Revisits – Babylon Cafe & Momo Sushi House

Babylon Cafe (@ Robson Public Market)
105 – 1610 Robson Street
(Also in 716 Robson Street and 1156 Denman Street)
Vancouver, BC

Momo Sushi House
833 Bidwell Street
Vancouver, BC

Just like last week, where I ended up with several post on Latin American food/festivals… No, this is not revisit week! Some time ago, I wrote I would revisit places and blog about it again if somebody provides a convincing enough reason for me to do so. In this case, two “arguments” were given from Babylon Cafe and Momo Sushi House. So, without further ado!

First, Babylon Cafe, which I blogged about in early January. There, I mentioned their execution was far from acceptable but I also added I might be too hard on them because they just opened. Well, in my workplace, it seems everybody swears by it and, every once in a while, they check with me if I want to go with them. After months of the same question, I decided to join my colleagues for lunch. Instead of ordering the same dish, I ordered something different but, alas, because of my low expectations, I did not bring my camera with me. That “dish” was their chicken wrap.

Wait, if I did not bring my camera, how come I took the picture above? I just happened I found it wasn’t that bad after all and, ever since, once in a while, I don’t mind dropping by to get another of their wraps. How so? For one, they wrap it more tightly than on some other places and some of their components are not too “watery”. Finally, I think their garlic-y spread started to grow up on me… While they are not the best – somehow I still prefer the one from Falafel King, not to mention the one from Donair King, the experience was different from the one I had originally. Would I come back? If I am in a hurry, yes but, otherwise, I still prefer the other two, hehehehe.

And, now, subject #2, Momo Sushi House. I will put it bluntly: when another blogger writes a counterargument, I think it deserves another look. And that is what Chris of Culinary Tips did – Chris’ post on Momo Sushi House can be found here. Before I continue, let me clear up some things:

• When I mentioned “re-use”, I was not implying they use leftovers. Instead, they use one roll as a base for another roll. For example, in the case of their scallop roll, rather than scallops made into the roll, it was a cucumber roll with chopped scallops on top.
• Unless the serving size is excessively small, serving size is not a factor. (If it was, you would see me blogging all-you-can-eat a bit more often…).
• I do not review. Rather, my posts are rather on the line of (my) first impressions. And, just like real life, first impression counts.

Having said that, I will have to agree with Chris’ statement they are made to order and, as a result, it took me several minutes of waiting for my order. And, oh, my order. Rather than ordering the same items, I ordered their bento box B:

It had a salad, a rice ball, rolls, sushi (not really visible, it is under the serving of gari/ginger) and sashimi. Again, I won’t argue with Chris about price. This was $6. But, How about the food itself?

Unlike a lot of place, it did not have that “frozen” feel to it and the rice did not feel “hard”. At this point, it would seem to indicate every was good, right? Unfortunately, no. There was something missing, something I can’t really pinpoint. Could it be I did not taste it too vinegar-y? Could it be I did not have that savoury/umami taste? While I do admit the portion was quite large for $6, that is not the point. It was instead that it did not really satisfy that sushi craving.

Overall, I will have to admit that these are harsh comments for the price. But, this is a case of food where it has become so generalized I want something “better”. To provide a really bad analogy, Wendy’s vs. Vera/Fatburger vs Burger Heaven (notice there are some odd ones in between, like Burger Burger). Sorry, Chris, I am still not too enthusiastic about it.

Tagged under: Downtown • Lunch • Middle Eastern • Sushi • Vancouver • West End