kokoro mazesoba may be gone, but the space at 1835 west 4th avenue has found a new life as the hungry duck. curiosity got the better of us after noticing the change, so we decided to stop in and see what had replaced one of the neighbourhood's familiar spots.
walking inside, the restaurant feels much more spacious than the storefront suggests. the dining room stretches deep into the building, with high ceilings, woven rattan pendant lights casting a warm glow overhead, exposed burgundy beams, and cheerful yellow striped walls that brighten the space. the open kitchen and self serve salad bar give the room a casual, welcoming feel, while the tables are spaced far enough apart that you can actually enjoy a conversation without feeling like you're part of the table next to you.
everything starts with an ipad at your table. you browse the menu, place your order, and if you need anything during your meal, there's even a button to call for service. it's simple, intuitive, and keeps things moving without making the experience feel impersonal.
the menu centres around chargrilled meats served over rice. each bowl arrives topped with a silky onsen egg and comes with miso soup, sheets of seaweed, plus access to the self serve salad bar stocked with finely shredded cabbage, pickled daikon and carrots, and green onions tossed in a light sesame dressing. i appreciated the fresh crunch between bites of the richer meats.
there are two bowl sizes to choose from, and i ordered the chicken and pork combination. before the bowls even reached the table, the aroma of meat sizzling over the grill drifted through the dining room. both the chicken and pork had beautifully charred edges, and once the onsen egg was broken, the rich yolk coated the rice, bringing everything together. the sweet marinade paired nicely with the smoky char, creating a comforting bowl that was easy to keep eating.
not every bite was perfect, though. some of the cuts were quite fatty, making the meal feel heavier than i would have liked. i also sampled the beef, which had good flavour but was noticeably tough and required much more chewing than expected.
the portions are generous, almost deceptively so. between the mound of rice, the chargrilled meat, miso soup, seaweed, and unlimited trips to the salad bar, this is the kind of meal that slowly catches up to you. we arrived hungry and fully expected to polish everything off, but by the end we admitted defeat and took the rest home as leftovers.
if rice bowls aren't your thing, they also serve vermicelli bowls, japanese curry, and a few vegan-friendly options. and if you have room and craving something sweet afterward, the soft serve and tiramisu have made the transition from kokoro mazesoba and remain on the menu.
overall, the hungry duck is all about hearty portions and comforting flavours. the combination of smoky grilled meats, generous servings, and a relaxed dining room makes it an easy place to linger over a meal. just come with a healthy appetite, and if you're deciding between the two sizes, don't underestimate how filling even the regular bowl can be. read more