Indian cuisine is unbelievably diverse and goes far beyond the universally beloved butter chicken and naan bread.
Believe it or not, each region of India has its own unique flavour and style of cuisine.
The advantage of living in a food-centric city like Vancouver is that you can try the different flavours from across India without leaving the Lower Mainland.
These are some of the best examples of India’s bold aromatic cuisine in Vancouver that are worth a try when you next crave Indian curry.
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Vij’s
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Perhaps one of the most recognizable Indian restaurants in Vancouver, Vij’s continues to push the envelope of creativity with its contemporary take on Indian food. The Lamb Popsicles remains a fan favourite and features an aromatic Fenugreek curry that will have you licking your plate clean.
Address: 3106 Cambie Street, Vancouver
Phone: 604-736-6664
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House of Dosas
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House of Dosas has brought South Indian cuisine to Vancouver and we love them for it. Large rice batter crepes are filled with various masala spiced potato curries and are served with a comforting aromatic lentil soup called sambar. The massive stuffed Dosas will surely satisfy any hunger and if you find yourself with late-night cravings for Indian food, House of Dosas is open until 2 am.
Address: 1391 Kingsway, Vancouver
Phone: 604.875.1283
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Tasty Indian Bistro
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Ever since Tasty Indian Bistro opened up in North Delta, we have been crossing our fingers for a location in Vancouver and our wish has been granted. You can now get traditional Indian food you love like butter chicken as well as street snacks like Papri Chaat (sweet and sour cracker salad) and Aloo Tikka (potato cake with yogurt, spices and chickpea curry garnish) at their Yaletown location.
Address: 8295 120 Street, Delta
Phone: 604-507-9393
Address: 1261 Hamilton Street, Vancouver
Phone: 604-423-3300
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Sula Indian Restaurant
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This Commercial Drive gem boasts garam masalas ground in-house, Indian inspired indoor, and playful garden-style seating where you can enjoy all the delicious grub.
Address: 1128 Commercial Drive, Vancouver
Phone: 604-215-1130
Saravana Bhavan
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The Vancouver location has long since moved to Delta, but fans of Saravana Bhavan are willing to make the pilgrimage to get their fix of South Indian classics like Masala Dosas (rice batter pancakes stuffed with potato curries) and Idli (steamed rice cakes). We assure you the trip out to Delta is well worth it.
Address: 8701 – 120th Street, Delta
Phone: 778-578-7575
Himalaya Restaurant
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Tucked along Main Street in “Little India,” is the beloved neighbourhood restaurant that specializes in Indian sweets and an all-day Indian buffet, Himalaya Restaurant. Aside from favourites like butter chicken, their Chick Pea Curry with Deep Fried Bread is a must-try.
Address: 6587 Main Street, Vancouver
Phone: 604-324-6514
Address: 110 – 4011 No 5 Road, Richmond
Phone: 604-247-2252
The Copper Chimney
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In the heart of Vancouver’s financial district is the gorgeous Indian restaurant, Copper Chimney. Do not let the stylish interior fool you because Copper Chimney embraces traditional north Indian cuisine and offers Thalis. Individual platters are dotted with small bowls each filled with various curries, yogurt, sweets, rice, and bread.
Address: 567 Hornby Street, Vancouver
Phone: 604-689-8862
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Mumbai Local
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Claiming to be the first and “only Canadian spot specializing in Mumbai street food,” the menu here will boasts ‘Bites’ for $7 (multiple varieties of puri), ‘Street Eats’ served from 3 pm to close (chicken lollipop, prawns rava, masala toast sandwich, etc), and ‘Dinner’ served from 3 to 10 pm along with sweets, a happy hour menu, and a lunch special list.
Address: 1148 Davie Street, Vancouver
Phone: 778-866-2225
Dunbar Pizza & Grill
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If you live in the Dunbar neighbourhood, you already know and love Dunbar Pizza & Grill, specifically the Butter Chicken Pizza. Who knew pizza and curry would be a match made in heaven?
Address: 3348 Dunbar Street, Vancouver
Phone: 604-732-4999
Green Lettuce Restaurant
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If you have not tried Indian-style Chinese food, you have been seriously missing out. Green Lettuce combines the aromatic spices from India to bring new depth to Chinese fried rice, chow mien, and stir-fries. But if your heart is set on having butter chicken, not to worry because they serve curries too.
Address: 1949 Kingsway, Vancouver
Phone: 604-876-9883
Address: 6350 120 Street #112, Surrey
Phone: 604-572-8677
Rangoli
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This charming South Granville Indian spot is tucked in right beside Jamjar, and it offers delicious samosa flights, an array of delectable share plates, and an awesome drinks list too.
Address: 1480 W 11 Avenue, Vancouver
Phone: 604-736-5711
Tandoori Kona
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Vancouverites often make the trip over the bridge for the Indian food at this tiny hole-in-the-wall restaurant in Richmond, Tandoori Kona. The chef is a master at utilizing spices making for curries that have depths of flavour.
Address: 11700 Cambie Road, Richmond
Phone: 604-279-9259
Tandoori Flame
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This amazing Indian grand buffet is priced at $15.99 – $25.99 per person and will serve lunch and dinner seven days a week, 365 days a year. The restaurant will officially be open for later dinner too, its hours are 11:30 am to 10:30 pm on weekdays and on Friday and Saturday they close at 11 pm.
Address: 11970 88th Avenue, Delta
Phone: 778-578-7777