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Ebi-Ten
Categories: Restaurants Japanese Restaurants Fast Food Japanese, Fast Food [Edit]
388 Robson StVancouver, BC V6B 2B2
Neighbourhood: Downtown
(604) 689-9938
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Alcohol:
- No
- Drive-Thru:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
33 reviews for Ebi-Ten
Review Highlights
"Ebi-Ten is an awesome place for a quick, tasty bite to eat."
(in 4 reviews)
"...that I love and live for chicken karaage and $3 buys me a..."
(in 3 reviews)
"Mapo tofu & teriyaki chicken combo ($7.98): Soft tofu cubes..."
(in 2 reviews)
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33 reviews in English
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Review from Theresa W.
Vancouver, BC
10/20/2011 1 Check-in Here
Looking for some cheap quick Japanese food by the library? This is your place!
Made fresh and ready to go, Ebi Ten offers a great variety of fast food for the budget lifestyle. If you have a few more minutes, the hot food here is quite good as well. They also have self-service for ginger, which is awesome amiright?
Other bonuses: a wakame salad for less than two bucks? That's hard to find anywhere! Granted it's a bit drier than you'd find elsewhere... Cali rolls are $2.50, and fancier options are around $2.75 - $3, not including taxes. -
Review from Lolia S.
10/19/2011 3 photos
For under $10, you can satisfy your Japanese comfort food cravings: grab& go sushi rolls, rice bowls with teriyaki chicken, spicy pork, etc., tempura, takoyaki, curry, udon, karaage chicken, etc. I love the free condiments bar with pickled ginger, crispy tempura bits (!), chili pepper, etc. Order up front. The food was ready in a few minutes.
* Mapo tofu & teriyaki chicken combo ($7.98): Soft tofu cubes with ground pork and green onions, boneless chicken teriyaki, with steamed rice. The teriyaki sauce wasn't too sweet and the mapo tofu was surprisingly good. The condiments I added made this even better
It's a busy, bright place filled with Asians. I think it's actually Japanese owned. They even have Japanese breakfast.Listed in: Dedicated to Tofu Oyako,…, Canada, I love you
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Review from patricia l.
Vancouver, BC
10/8/2011
Great Japanese place for a quick and cheap bite to eat. Good for downtown lunch. I usually get the Chicken Teriyaki and Tempura Combo, but everything else is quite tasty as well.
They also offer Chicken Karaage and individually packed maki rolls. The service is fast, friendly and very efficient. There are often line ups but they move really fast.Listed in: I HEART Food!
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Review from Vanessa C.
Vancouver, BC
9/18/2011
I work around here so this is my lunchtime default when I don't have a lunch. There's an pre-made section on the side, usually with BC or California Rolls, just grab pay and go. Otherwise, you can request for them to make your rolls fresh.
Even closer to the counter is a pre-made section with hot foods, it's a different selection every time I go there. Yakisoba, gyozas, chicken karaage (deep fried Japanese-style chicken nuggets), salads, are all under $3.
My standard order here is the yam tempura roll. It's cool that you can see them making it, but kind of scary seeing how much oil goes into frying your tempura.
Don't order any sort of fish sushi here - heard it's hit or miss. When it misses, it's not very fresh, and that's not a risk you want to take with fish in sushi. -
Review from Melissa K.
Vancouver, BC
10/19/2011
Ebi ten is the best value for money with pretty good quality takeout place I know. The only thing that deters me from going more often is their poor ventilation. Wear your worst clothes before coming into this place, or you will smell like cooking oil for the whole day. Their meals are quite tasty and also have some sushi rolls that are good for snacks. This is my go to place when I refuse to walk farther than a block. They also own ramen jinya a few doors down, which is a great ramen shop. I think they also have another similar joint farther down robson.
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Review from Fritz S.
2/18/2011
Japanese Fast food at its best
fresh sushi, beef and chicken bowls, bento boxes, Octoballs, combos, (stops and takes breath... whew...) everything u ever wanted for a quick lunch and it comes out quick!
This place is always busy. the staff are friendly with their pimped out uniforms and their sassy Japanese talk lol. I love going here for a speedy bite to eat while walking around the hustle and bustle of downtown. I always order the chicken teriaki don w/ cali roll and salad (i never eat the salad tho :/) and soda. Come down and check it out you won't be disappointed !
We need this place in Richmond STAT!!Listed in: Japanese Joints
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Review from Alice A.
2/12/2011
Not a place I'd want to have sushi because they're pre-made, but a steamy bowl of udon on a raining Vancouver day, sure why not?
I had the pork and kimchi udon and it's goood. Not too spicy, the ultra thin fatty pork slices and minced meat hold up really well to the spicy soup base. My co-workers had different items and they both polished off their plates before I did.
Having said that, there is definitely room for a solid sushi joint around the area, i.e. east side of Yaletown for the working folks. -
Review from Crystal L.
Burnaby, BC
10/3/2011
Went here for a take out today. I agree with some viewers that it is on the "pricer" side of "fast food" but I think $6.38 for a tempura don is not a bad deal, it is cheaper than the sit-down restaurant equivalent. And the Japanese staff is just super friendly, which usually isn't something expected at "fast food" type places. An alternative to Ebi-ten if you are further down Robson is Donburi-ya
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Review from Andrew C.
Vancouver, BC
8/11/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I luv the prawn tempura with soup udon! I think its the best in Vancouver!
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Review from Aaron C.
Vancouver, BC
6/18/2011
Very authentic Japanese fast food
Rather pricey, otherwise I will give it 5 stars
Service is great, just like most Japanese establishments; they are better than those snobby and uptight "high end" establishments that you will find in Downtown.
My only wish is for them to carry more variety of Japanese drinks other than calpis and itoen green tea. -
Review from Quddous B.
Vancouver, BC
8/12/2010
Quick and delicious.
Their salmon avocado sushi is actually one of my favourite rolls anywhere.
I also like their chicken teriyaki (it might help that Japanese mayo is delicious) -
Review from Steph H.
Vancouver, BC
11/25/2010
Ebi-Ten is an awesome place for a quick, tasty bite to eat. Very fresh food and great, friendly service.
Hmm, what to try, you ask? You really can't go wrong with their beef bowls. Add extra or even double beef for a heartier (not that your heart appreciates it, lol) meal. Fairly basic with rice, lettuce, sauce and beef.
The octopus balls are another favourite - just try them. Delicious!
There's also a variety of great rolls and salads available and ready to eat for those in a hurry. -
Review from Johnson C.
Vancouver, BC
3/3/2010 2 photos
Continuing on my quest for perfect Japanese curry in Vancouver - Ebi-Ten was the next on my hit-list. The tiny Japanese cafeteria/fast-food joint on Robson may be a dime-a-dozen in Japan, but it's sadly rare in Vancouver.
There are huge menu signs throughout the restaurant and you can choose from pre-made refrigerated sushi and various rice bowls combos. I think this place is has some kind of deal with Coca-Cola as they seem to push Coke on every combo.
I went with the main feature du jour - the (lame-sounding) Olympic curry - which has a sizable pork cutlet over shredded chicken curry on rice for $9 after taxes. The rice was a little dry and the curry was pretty average, even with the shredded chicken - however, the tonkatsu (pork cutlet) was awesome - juicy, flaky and so fresh. Overall, the tonkatsu saved the curry dish alone.
Overall, not bad and will probably be coming back here or Barefoot Kitchen for my next Japanese curry fix. Unless it was a fluke, Ebi-Ten probably does deep-fried cutlets damned well.Listed in: Quest for Intercontinental…
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Review from Eddo T.
Surrey, BC
11/22/2009
I personally feel that, when I am reviewing different restaurants, I have to take into consideration their mission statement. I feel that Ebi-Ten does what it aims to do: Japanese fast-food.
But don't let the phrase, "Japanese fast-food" fool you. They serve it hot and fresh, and it tastes even better than most sit-in Japanese restaurants.
A couple days back, I dropped by this place upon recommendation from a friend. He had said, "yo, check out this place. The food is fast, good, and it isn't too expensive." Well hey, that's incentive enough for me to pay a visit!
Ambiance: Man, is this place busy or what? Dinner hours had just begun, and they are already lined up out the door. Needless to say, there were no seats available inside. Treat this place as a take-out joint, because honestly, the ambiance almost discourages you to stay too long. However, I think it serves its purpose.
Service: The people taking the orders were smiling and friendly. That's all I would ever expect from this place. I'm very satisfied!
Value: These are the cheapest Japanese food that I have found, up to date. If you are looking for a deal, then this is where it's at. For a nice meal plus a pop or a large bowl of miso soup, you are charged ~8 dollars. That works for me!
Food: The dish my friends and I had were quite good. The chicken teriyaki combo and the beef teriyaki combo were both very tasty. It's almost surprising that the meals here taste better than a lot of the Japanese restaurants around. Did I mention that these guys are fast? 3-4 minutes per order, roughly. We thoroughly enjoyed our meals.
Verdict: Filling up that big empty void in my stomach would require more than just a few slices of sushi, and that would probably empty out my paycheck fairly quickly if I was to eat elsewhere. So I propose two possible solutions:
1. I can try and make more money... somehow...
2. I can go to Ebi-Ten
I think the choice is obvious.
I need to make more money.
But seriously, Ebi-Ten is definitely worth your visit. If you want to eat Japanese food regularly? Right here. If you aren't a huge fan of Japanese food? Still, this would be a good recommendation regardless.
Ebi-Ten will definitely get my business again in the future. -
Review from Dani H.
Vancouver, BC
3/23/2009
It's the definition of 'fast Japanese food' - it's tiny, and it looks like a smaller version of those obscenely bright cafeterias they use to have in Woolco.
But yet - always a simple, happy dining experience!!!
This is my thing: Late evenings, a few times a month, I go into Ebi Ten for a veggie roll, avocado roll, and Coke Zero after getting a nice haul at the library. I sit there eating these CONSISTENTLY DELICIOUS rolls and cackling over all the good books I have to read. This small ritual is surprisingly dear to me. Thanks for meeting me half-way, Ebi Ten, and never serving me a single janky bite to date. -
Review from Christine R.
New Westminster, BC
9/24/2008
When I lived in Japan, one of my favourite places for lunch was a little cafe that specialized in ten-don bowls. For a very small price, you got fresh hot tempura served over a bowl of rice, and the whole conconction hung together with a rich brown sauce. Ebi-ten recreates experience and the dish ably.
They serve other Japanese lunch counter-type dishes such as teriyaki combos, and a pretty decent, though not mind-blowing, miso soup. They also offer take-away sushi, if you like BC rolls and California rolls.
If you can find a seat, it's a pleasant place to eat in. It can get busy, so prepare to be jostled if you come at peak times. Aah, just like Japan.Listed in: One on the town, Irraishaimase!
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Review from Vincci L.
11/21/2009
After numerous hours of planning for our NYC trip, H and I were too preoccupied with NYC details that we forgot about dinner.
We were desperate for food. We made a good choice, mind you. Ebi-ten is close, and they have good food. They used to deliver, but don't anymore so we had to take the car and drive there. We called 15 minutes ahead to ensure that our food would be ready when we were there.
Upon arrival, our food is ready packaged for pick up. It's a nice small place, with ready made packs of sushi near the fridge in the front, and another fridge filled with drinks.
I got the Curry Combo plate, which comes with battered prawns, tonkatsu, and chicken? I don't quite remember, but I know that it had a bit of everything, which was perfect for my indecisive mind at that moment.
Result? Filled tummies!! The batter was never too thick, just the right crispiness. The curry is the Japanese curry-a bit on the sweeter side, and a good serving of rice to soak up every little drop of the sauce.
A throughly quick and enjoyable meal, which sustained us for another couple of hours of trip planning. -
Review from Jenna H.
Vancouver, BC
6/4/2009
I was introduced to Ebi Ten about a year ago and have gone back anytime I am in the area. I regularly crave the Teriaki chicken bowl for its unusual combination of lettuce, chicken, rice and mayo. Sounds kinda of gross but it is delicious! It may not be super healthy (it is Japanese 'fast food' after all) but it does feel better than opting for a greasy burger. I am sure other items on the menu are tasty but I am a stick to what I know kinda gal.
Fast, easy and clean...that is what I like in my fast food! -
Review from Steven N.
Kingston, ON
2/1/2010
When I was working downtown, Ebi-Ten was always the go-to spot for lunch with co-workers.
Fast, simple, good - what more can you ask for?
The sushi is fresh and great bang for your buck. California rolls for less than $3. Sometimes, it's even $2 on its special days.
I usually go for the rice combos which are very tasty and always a good choice. -
Review from Faye X.
Vancouver, BC
3/10/2010 1 photo
It is a really cheap downtown place for a quick bit. We grabbed a
1. seaweed salad ($1.90) - prepacked in the fridge
2. California roll ($2.50) - prepacked in the fridge
3. 4 Octo Balls ($2.50) - deep fried upon order
4. a bowl of curry udon ($5.50)
Not quite a full meal for two and the quality of the food was just ok. But what do you expect for less than 15 bucks (not even tip is required) -
Review from Sabrina S.
Montréal, QC
6/5/2009
This place is great for lunch breaks. Fast and accurate service, and most importantly, it's always consistent. You can have the terriyaki chicken 20 times and it will always taste the same. that's how you know you found a good spot. They have pre ackages rolls when you're in a hurry and they taste fresh!!
The Terriyaki chicken is awesome and the Mobu tofu is great too, you take take a combo plate with both and it'S great! As other reviwers mentioned, they put mayo in everything, but you can always ask for no mayo :)
Prices are decent rolls starts at 2.15$ and a plate is about 7-8$. -
Review from Jeff S.
Vancouver, BC
3/4/2010
This place is fairly authentic, but lower end (nothing wrong with that, it is quite cheap). I wish there was a place in Vancouver that really knew how to make Takoyaki, instead of deep frying the frozen pre-made stuff. Someone should open a Takoyaki stand in Vancouver.
The tori karaage (Fried Chicken) is quite good - Japanese fried chicken is the only fried chicken that I will ever touch and then only once a month and I wash it down with a can of coke (only once a month on that one too). After a month of cleansing the cancerous toxins out of my body, I am good to go for another round.
Their sushi to-go is also fairly respectable. I wish that they had sashimi. -
Review from Rachael T.
Toronto, ON
9/4/2009
I see all the cheap meals that look pretty appetizing on the boards.. but I was just there to get packaged sushi - unfortunately.. it wasn't for me.
Out of the 8 items on the board - 6 of them were sold out at approximately 1pm.
This place reminds me of the cheap sushi place I use to go to in university in Ontario. Rolls were prepackaged and super cheap... but these were SO SMALL... not really worth it. If they thought about providing MIso soup like my university sushi joint did, then maybe I would think it was worth eating eat.
Prices are cheap, not going to lie.... but it's not like the portion was that big anyway so you would have to use the same amount of money to be full anyway.
The one thing I must say is that the rolls were stocked on a regular basis so it wasn't like I had to rummage through the lonely packages that might have been sitting for a long time... if I was super hungry, I might walk back in for a second try. -
Review from Chloë E.
Vancouver, BC
12/26/2008
I didn't give this spot a huge opportunity on my one visit -- hurriedly running in to grab a bite to eat before heading back to volunteering at a photography conference.
In I walked, grabbed a little packet of the advance-made sushi from the refrigerated display case and left with my little supply of chop sticks and take-out soy sauce.
The staff members were incredibly friendly. As it was outside of the noon rush hour, both waited expectantly as I picked out my lunch. The maki turned out to be unmemorable, but who expects to be amazed by a veggie roll? There are some other great menu choices for hot food.
Decor, as I remember, is cute and clean. There are some sitting areas if you drop by for a snack of tasty mid-afternoon brain food. A nice combination of eat-in and take-out options. -
Review from Wei P.
Vancouver, BC
7/29/2009
When it comes to Japanese style fast food, the only thing that I can think of is pre-made sushi roll that sits in the display cooler for hours... that taste bad and stale.
But this place offers something that blew my mind when I visited the first time. The price is very reasonable, the store is clean and tidy.
The server/cashier welcomed us with a warm smile.
The food took only 5 minutes (or maybe a bit less) to make and it taste nothing like what I was expecting!
I had Mapo tofu and my wife had a teriyaki and tempura combo; I should say, they taste just like a sit down Japanese restaurant (without the pushy waitress who always try to rush you out of the door, lol).
For the quality and price, it's a good bang for the buck : ) -
Review from Andrew P.
Vancouver, BC
9/11/2009
Love this place!
It never tries to be what its not. Fantastic Japanese bar food served really good. Its fast, friendly, and fresh... if you are looking for Japanese fast food including my fav takoyaki this is the place. They do a great job, the food is exactly what you should expect for fantastic bar food. -
Review from strawberry l.
Vancouver, BC
4/7/2010 1 Check-in Here
I like Ebi-Ten, not for the sushi, which is prepackaged (and I don't trust prepackaged sushi) but for the ramen. In particular, the pork and tofu kind. It's fast and cheap (under $7) and you can even add your own florescent pink radish pickles to it. Even though it's busy I've always managed to get a seat. And it's across the street from the main Library, so it's a handy location.
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Review from Ian B.
Vancouver, BC
3/23/2010
Worst sushi I've had in Vancouver. Rice is always overcooked and the vegetarian selection, even for noodles, is poor.
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Review from Brendan W.
Burnaby, BC
8/4/2010
Very quick and cheap. A few neat dishes to choose from. Some made to order, some ready for takeout right when you walk in the door. Fast service - and a crazy place at lunchtime. Very popular. Not the best food, but good lunchtime fare.
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Review from Anthony M.
Grimsby, ON
5/17/2011
large quantities for cheap prices.. very friendly staff..
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Review from Blaine H.
Port Moody, BC
10/21/2010
Love this place for lunch. Often grab a Japanese katsu curry which is always made fresh. Decent portion at a cheap price. Chicken karage is also great bang for the buck.
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Review from Phil S.
Vancouver, BC
9/6/2009
There's quite a production at this joint, freshly made karaage, katsu, tempura, ramen gets churned out from the open kitchen and within 2-3 minutes, my made to order tori and tempura rice combo for $7.95 was ready. This is my fav place to hit when I need to stop at the VPL. Go early to get what you like cuz sometimes they tend to be sold out early. And anyone who knows me know that I love and live for chicken karaage and $3 buys me a container with 4-5 pieces, what's not to love right? This place never fails to satisfy me. I can often grab a lunch, dine in and be out in less than 25 minutes.
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Review from Lisa N.
Vancouver, BC
8/28/2008
Sublime for a quick fix of Japanese food. Casual take-out setting with some indoor/outdoor seating. For hot-food you have to order and wait, but there are plenty of sushi rolls already pre-packaged.
