Celebrated worldwide, Diwali is the calendar event of the year! Observed by people of the Hindu, Sikh, and Jain faiths, Diwali also known commonly known as the Festival of Lights, with lights symbolizing “the victory of good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.”
Taking place on November 12, 2023 this year, Diwali is a time to clean your place, gather with family and friends, brighten your home with diyas (tiny, clay pot oil lamps that can be lit with a match or holders for tea lights) placed around the house, watch patake (firework displays) illuminate the sky, and share a delicious feast of traditional Indian dishes and sweets with people you care about.
Not only does Diwali look and feel magical, but your dhid (stomach) will be celebrating too! Cooking for the big day can be a lot of (unnecessary) work, so here’s a list of where to get delicious Indian eats to honour the special day.
By Avneet Takhar
Surrey
Chacha’s Tandoor and Grill
Chacha’s (which translates to “paternal uncle”) is a phenomenal place to go on an empty stomach (trust us, you’ll want to save room for all the tasty food!) The dishes we most recommend: Gol Gappay Shots (crispy deep fried bread stuffed with potatoes and chickpeas), Butter Chicken, Rumali Roti, and Chicken Seekh Kebab.
Open Sunday and Thursday 11 am — 10 pm, and Friday and Saturday 11 am – 11 pm, since Diwali falls over the weekend this year, we also recommend indulging in the Chole Bhutare (chickpeas and fried bread), a tasty staple “treat” in Indian households that’s on their lunch special.
12855 80 Avenue Unit 101, Surrey
Prabu Sweets
Prabu is notorious for having the longest lines because their mithai (Indian sweets) are off the charts! Budget time to wait unless you can get there as soon as they open, but damn it’s worth it when you get your first bite. Grab a whole box of Gulab Jaman, assorted Burfis, and if you’re feeling a little “extra”, try their Ras Malai too.
7035 128 Street #106, Surrey
Apna Chaat
“The best Chaat around” confirmed by Indian foodies on Reddit. Located in a strip mall, the unassuming Apna Chaat celebrates tasty (and messy!) Indian street food. It’s a favourite go-to spot for the beloved snack that it’s named after (chaat), which consists of crispy square wafers, boiled potatoes, various chutneys and yogurt.
7500 120 Street #201, Surrey
Vancouver
Indian Magic Masala
I think I died and went to heaven eating Desi burgers from this street food spot, founded by Kashish Garg and Kenny Bedi who hail from Delhi. Three days in a row I ordered each of their burgers: Mak Aloo Tikki Burger (potato), Paneer Tikki Burger (hard cheese), Delhi Street Style Gupta Burger (containing aloo and paneer). They truly live up to their name – order a burger and a side of their Garlic Masala Fries ASAP.
Take out available.
1205 East Hastings Street, Vancouver
Tatta Chulha
Tatta Chula means “hot oven”, and this Rajasthani vegetarian hotspot lives up to the name with its vibrantly decorated super cozy interior and incredibly attentive all-South Asian staff. They are known for serving Thali, which is a “full meal” comprised of a myriad of different dishes all individually occupying one plate. Having been there on numerous occasions, I can absolutely recommend their most popular Royal Regular Thali. It contains 15 of their food items, and you can even get refills!!
147 East Broadway, Vancouver
Langley
Masala Boyz
An elevated lounge bar vibe, Masala Boyz’ extensive menu has everything from traditional specialities to experimental dishes that gives them that extra edge. The Tandoori Jackfruit blended with spices in the clay oven is a great choice, and any of their meat dishes which can be made with their house-made sauces – whether it’s kadai or curry, are well worth ordering.
20178 96 Avenue #4, Langley Township
New Westminster
Royal Tandoori Indian Restaurant
A neighbourhood gem, this restaurant has been around for two decades, and is great option for solid meals at reasonable prices. Everything is made fresh to order at Royal Tandoori, the Eggplant Bhartha is a must-try, and they’re also known for their delicious chicken curry dishes.
83 6th Street, New Westminster
Richmond
Best Bite Indian Cuisine
Great Punjabi food is a rare find in Richmond, and this one is worth the search! With many of their dishes cooked in the tandoor oven and playful twists on classic dishes, like choice of adding decadent goat or lamb to their saag (spinach), we strongly suggest you Best Bite here!
10-3891 Chatham Street, Richmond
There are also various Diwali events (featuring food!) happening in Surrey, and hot tickets to watch live-in-action CBC recognized Bollywood drag queen, Jolene on November 19, 2023.
There are many ways to get here by transit. Visit TransLink’s Trip Planner to find your way.
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