Lunch for $5 in Vancouver: Japadog

Photo by macrohead on Flickr

Japadog is a Vancouver favorite when it comes to a quirky spot to grab some street meat and the long line ups are a strong indication of that. During the week, Japadog attracts everyone from businessmen, students, locals and visitors; who knows, you may even see a celebrity or two standing in line.

It’s a Saturday and the crowds will be out in full force to run around the city and get things done. Normally, I would never eat before 1pm on a Saturday, but if you’re craving Japadog a helpful hint would be to go around 11:30. Any later and you will be listening to your stomach rumble as you wait for the line to dissipate. However, the wait is a part of the experience, so enjoy it. Talk to your fellow lines-men/gals and chances are, you will meet die hard Japadog fans, or visitors to Vancouver that have heard the praises about this tube steak stand.

When you get to the front of the line, a veggie Terimayo (or a regular Terimayo if you are of the animal dog type) is to be ordered, especially if it’s your first time. Your Terimayo dog will come dressed in a cozy fresh bun, Japanese mayo, Teriyaki sauce and seaweed. Seaweed is certainly an acquired taste, but here in Vancouver, we love our seaweed and we love our street meat.

They have an extensive menu of Japanese inspired hot dogs, along with your standard veggie dog, hot dog and various sausages for those who don’t like their hot dogs messed with.  The veggie Terimayo will set you back $4.75; the interesting conversations while you wait in line are free of charge. And hey, if it’s good enough for Steven Seagal, Anthony Bourdain and The Governator (aka Schwarzenegger), it’s good enough for you!

Go to Japadog’s website to check out the menu and see when they’re open. They post on their website when the stalls are open, but their new store location on Robson has reliable hours.

http://www.japadog.com/en/

Follow them on Twitter: @japadog

Photo by stephenccwu on Flickr