Mr. Kumpir
1162 Denman Street
Vancouver, BC
In a funny way, just after I wrote a post on potatoes (poutine!), I now write yet another post on… Potatoes! Let me reassure you, it is partially pure coincidence! A couple of weeks ago, while walking around English Bay, I noticed a new shop preparing themselves for opening. At first, I wasn’t sure what was it about, except there was a really funny potato-like figure as “mascot”. So patiently awaited their opening…
When I finally found out they were open (actually missed their first day of opening…), I went there without much hesitation. And what do they sell? Baked potatoes! And not just any baked potatoes; instead, think potatoes with lots of different toppings. And, oh, as for the name, it just happens this “dish” in Turkey is called kumpir!
You might be saying right now, “Toppings? What toppings are you talking about? The most I need is sour cream, some chives, bacon bits and I am good to go!” Well, sure; however, how about you take a regular size russet potato, cut it in half, add some butter and cheese. Then,”cut”/”smash” it until that potato “flesh” has the texture of mashed potatoes. Put some vegetables like corn, coleslaw, beans, mushroom, hummus, peppers or add some meats (like sausage) and we are good to go! Still can’t figure it out? Well, how about a picture of it? 
The pictures above are from my first visit, in this case, I ordered one with hummus, roasted eggplant and mushroom. I must mention something else: I had the option to ask some additional condiments in the form of mayo or catsup on top but I chose not to add any of them as I think it would have altered the taste of the final result. Anyway, let’s take a look again at the potato…
As mentioned, the interior had the texture of mashed; however, the parts close to the skin were slightly “overcooked”. So, unless you want to eat the skin (I ate some parts and it was OK), you won’t be able to strip the potato clean of its goodness. Having said that, the cheese didn’t seem to add much flavour-wise but, nevertheless, it add to the texture, i.e., think that “stringy” effect of mozzarella in pizza. I guess if I had added some of the sauces…
No, the red parts didn’t “suddenly” appear, these are the toppings I went for on another day.
As for the toppings, some of them are hit or miss. For example, the hummus didn’t add too much because the mashed potatoes and hummus have similar texture. The mushroom were canned so that gives you an idea. The eggplant had an interesting flavour to it that I am not sure how to describe. And the roasted peppers was slightly sweet. I will assume other toppings will have different effects in it.
Overall, I will have to say it is an interesting concept. And, at $5 (when I went, $4 opening special) for three vegetable toppings (extra $0.50 for each meat toppings), the price point is quite good. And given all the fast food chains in the area, you can do a lot worst.
 |
 |
{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
we had this little restaurant near my childhood home that sold nothing but huge baked potatoes with various toppings (cheese, chicken, etc). it closed down quite a while ago, but it was pretty cool.
And to think, I always thought Wendy’s stood alone in the fast-food baked potato race!
I love the slogan “The taste you would like to enjoy everyday”. Somehow I rarely find myself craving a crazy baked potato concoction, let alone everyday.
But then again, maybe that’s just me!
Pearl, awwwwwww…. I am sure you can try to make baked potatoes on your own – actually, microwave one large russett potato for 6 or 7 minutes and then “fill” it with the toppings of your choice. The skin might not be crispy but, hey, it won’t take 30 or so minutes, either!
Raidar, I would rather say that is is mainly because the market hasn’t been explored at all. But, hey, the option is there!
BAKED POTATO SHOP exist in MONTREAL since 2004 http://www.bakedpotatoshop.com When we finished our website we took many offers from investors to have branch all over the world. Our branch took first line in the google since 2 years. We are thinking to united with Mr Kumpir to spread everywhere in Canada and USA
These aren’t like a plain old baked potato at all…trust me, I don’t like baked potatoes. At ALL. These, I LOVE. I disagree with the assessment that the cheese adds no flavor, I found the inside to be way more flavorful than a standard baked potato. I ordered black olives, mushrooms (I actually like the texture of canned mushrooms a lot, if it’s not your thing then there’s a ton of other things to choose from) and the “spicy tomato dip”. The guy working there asked it i’d had it, as it is hot – and had me try a sample before adding it. It’s now my favorite topping – not too hot by any means, I adore spicy food and I actually have them add further hot sauce to my potato as the only additional topping. The tomato dip is wonderful, but I believe it has nuts in it (i think toasted walnuts possibly?) so be warned if you have allergies, but otherwise do try this topping! The remaining choices are definitely different as this IS a Turkish company. But I pan on trying several – it’s great to have a place with interesting ethnic options and not JUST basic North American tastes.
And for $3.99 & tax, it’s a steal.
Loved the stuffed Chicken ‘tato at just under $7. It was crammed with fresh toppings and they were willing to make a substitution for my food allergy. $4 for a huge potato with 3 toppings and sauce is an awesome cheap eat in this city. Lots of selection and everything looked fresh. The spuds have lovely, crispy skin except at the very bottom which is a bit tough from oven baking but I don’t expect I’ll ever be able to eat the whole thing.
I’ll be back with the REV Meetup group before our weekly stroll downtown to load up on carbs and then walk it off.
Desert at Beard Papas (a few doors along) makes for a perfect, inexpensive evening or cheap date night.
Rina, welcome! Agreed that, at $4, it is a really cheap. Now, I just wish they could start using other root vegetable options. Sweet potato/yam, anybody? But, then again, that will no longer be a kumpir, eh?
Love baked potatoes, especially on a cold, frosty, Fall day; so tried this place.
That will be the one and only time.
The anticipated piping hot potato was lukewarm, the interior not like baked but mashed
texture.
The killer: the toppings were ice cold, which quickly cooled the potato from lukewarm
to cold.
It was like eating cold potato salad out of a cast-off old shoe.
The price was the worst topping; way over the top.
Sorry. If I want a baked potato, I’ll cook my own and save for my own yacht instead of financing another fast food franchisee’s retirement haven.
@Tooter
Tooter I tried that place so many time! I never had cold potato! And if you can read you could see how they make potato! It s mashed potato!
I prefer these hot potatoes for 5 dollars instead of burgers or pizza slices! Go eat junk man!