When I wrote about Ferran Adrià and his opinion about McDonald’s, in addition to the places i listed where I could get a meal for less than CAD $5, there was one I did not mention on purpose. This place is Kent’s Kitchen.
Why I did not include it? Although I am not sure, I think the fact I feel slightly guilty about coming here has something to do. So, what is so particular about Kent’s Kitchen? First, is its location: they have two and the one I visit the most is located in Chinatown Vancouver. Second, is the cost. For $4.50, you get steamed rice and two “toppings” (that is, different sides to go with the rice; although some will cost extra $1.25). You could get fried rice, noodles or sticky rice rather than steamed rice but that cost extra. And we are not talking small portions…. Here is, for example what I had on the weekend:
A takeout order from Kent’s Kitchen
They have a large variety of sides, they can go from tofu (like mapo tofu), fried smelt, vegetable medley, leafy greens, broccoli and meats including chicken (curry, chili, et al), beef, some seafood (these usually incurs additional cost), etc. In short, choose the rice and choose two of the available sides. In my case, I had yao choy (the leafy green, related to bok choy) and beef brisket.
Close-up of the beef brisket
The idea behind this place is for you to order, pick it up and then have you go on your way. Depending on the time of the day, the queue might be relatively long. Because they try to serve you fast, sometimes there might be transfer from one of the “sides” to another. For example, do you see a small broccoli floret on top of the beef brisket on the picture above?
The rice under the brisket
Why did I order beef brisket? Well, I really like this cut, specially if it is in a stew form but also because of the “sauce/juice” that ends up in the rice. It makes the rice really flavourful.
Overall, I know I could for lunch almost anywhere but, if I want something really dirty cheap, Kent’s Kitchen is among my first options. Healthy option might not be (I am almost certain they use a lot of fat while cooking) but… fat tastes good!
Kent’s Kitchen
Location 1: 232 Keefer Street, Vancouver
Location 2: 5659 Victoria Drive, Vancouver
