If you’re looking for authentic Okinawa soba in Vancouver, many’s first choice has been Tatchan Noodle: the roaming Japanese cart that pops up throughout Metro Vancouver.
Now, the days of hunting down the cart are long gone, as the team has recently opened its first brick-and-mortar location.
“Thanks to your amazing support, we are thrilled to announce the grand opening of Tatchan Noodles’ very first shop!” shared the noodle cart on Instagram.
Tatchan first got its claim to fame when it started offering its Japanese Yatai cart experience to Vancouverites in February 2023. Here, folks could sit in a handful of cartside seats where folks can hunker down and enjoy their eats.
But what exactly is Okinawa soba? Well, it’s a traditional Japanese noodle soup that originates from Okinawa Prefecture. While the name soba is traditionally associated with buckwheat noodles, buckwheat is rarely used in Okinawa, and the noodles used for this dish are primarily made with white flour.
“The taste and ingredients also differ depending on the region and island,” writes Tatchan on its menu. “Most commonly, pork belly cooked in soy sauce is most often utilized in Okinawa soba, and the dish is usually topped with fish cakes (not Tatchan Noodle), green onion, and pickled ginger.”
Tatchan also added that the first recorded mention of the dish dates back to 1902, but it was only in the 1960s that it gained popularity and became a common food choice among all social classes.
“Opening this restaurant is our way to serve even more people and share our noodles in ways we couldn’t with the food cart,” said Tatchan. “Our concept is to create a space where people can experience Okinawan culture, Japanese history, and the importance of peace — through food.”
Tatchan Noodle’s brick-and-mortar location is officially open. You can also check its Instagram for the location of its noodle cart.
Tatchan Noodle
Address: 383 Raymur Ave., Vancouver
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AloJapan.com