A Unique Take on Japanese Noodles in Vancouver
When people think of Japanese noodle shops in Vancouver, they usually imagine ramen joints downtown or near the big malls in Burnaby. But in a city as diverse as Metro Vancouver, there are other styles of Japanese noodles waiting to be discovered. One of them is Tatchan Noodle, an Okinawan soba shop tucked away in East Vancouver.
Unlike typical ramen restaurants, Tatchan specializes in Okinawa Soba (沖縄そば)—a dish quite different from the buckwheat soba many are familiar with. These noodles are made from wheat flour, flat and slightly yellow, with a smooth texture that pairs perfectly with broth.
The shop itself is charmingly unconventional: set up around a semi-outdoor food cart where all the noodles, broth, and toppings are prepared right in front of you. It really feels like dining at a street food stall in Japan.
The Dining Experience
I visited in late February on a chilly evening when the weather had turned from mild back to light snow. Craving something warm, I remembered Tatchan and quickly checked their Instagram to see if they were open. Since they only operate 3–4 days a week with schedules announced on IG, it’s important to confirm before heading over.
That evening, they opened half an hour early, and we managed to be the first customers. The two Okinawan owners greeted us warmly with applause and conversation, creating an incredibly welcoming atmosphere. At our seats, we noticed fun decorations like “One Piece” wanted posters and little info cards about Okinawa. On the table were unique condiments rarely seen in other Japanese shops: Okinawan pepper and a soy-based chili liquor.
Tatchan Combo
We ordered the Tatchan Combo, which came with a chicken-based broth, thick slices of pork belly, and a massive piece of pork soft bone. The toppings included bonito flakes, scallions, pickled ginger, and black fungus.
The broth was light yet flavorful—no MSG overload, just a clean chicken taste that felt wholesome and natural. Even after finishing the bowl, I didn’t feel overly thirsty, which is rare for noodle soups in Vancouver.
The pork belly was melt-in-your-mouth tender, with just the right amount of soy-based seasoning. The pork soft bone was richly marinated, striking a balance between salty and sweet—similar to Chinese-style braised pork but without vinegar. The Okinawa soba noodles, meanwhile, had a chewy bite and clung to the broth beautifully.
Small Chashu Bowl
We also tried the small chashu rice bowl, a surprisingly generous side dish at only $6. The chashu was marinated in the same sauce as the pork soft bone, flavorful and tender, served over white rice with a drizzle of sauce, scallions, and pickled ginger.
While great value, this dish is best for lighter eaters. Since the soba bowls are already filling, most diners won’t need the extra rice.
Thoughts on Tatchan Noodle
Tucked away in Metro Vancouver, Tatchan Noodle delivers an authentic taste of Okinawa in a cozy, food-cart-style setting. The shop may be simple, but the warm hospitality, hearty portions of meat, and rich broth make it stand out. On a rainy night, it almost felt like being transported to a food stall in Fukuoka or Naha.
If you’re a fan of Japanese noodles or hearty pork dishes, Tatchan is a must-try. Just remember: follow their Instagram (@tatchannoodle) to check opening hours and location before you go.
Restaurant Info
📍 Tatchan Noodle
- Address: Metro Vancouver — check IG weekly for updates
- IG: @tatchannoodle
Hours: Irregular — check IG weekly for updates
