Manpuku Bento — Restaurant in Vancouver

​The last time I was in Japan was in 2012 and during my stay, I experienced the best katsudon ever at a chain called Hotto Motto. Manpuku Bento’s standing dine-in bar and their push for take out reminds me of Hotto Motto but how was the Katsudon?

​I was at first worried that by the time I got home, this crunchy pork cutlet would be soggy from the sauce. To my surprise, there were still plenty of crunchy bits to my cutlet. The pork itself was very tender and not over cooked despite the golden brown crust. The egg that was cooked on top absorbed a lot of the sauce which made the egg extra savoury. The key to a perfect katsudon also involves onions and it seems to me, Manpuku puts a lot of emphasis on how they sauté their onions. It’s packed with flavour and definitely one of the highlights within the dish.

​Manpuku also offers a variety of bento boxes along side their donburi bowls. My friend Tarek who lives in the area recommends the beef curry with katsu cutlet in their special sauce.

​Manpuku looks like a start to something really special and I’m excited to...

In the heart of Vancouver's Chinatown, what was once a bustling cultural hub for Japanese and Chinese Canadians alike, a beautiful business has recently appeared.

Manpuku Bento serves a selection of casual, traditional Japanese & Nikkei foods. I am told that the miso soup they include with every dish is incredibly rich.

If you're a vegetarian like me, you can order the delicious Yasai Bento without meat. You can watch them make every dish in their small kitchen. They are careful, kind and welcoming people. If you call ahead, they can prepare vegetarian soup for you as well. They are accomodating and generous.

This is not a trendy sit-down restaurant. This is legit, healthy, authentic food prepared and managed by Japanese people. Most importantly, it is incredibly AFFORDABLE.

Thank you Manpuku for your amazing service and food that us poor Vancouverites...

Manpuku always has a huge line up, and for good reason. They are super good value and the food reminds me of supermarket bentos in Japan.

I ordered the Mix Fry Bento which included chicken karaage, tonkatsu and fried hoki (fish). On top of a bed of rice with some cabbage. I recommend adding the tonkatsu sauce and salad dressing into your bento before you leave their place.

Service is self sever, and they have a standing bar area where you can enjoy your food (before Covid). But honestly during lunch time there’s a really big line up that I don’t think you’d enjoy eating at the bar.

You get a number once you order and pay, and they call out your order when it’s ready. I think it’s very efficient.

Their food is very solid, and feels home made. I would definitely go back again if I’m in the area, but I won’t necessarily drive all the way to visit...