The story
On the border of historic Chinatown, Torafuku serves simple yet adventurous interpretations of pan Asian flavours. Chef and owner Steve Kuan, a Taipei native who moved to Canada as a teenager, brings a lifetime of hospitality experience to the table. After earning his culinary diploma at The Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts and working at Cioppino’s and the Hyatt Regency, Kuan launched the award-winning Le Tigre food truck in 2012. The truck’s success paved the way for Torafuku, a brick-and-mortar space where he crafts contemporary dishes with ingredients sourced from local farms.
The restaurant has held a Michelin Recommended distinction every year since 2022, a recognition that speaks to its consistent quality and inventive approach to Asian fusion cuisine.
The menu changes with the seasons. A recent summer tasting menu highlighted vibrant heirloom tomatoes, a seasonal crudo featuring the freshest catch, and a decadent BC Dungeness crab and uni carbonara pasta. Mains might include a rich Brant Lake Wagyu Maranggi, and the meal finishes on a sweet note with mango sticky rice. An à la carte dinner menu is also available for walk-ins, featuring options like Thai noodles, a 14 oz Fraser Valley pork chop, and the award-winning Beef Noodle Soup available at lunch.
Weekend brunch draws a dedicated crowd for dishes like the Prawns Sando with gochujang aioli, Asian French Toast with salted duck egg custard, and a hearty Steak and Eggs with bison bavette. Happy hour, running Wednesday through Sunday, offers discounted beers, cocktails, and popular appetizers like dumplings and fried maitake mushrooms.
Torafuku operates in an open-concept space on Main Street, near Downtown and the Main Street Science World SkyTrain station. The atmosphere is bright and comfortable, designed for both intimate dinners and larger celebrations. The restaurant can accommodate private events and buyouts, and the team works with local florists to customize special occasions.
Recognition
Ambience
Details
Location
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