There is a new curry spot in-town! Aburi Restaurants Canada is launching a counter-service Japanese-style curry concept in downtown Vancouver mid-March. Located at 622 West Pender Street, WA! CURRY will specialize in a selection of wagyu curry and wagyu stew, all made using award-winning Iwate A5 wagyu from Japan, as well as a plant-based Keema Curry flavour. Guests can choose from a variety of toppings and sides to accompany their hearty meal.
The name WA! CURRY derives from the Japanese word “washoku”, which means Japanese food – symbolizing the harmonious nature of Japanese cuisine. It is also the term used to describe Aburi Market, the group’s first premium grocery shop.
“Japanese-style curry is known for its warm comfort and distinct flavour, and our curry will focus on elevated, high-quality ingredients, such as Iwate wagyu, Iwate rice, and local produce where possible,” explains Seigo Nakamura, founder and CEO of ABURI Restaurants Canada. “At WA! CURRY, guests can enjoy our curry creations inside our eating area or transported as take-out. Great for lunch or a filling snack during the weekdays!”
WA! CURRY’s menu features three core curry recipes with rice: Iwate A5 Wagyu Curry, Vegan Keema Curry, and Iwate A5 Wagyu Curry Stew (with carrots, potatoes, celery, onions). Each can be ordered on its own. Guests have the option of adding housemade toppings, such as breaded shrimp fry, pork katsu, scallop fry, yellowtail fry, hamburg steak, Japanese fried chicken, kaisen fry medley, brussels sprouts, potatoes, sweet potatoes, and crispy tempeh.
Seating is first come, first serve inside the casual space. Guests can either conveniently order from the counter or via their mobile phones. Take-out and delivery via UberEats will also be available at launch.
WA! CURRY is located inside the former Gyoza Bar space, which was converted into a commissary kitchen for Aburi Restaurants Canada last year. The commissary kitchen will continue to operate in the back of the restaurant, while WA! CURRY will operate in the front, with limited seating.
“We wanted to create a spot that would offer guests both convenience and comfort food and look forward to having them try our curry using the best Japanese beef,” adds Nakamura.
WA! CURRY will be open Monday to Friday, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, please visit www.wacurry.com.
