Bonchaz Bakery Cafe in Downtown Vancouver is a place that I revisited recently after not having been there for a few years. I always find it interesting to revisit a place after such a long period of time since you wonder whether things have gotten better, worst or not changed at all. This post reflects all my visits to Bonchaz.
Bonchaz Back Then (2012)
Bonchaz Bakery initially started out at the farmer’s market and then opened up a shop in Downtown Vancouver in 2010. Their menu lineup includes a tasty selection of baked goods, savoury baguette sandwiches, hearty soups and aromatic french-press coffee. Its location on West Hastings between Richards and Homer makes it popular with international students who study in the area.
The first few times I went to Bonchaz was on a Groupon deal which was two large sandwiches and two large soups for $10. I ordered a vegan lentil soup and wild sockeye salmon sandwich for dine in. The ingredients tasted fresh and the portions were reasonable for a combo just under $10.
I also got a mushroom soup and pulled pork sandwich for takeout. The soup was nicely cream while the pulled porked sandwich was flavourul, moist and tender. The food was simple but satisfying.
Bonchaz Bakery Now (2015)
I pass by Bonchaz from time to time when traveling about Downtown and realized that I had not tried their signature sweet-dough buns. I decided to finally stop in for some Bonchaz buns. The buns are $1.50 each for $8.95 for half dozen. Like their other baked goods, the buns are baked in-house daily. In fact, when I was there, some of their buns were just fresh out the oven.
I was wanting to dine-in but when I looked around I found the tables to be a sticky. There were some uncleared dishes at the counter near the window and I was not too interesting in sitting near them. So, I got the chocolate truffle and banana walnut buns to go.
Both were light and fluffy and just subtly sweet. I did, however, feel like the fillings were a bit disappointing because they were a bland. I also thought that the bun was more bread than filling. I guess I was looking for more of a wow factor, but it just wasn’t there.
I did notice when I was inside the shop that they sell some new products including macarons. I guess Bonchaz got on the macaron craze in Vancouver.
Overall Impression of Bonchaz Bakery
On my recent visit to Bonchaz Bakery, I wasn’t wowed by their signature buns. However, my past experiences with their soups and sandwiches were good. Bonchaz does seem like a good and budget friendly place particularly for students. But with so many choices around in Downtown Vancouver, I do not think that Bonchaz is my go-to bakery cafe. Rating: 3/5
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Twitter: @bonchaz
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