Top 5

Indian Cuisine

Vancouver (Apr.16.07)

Do you need curry in a hurry, but don’t want mall take-out? We hear you. That’s why this week our Best Of list is all about Indian cuisine, to guide you to the ultimate exotic (and tummy-filling) experience. So bring on the naan, the butter chicken, the lamb tikka and the pakoras — we’re ready to eat.

Everyone has to try it, at least once: Vij’s
1480 West 11th Ave.; 604-736-6664 www.vijs.ca
Where do we start? Named one of the best Indian cuisines by the New York Times, we love Vikram Vij’s gracious hosting and bright smile. We’re also egalitarianism fans, no reservations since 1994, with the wait made more bearable by the extra wine-time and nibbles served in lounge. We love the ever-changing menu of fresh and local dishes, and we’d wait hours for those lamb “popsicles” and the India Pale Ales.

Tandoor: Ashiana Tandoori
1440 Kingsway; 604-874-5060 www.ashianatandoori.com
When we crave tandoori murgh, (a dish baked in a hot, coal-burning clay oven) we make the trek to this East Vancouver hideaway. We can’t get enough of the made-to-order chicken tandoori and the spicy lamb tikka (the clay dishes are also very fashionable), while our wallets love the easy breezy weight of the bill.

Vegetarian to share: Handi Cuisine of India
1340 Marine Dr.; 604-925-5262 www.handiwestvan.com
We’re always in a better mood after we order the vegetable pakoras and then share the eggplant stew and the dal (lentils) to feel even better. We recommend the paneers (homemade cheese) and also suggest you go on a sunnier day, as the ocean views from the gigantic patio are stunning.

Naan: India Bistro
1157 Davie St.; 604-684-6342 www.indiabistro.ca
Owner Kamal Mroke’s naan bread is our weakness at this West End institution. The white-leavened bread comes piping hot, smeared with fresh garlic butter or mixed with potatoes or, our favourite, baked with sun-dried fruits and nuts (Peshwari Naan.) We’re levitating after this experience.

Classical Indian: Maurya
1643 West Broadway; 604-742-0622 www.mauryaindiancuisine.com
Besides the breathtaking décor of high ceilings and the vast open room fit for a Maharani, the smells of the traditional tandoori oven and curries keep us coming back to South Granville’s most elegant dining spot. We love the way the luxurious, modern feel of the room complements the classic dishes --like the Rogan Josh, a brilliant lamb curry with yogurt that is fit for a queen.

by Victoria Revay

Tags: top 5, city living

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