Coquitlam’s Hidden Gem: Shio Japanese Kitchen

I’ll admit—I was skeptical. A Korean-run Japanese restaurant? Could it really be that good? But after trying Shio Japanese Kitchen in Coquitlam, I’m officially a convert. Every dish we ordered was a solid 9/10, and my picky foodie friend (who rarely gives high scores) agreed—this place is legit. 🍣 What We Ordered (And Loved) 1️⃣ Aburi Salmon Sushi (Spicy Version) • Why It Shines: Perfectly torched salmon—no burnt aftertaste, just smoky richness. • Secret Weapon: Thinly sliced jalapeños on top for a fresh, spicy kick. • Proof It’s Good: We ordered it twice. 2️⃣ Set Meal A (Must-Try Combo) • Includes: Japanese-style pork belly buns, grilled avocado, tonkatsu (fried pork cutlet), and aburi California roll. • Star of the Set: That aburi California roll—creamy, lightly seared, and unexpectedly addictive. • Tonkatsu Tip: Crispy outside, juicy inside. Every table had one—clearly a crowd favorite. 3️⃣ Thick-Cut Salmon Sashimi • Good, Not Great: Fresh but standard—save room for the aburi dishes instead. 💰 Why It’s Worth It ✅ Flavor Bombs: Every dish had thoughtful seasoning (no bland sushi here!). ✅ Reasonable Prices: Most rolls 12–18, sets 25–30. ✅ Vibes: Cozy, bustling, and always full—a sure sign of quality. 📍 Practical Info Best For: Casual dinners, date nights, or solo sushi cravings. Tip: Reserve ahead—it’s packed even on weekdays! #CoquitlamEats #AburiSushi #HiddenGem