WA-BAGEL — Restaurant Review | Condé Nast Traveler

"What were your first impressions when you arrived? After enjoying Japanese-style bagels in Japan, ABURI Restaurants (Miku, Minami, Aburi Hana) founder Seigo Nakamura brought them back to Vancouver in fall, opening WA-BAGEL in the city’s Downtown District. Tucked within Park Place Building on its concourse level, discover a counter-service destination fueling locals-in-the-know with a premium selection of just-made bagels and sandwiches. What’s the crowd like? Office workers and students in the neighborhood looking for quality lunch options that are quick and easy. What should we be drinking? Take-away coffee options, bottled speciality Japanese soft drinks, juices, and teas are all available. Main event: the food. Give us the lowdown—especially what not to miss. Prior to joining the WA-BAGEL team, head baker Yukiko Iikura had started her own popular Japanese-style bagel shop in Tokyo—so it’s safe to say she excels in the craft, demonstrating her prowess in crispy, chewy bagels in a variety of flavors (including Mochi Matcha, Kinako Chocolate, and Sweet Potato & Black Sesame). Try them in sandwich form, too, in options like the Pacific (with smoked salmon, cream cheese, and Japanese shiso herb) and Aburi Veggie (with grilled seasonal vegetables, Japanese citrus, and garlic hummus). Bagel flavors do sell out, so arrive early in the day for your best chances of snagging your favorite. And how did the front-of-house folks treat you? Friendly, efficient, and patient. What’s the real-real on why we’re coming here? Post up in the lounge with friends for a mid-day carbfest, or swing in for some sustenance while exploring Downtown Vancouver." - Nicole Schnitzler