When I think lunch, my first thought tends to be noodles. I'm not fussy: I'll eat basically any type of Asian cuisine, as long as it's well done. Having worked in Richmond for a couple of years now, I've sampled most of the offerings on or near Swan Street. My favourite? Happy Kappa, an unassuming-looking Japanese place (85 Swan Street, Richmond).
It's BYO, cash only, and this place won't win any prizes for decor. It's got a bunch of big wooden tables and a few longer communal ones, and there's random Japanese decorative stuff plonked all over pretty much every surface. The standard fluorescent lights have been 'cleverly' hidden by draped fabric, and you eat from plastic bowls with disposable chopsticks as you would from most Japanese takeaway joints. But, it's charming in a quaint way. Your eye always has something to rove over (not least all the spunky creative-type lunch patrons), and soft, soothing jazz music plays overhead.
The staff are disarmingly sweet, and the place is always packed. SRSLY. Always.
This is because the food is awesome.
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| Chicken Katsu Don |
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| Torikara Udon (with chicken & tofu). Yummm (there are noodles underneath) |
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| Torikara Miso Ramen |
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| Tori Kara Don |
And, it's cheap!
Happy Kappa recently changed its hours and is sadly now only open for lunch Monday to Friday, from 12pm to 2.30pm.
Go, and enjoy. You're welcome.
