Another post by Pick…this time about Bakudanyaki. It almost makes me wish I still lived in Richmond so I could try this out but I guess I’ll just have to make a trip out there!
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Having lived in Richmond for almost my entire life, it’s easy to spot when a new restaurant pops up. Tenku Bakudanyaki has been no exception. Tenku Bakudanyaki is located on the corner of Gilbert and Elmbridge (in Richmond) in a large open parking lot across from what use to be club Blox. It operates out of a small trailer kiosk usually with a few cars parked beside it everyday from 11:30am – 9:30pm (as long as they don’t run out of Bakudanyaki).
So what is a Bakudanyaki? Bakudanyaki are quite similar to Takoyaki (fried Japanese octopus rice balls) and have been called by some the next Japa Dog. Bakudanyaki are about 4 times larger than the regular Takoyaki. In addition, they’re stuffed with cabbage, shrimp, octopus, squid, sausage, and a quail egg. The Bakudanyaki come in 7 different flavors, which are essentially the different sauces and toppings placed on top of the Bakudanyaki. Flavors they come in include curry, chili mayo, original, wasabi mayo, mustard mayo, pizza and a daily special. So far, I’ve had two different specials, curry, chili mayo, pizza, and original.
My favorite so far has been the chili mayo. I love ebi chili mayo, which may be why I like the chili mayo Bakudanyaki the best. It’s a little bit sweet, with a nice spicy kick.
My second favorite would probably be the pizza flavor. It’s quite different from the other ones, as it’s not simply a different sauce that’s thrown on top of the Bakudanyaki. Pizza flavor has cheese melted on top of it and then an addition of tomato sauce on top.
Third would probably be original, which tastes just like an oversized Takoyaki.
Curry would be my least favorite. It’s still delicious, but the flavors didn’t seem to fit as well as I had hoped.
I would include my own pictures of Bakudanyaki, but they come in a small takeout container; and when squished inside such a small box, Bakudanyaki look rather unappealing. Bakudanyaki are $5 each and are rather filling. Wait times for Bakudanyaki can take anywhere from 1 minute to 15 minutes depending on how busy they are. The servers are always friendly and willing to chat it up with you if you’re bored while waiting though. When I get a chance to try the other Bakudanyaki, I’ll finish the rest of my review!
Details:
Corner of Gilbert and Elmbridge (between Elmbridge and Westminster), Richmond
Summary:
Food: 
Service:
Price: Bakudanyaki’s are $5 each
* All pictures except for the first one are courtesy of http://bakudanyaki.com/ The first picture is taken by Pick
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FYI: I think you have the link wrong for Tenku Bakudanyaki as it’s not bankudanyaki.com
Hi Jay – thanks, the link has been corrected now!
Ohhhhhh this sounds delicious….$5 a ball though!
Hi Kevin – haha…that’s true. I guess it depends on how big each ball is!
Eat, Snap, Repeat also posted about Bakudanyaki last night.
each ball is decent size. it’s not going to be a meal, but it’s a good snack. i don’t eat too much so i could get full on one =X
All this talk about balls makes me hungry!
Taking a quote from South Park from Chef: “Say everybody have you seen my balls? They’re big and salty and brown! If you ever need a quick pick-me-up, just stick my balls in your mouth!”.
I can’t wait to try these really big balls!!!
I had one with a seafood salad which helped to offset the textures of the ball which can get gooey, but it’s still yummy.
Oh, and don’t forget to ask for the frequent user card. The 8th one is free!!!
sorry, that’s right holly – i forgot to mention, they have stamp cards but they only give them to frequent customers or for customers that know to ask for them. yummy!
This sounds so wrong but all this ball talk is making me hungry too! I sense a weekend excursion… :p
they have another location by vulcan way just off cambie. don’t have the exact address though
tee – thanks for the heads up!
@tee – i spoke with the owner briefly and he told me they were looking to move soon. something about the landlord i believe.
before they moved, i know they also had a ramen booth and a japanese crepe booth, both of which were pretty good last i went. i hope they still have that at their new location!
@pick – they will be leaving Gilbert / Elmbridge location, or leaving their new location by Jacomb / Cambie ?
i love how all 3 places move together. shoryu ramen is great!
@tee – they’ve moved from their gilbert and elmbridge location to the jacomb and cambie location. the same owner operated all three shops; really friendly guy. i haven’t tried the new location yet, but if i get the chance to, i’ll write about it.