What is going on at Aberdeen Centre?
In a week already dominated by the high-drama eviction of Garaku Soup Curry, another staple has quietly vanished. Meiten Japanese Katsu & Bar closed its doors recently with zero fanfare—no Instagram announcement, no farewell letter, and not even a notice on the front glass.
The closure was only confirmed after their Google Business Profile was updated to “Permanently Closed,” leaving loyal fans of their affordable All-You-Can-Eat (AYCE) sets wondering what happened.
A Rare Value for Sashimi Lovers
Meiten was widely known in the Richmond community for offering one of the best value-for-money deals in the city. Their AYCE lunch was priced at $29.95, while dinner sat at $39.95.
What truly set them apart was the inclusion of sashimi in those prices—an “excellent” perk that is becoming increasingly rare as food costs continue to climb. Whether you were there for the deep-fried katsu or the unlimited salmon slices, it was a go-to spot for those looking to get the most bang for their buck.
The Aberdeen “Shakeup”
The fact that Meiten Japanese Katsu & Bar closed in the same week as Garaku’s $53,000 eviction is raising a lot of questions about the current state of the mall. While Garaku’s exit was forced by the landlord (Fairchild Developments), Meiten’s departure feels more like a quiet retreat.
Inside the restaurant, the space still looks “untouched.” Peering through the glass, you can still see the Sapporo taps and sake bottles sitting behind the bar.
A Growing List of Closures
This closure adds to an increasingly long list of Richmond departures this month. Between Seto Japanese Restaurant, Little Karp, My Coffee, and now two major units in Aberdeen Centre, the local dining landscape is shifting faster than we’ve seen in years.
While the “Curse of Unit 1360” (Garaku’s old spot) gets most of the attention, the loss of Meiten on the second floor suggests that the challenges facing Richmond restaurants are hitting everyone—from new franchises to established AYCE favourites.
