On Wednesday, November 26th, Saan Saan will host a one-night modern Japanese plant-based teishoku dinner. The event brings together the quiet intensity and careful cooking of two friends: Tomoko Tahara (Maest Food) and Raphaël Pirenne.

Pirenne and Tahara first worked together in the kitchen at (now closed) Harken Coffee, where their shared interest in Japanese flavours, attention to detail, and seasonal cooking made them fast friends. Pirenne’s background is in cafés in both Victoria and Vancouver; he currently works with O5 Tea, guiding tastings and creating events that link tea and culture. Tahara is a plant-based chef with experience at Published on Main and The Acorn. Their work together blends Tahara’s focus on seasonal, fermentation-driven cooking with Pirenne’s interest in flavour, service and tea.

For their November collaboration event, the duo have created a seasonal set menu centred on fermentation, local produce, and Shojin techniques (Shojin cooking grows out of Zen Buddhist practice, and centres on quiet attention, seasonal ingredients, and using every part of what you cook). Guests can expect five plant-based dishes, a dessert, and drinks that feature tea, fruit, and clean flavours.

Shojin Teishoku Plant-Based Dinner Club

Delicata Squash & Persimmon
Slow-roasted delicata squash and local persimmons with bean soboro crumble
(Mild heat, layered sweetness, winter aromatics)

Soba Sashimi
Cold buckwheat in sashimi-style
Special tare and house-made XO

Braised Daikon
Purple daikon braised in fermented tea from o5 tea( awa bancha) and matsutake dashi finished with quince miso sauce

Black Chestnut Rice
Local chestnuts are blackened and cooked into rice for an earthy, rich finish
(Chestnut rice is one of the iconic autumn menu items in Japan)

Maitake & Seasonal Vegetable Tempura
Egoma shiso leaf tempura, seasonal vegetables, rhubarb Kosho
Served with warm dashi broth

Dessert
TBD (Expecting an An-Mitsu parfait)

The meal runs for ninety minutes and is designed as a calm, thoughtful experience with limited seating available by reservation, and no walk-ins. Tickets ($78) include dinner, dessert, and a welcome drink, with additional beverages offered for an extra cost the night of. Seatings are available at 5pm, 6:30pm, and 7:30pm. Secure your chosen slot HERE before it’s too late!

Saan Saan Restaurant & Café

Neighbourhood: Chinatown

227 Main St.

WEBSITE