Global Japanese restaurant chain Marugame Udon opened in downtown Vancouver this weekend, marking the its 263rd location worldwide—and first-ever in Canada.

The restaurant served up Sanuki-style udon noodles, tempura dishes, and rice bowls for both lunch and dinner at the new 80-seat room. To ring in the occasion, Marugame Udon threw in a free tempura with every udon bowl ordered. And plenty were ordered.

“The wait is over—I am so pleased to be announcing the opening of our Vancouver location, marking Marugame Udon's first debut in Canada,” says Victor Hisao Misawa, president of Marugame Udon International, in a release. “It will be a great honour to be present for this momentous occasion and I look forward to welcoming our guests and sharing the unique Marugame experience with this culturally vibrant, west coast community.”

Apparently, Vancouverites were more than happy to keep waiting—evidenced by the lineup to get into the restaurant over the weekend. And the occasion was indeed momentous, as the restaurant sold out of its signature BK sauce on opening day, leaving customers without the full experience of a few of their dishes.

Marugame Udon was birthed in Japan’s Kakogawa City in 2000, serving up classic Sanuki-style udon (meaning thick, chewy, and slightly firm noodles) in rich soup stocks with a variety of toppings. The menu also boasts rice bowls like the chicken katsu curry don and a variety of tempuras.

If you missed out on opening weekend, the restaurant will be hosting a grand launch celebration known as the “Marugame Matsuri” (Japanese for “festival”) in March. 

Marugame Udon

Where: 589 Beatty Street, Vancouver

Hours: 11am to 9pm daily

Instagram: @marugamecanada