A.BENTO offers a modern Taiwanese dining experience in Vancouver, with a menu that draws from night market snacks, street stall favourites, and familiar comfort dishes. The restaurant takes inspiration from Taiwan’s rich food culture while bringing a Vancouver perspective to the cooking. The menu includes house-made items such as Taiwanese sausage and signature sauces, along with locally sourced ingredients where possible.
I visited to try a range of dishes, from comforting soups and noodles to fried snacks, stews, and dessert. The meal had a good mix of textures and flavours, with several dishes that felt especially suited for sharing.
The Prime Signature Chicken Soup in Casserole was a comforting start to the meal. The broth was warm and savoury, with a clear chicken flavour that made it feel nourishing. It felt homey and generous.
The Taiwanese Crispy Chicken Nuggets were one of the more familiar Taiwanese street food items on the table. The pieces had a crisp exterior and tender interior, with a savoury seasoning that made them easy to keep reaching for. This was the kind of dish I would order again as a snack or starter.
The Deep Fried Tofu with Pickled Cabbage brought a nice contrast between the crisp tofu and the tangy pickled cabbage. The tofu had a soft centre, while the cabbage added brightness to the plate. I enjoyed how simple and satisfying this dish was.
For something lighter, the Green Papaya with Passion Fruit offered a refreshing break between the richer dishes. The papaya was crisp, and the passion fruit gave it a sweet-tart flavour. It worked well as a palate cleanser during the meal.
The Crab Seafood Tofu Stew was warming and comforting, with tofu and seafood in a savoury sauce. It had a soft texture throughout.
The Stir Fried Cumin Lamb with Lotus Bun had a fragrant cumin aroma and tender pieces of lamb. The lotus bun made the dish more interactive, since you could tuck the lamb inside and eat it by hand.
The Eggplant with Spicy Garlic Sauce was soft, savoury, and slightly spicy. The eggplant absorbed the sauce well, giving each bite a rich flavour without needing a long ingredient list.
The Signature Sliced Noodle with beef was hearty and satisfying. The noodles had a pleasant chew, and the beef added a comforting savoury note. I always appreciate a noodle dish with texture, and this one had that handmade-style quality.
A.BENTO also offers frozen products for heat-and-eat meals at home, including Braised Beef Noodle Soup and Chicken Soup Noodle. These are currently available at the restaurant and on Uber Eats, with plans to launch at Fresh St. Market and IGA stores.
Overall, my meal at A.BENTO showed a broad look at Taiwanese flavours, from fried snacks and comforting soups to noodles and dessert. It is a good option for diners looking for Taiwanese dishes in a casual Vancouver setting, especially if they enjoy ordering several plates to share.
A.BENTO is located at 656 W Broadway, Vancouver, BC.