoria, BC

Hours: 11:30 am to 10pm
Phone: (604) 782-8592

Sadly, La Fiesta Café, the Mexican diner at the corner of Douglas and Broughton, is no more. In its place is Smile Chicken. I think the fact we have two new Korean Fried operations (one still coming) downtown is amusing when considering there was a chicken shortage in 2021. One year is more than enough to regrow a population, but are the hens happy? It’s safe to say most likely not.

I’ve been here three times now, and when this operation has corn dogs on the menu, why not? When I’m craving this carnival food staple, it certainly satisfies.

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08.24.22
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When It’s Time to Return to Parks Kitchen

20220724_140815606 Trounce Alley
Victoria, BC

Hours: Weds to Sun 11:30am to 9pm.
Phone: (778) 265-2227

ES: Park’s Kitchen reinvented itself many years ago. The last time I’ve been there, this restaurant was a Japanese only restaurant but these days (even prior to the pandemic), they expanded their menu to include Korean, and I think that’s a good thing! The only downside is that their Japanese selection isn’t as varied anymore.

I’ve been meaning to return here, but every time I walk through Trounce Alley, it’s en route to Quazar’s Arcade to play video games rather than for a bite. I’ve often been tempted in because of the daily specials, but alas, I’m meeting up with other pals. After hanging out with Don at the said place and challenging each other to Street Fighter and other intensive battle games, we worked up an appetite!

DK: Let’s see now–I’ve got a notepad open, a photo of Park’s lunch special for inspiration, a refreshing glass of ice water–all the elements required to knock off another barn-burning blokepost.

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06.24.20
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Oh My Taiyaki at Snowy Village

Snowy Village
4071-#2a Shelbourne St
Victoria, BC

Phone: (250) 590-2277
Hours: Weds – Monday: 2–8p.m.

Unit #2a at Feltham Centre must be cursed. Every few years, it changes operations. Not even the novel coronavirus can stop Snowy Village during these harder times. I’ve visited this dining space in its previous forms, which can be found here offering churros) and here (Hong Kong style desserts). Instead of going back to what it was (I’m guessing the same Asian family rents the space but depending on whose idea it is to change theme, that person is the manager), the decision to buy into a new franchise was on their mind. Now, I can get cold treats like the bingsoo and a staple with taiyaki.

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