Filing taxes is rarely something people look forward to, but for us, it has become a cherished annual tradition. We still head over to see a dear friend of my dad to get everything sorted. While I know we could easily file online, visiting Tito is simply more fun. In Filipino culture, we call family friends "Tito" or "Tita" even if we aren’t related by blood, and those connections make a standard errand feel more like a family visit.
The best part of the day always comes afterward. Every year, we take a stroll along 41st Avenue toward Victoria Drive to find something delicious. With the exception of last year, our feet almost always lead us straight to Kokoro Izakaya Ramen Bar.
The Main Event: Curry and Comfort
Usually, I get a bowl of their ramen, but this time I could not say no to my absolute favourite dish: Japanese curry. I ordered the All in One Curry ($29), which is a massive plate that includes chicken katsu, a shrimp fry, and two pieces of chicken karaage.
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| The All in One Curry is a serious meal that features chicken katsu, shrimp fry, and karaage. |
To be honest, it is not the absolute best curry I have ever had. Suika still holds the top spot in my heart, and since they are currently closed, Mr. Japanese Curry is my reigning favourite. However, even "not the best" Japanese curry is still pretty good and incredibly satisfying.
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| The reliable Original Tonkotsu with Egg is the perfect soul-warmer for a cool Vancouver evening. |
Hubby opted for the Original Tonkotsu with Egg ($15.50). There is something so reliable about a hot bowl of tonkotsu, especially when the evening air starts to get a bit crisp. It is the kind of soul-warming meal that makes the stress of tax season melt away.
The Long Way Home
I clearly enjoyed that "All in One" plate a little too much. By the time we finished, I was so full that we decided to skip the bus and walk the five kilometres back home.
It was a beautiful, cool night for a long trek through Vancouver. There is a specific kind of peace that comes with walking through the city after dark, catching up on the small details of life while enjoying the fresh air. It turned a simple afternoon of paperwork into a full evening of movement and great food.
A Walk Down Memory Lane: Our Kokoro History
Since this has become such a staple for us, I wanted to look back at everything we have tried at Kokoro over the years. It is fun to see how our orders have evolved!
- 2022: We were on a massive ramen streak! I tried the Hearty Vegetarian Miso Ramen and Spicy Veggie Tantan. We also loaded up on sides like Baby Ikageso, Takoyaki, and Kurogoma Cheesecake.
- 2023: This was the year I found my favourite Spicy Tan Tan Ramen. Hubby had the Kokuton Ramen, and we shared Chicken Karaage with both Soy Vinaigrette and Teriyaki Mayo.
- 2024: I went for the fiery Akamaru Ramen while hubby had the Shio Tonkotsu. We also took advantage of a great Yakitori deal and tried the Chicken Negima and Beef Steak skewers.
Quick Tips for Visiting Kokoro Izakaya (Victoria Drive)
If you are planning your own visit to this corner of East Van, here is what you need to know about the menu and pricing:
- Ramen Variety: They offer everything from Umami Miso ($18.90 with egg) to Spicy Tan Tan ($18.90 with egg). If you are looking for plant-based options, they even have Creamy Vegan Ramen with kale noodles for $18.90.
- Curry & Udon: If you aren't in the mood for ramen, their Japanese Beef Curry starts at $19.50 for Chicken Karaage Curry. They also serve Udon, including a Chicken Katsu Curry Udon for $23.
- The Price: Most main dishes fall between $15 and $29. You can also add a Panna Cotta dessert for $4 or a drink for $3 to any meal.
- Pro Tip: If you overindulge like I did, the walk along Victoria Drive is lovely for seeing the local shops and winding down.
What is your "must-have" comfort meal after a long day of adulting? Let me know in the comments!
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