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Café Kathmandu
Category: Restaurants Himalayan/Nepalese Himalayan/Nepalese [Edit]
2779 Commercial DrVancouver, BC V5N 4C5
Neighbourhood: Kensington-Cedar Cottage
(604) 879-9909
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
26 reviews for Café Kathmandu
Review Highlights
26 reviews in English
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Review from Singh I.
Vancouver, BC
3/28/2012
Very comfortable setting. Quick service and owner chats with you-he'll recommend something if you are making a mistake, but he does it so subtly esp helpful for people who are not familiar with some menu items.
We started with2 orders steamed momos(they are that good and please dont call them dumplings LOL)-i personally dont like fried ones. It was first time for wife to taste something that I d been raving about for a long time. She loved it and I was in heaven with momos and ice cold granville island pale ale to go with it.
Next for meal we ordered goat Bhutawa-onwer recommened we take chicken instead (its dry meat cooked with spices, came with garnish of cilantro and lime with a side of rice that the onwer replaced with roti for me) Rolling it in roti with cilatro and lime on top mmmmmmm-the chicken was soft and tender and spices done right.
We also had Kukhurako maasu-the owner recommened we take this as goat curry(khasiko maasu) which we did. That came with rice on side. IT was good and fresh tasting without being too heavy.
Overall very fresh food and very varied tasting that we tipped $20 on a bill of about $58 which isnt bad.
You have to try this at least one time if you live in Vancouver. 5 stars are for the overall food, expereince with the owner and just having a pleasant time at dinner without too much fuss. Ask any married guy LOL thats all you want -
Review from Crystal G.
West Vancouver, BC
4/29/2012
We went to this place recently with an Earthsave/Meatless Meetup dineout. We were a bit wary, having been disappointed with a similar event at a different Nepalese restaurant last year. This one was wonderful!
The restaurant is small, but service is friendly (I think the owner himself brought out the dishes). The food was flavourful, not too oily, garlicky or overspiced. Even the daal was very good, and not everyone can do that well. We also liked the dumplings (can get meat or veg, steamed or fried), the cauliflower, and lots of other dishes. This was a nice opportunity to try many items.
We were pleasantly surprised that everything we had (vegetarian) could be arranged from the regular menu, ie very veg-friendly -- to the extent that they use different cooking utensils for veg and non-veg food.
They have a full bar but, because of how much we were eating, we were ok with water.
We're looking forward to returning to order off the menu. I agree with other reviewers; highly recommend this place. -
Review from Julia A.
Victoria, BC
4/1/2012 1 photo
Had the daal curry for dinner last night with roti and salad - it was excellent! And service was good. Nice place, I recommend it !
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Review from Angela L.
5/31/2011
Such a charming restaurant. I have to echo the sentiments of other Yelpers - the owner is so sweet and friendly, which wins any establishment major points in my books.
The food is also delicious. Simply prepared without any unnecessary accoutrements, it tastes entirely healthy and wholesome (and is exceptionally vegetarian/vegan friendly). I ordered the vegetable version of the "Daal bhaat tarkaari," which is basically a full meal with curry, daal, rice, roti, and chutney. I also tried the steamed vegetable momos - the cilantro chutney that was served with them was fantastic. As I enthusiastically scraped up the last of it, the owner immediately swooped in and offered more.
A comfortable and happy place to eat, for both the tummy and the soul (I wouldn't normally write something like this, but the peacefulness of Cafe Kathmandu must be rubbing off on me).Listed in: Vancouver Vegetarian
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Review from Cream J.
Vancouver, BC
2/5/2012
comfortable place, good food, but price a bit high. Impressive Maahee (mango yogurt juice)!
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Review from Barry M.
9/21/2011 1 Check-in Here
For a parent that won't try spicy food, it's tough to choose somewhere interesting that they don't whimp out and just order a salad. Fortunately CK has a "bland" (aka BORING) item on their menu below "mild".
But, the food still was spiced well and tasted fresh.
It was a little suspicious that the entire plate has that "steaming as if they were just put in the microwave" look. But they didn't have that watery leftover taste. -
Review from Pippa M.
Vancouver, BC
9/1/2011
Fantastic food and friendly, relaxed atmosphere!
Lots of choices for vegetarians and good value. -
Review from Jon M.
8/21/2011
YOU SHOULD EAT HERE.
I'm saying it because there aren't many people that visit this place, but the food and service is great. It really deserves to have more people in there.
My wife and I split two medium dishes, with 1 appetizer.
+ VERY good service.
+ Wife really loved the garlic prawns
+ Unique flavors and foods that we hadn't eaten before, but were delicious. -
Review from Crystal H.
Vancouver, BC
1/31/2011 1 Check-in Here
Vancouver yelpers - I'm kissing your feet today! You steered me oh, so right... right towards Cafe Kathmandu.
You were dead on about the momo's (fried, 1/2 veggie, 1/2 meat). The dipping sauces that accompany them made my mouth sing: cilantro, tomato and hot mama (okay, I made that last name up). This was my first experience with goat (I think) and I'm going back for more. The fenugreek cauliflower - flavour. The aromatic rice and curries packed with so many spices, the hot level was just right -- medium for me -- and the service - friendlier than I could have imagined, even after reading your rave reviews.
When we rocked up at 8 on a Saturday night, I was a little frightened to see only one other table, but as we were finishing up, it was filling out. I'll be shouting this place out from the mountain tops any chance I get. Who knew little dumplings could be so charming!Listed in: Commercial Drive's Worth the…
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Review from Sara M.
2/28/2011
What a lovely place to eat.
The owner is delightful. Yes, we were there early so we were the only kids in the place - but still. The service was genuine and fantastic.
Everything we had was delicious. This was my first experience with Nepali cuisine - and I was impressed! I went with my expert stepmum, who used to call Nepal home - and everything passed her test.
We had the Raaio, Taamaa, and an order of veggie Momos. Yum. Simple food, beautifully spiced.
I will be back. -
Review from Erin U.
11/14/2011
Im basically in love with the owner and his adorable family. He is a great man who helps in the community and deserves alot more business than he usually has in there. Personally im not sure why people go next door to busy banditas when the food here is way way wayyyyy better and the whole experience just alot better. Seriously try anything on the menu, also lots of veggie options and all made fresh in the back by his lovely wife. I support local awesome business and people and this is actually my favorite place on commercial drive food wise for sure, yum!! Give it a try, you will leave smiling I guarantee it! p.s i cant believe i forgot to write a review for kathmandu soner!! sheeeesshhh im gonna go tomorrow.
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Review from Malloreigh M.
Vancouver, BC
Updated - 12/14/2010 2 Check-ins Here
We went to Kathmandu again and were impressed, again. The owner is an activist both locally and globally, and it seems like he really wants to create an atmosphere of community in his restaurant. He told us he hosts activist events there sometimes, too, which made me feel good, because otherwise this place is always empty.
Listen. The food? Incredible. Everything we ate was delicious. You can get every dish on the menu either vegetarian (vegan) or with meat. The momo are little clouds of delight - and their deep-fried cousins melted in our mouths. We also ordered the potato salad, which was mustardy and coconutty - better than anything I've ever had at a summer BBQ, that's for sure.
I really need to bring all of my friends here. It's a great place to drink a 1/2 litre of house red and share a meal and a conversation.Listed in: Vegan Vancouver, Curries and Chutneys and…, Business Time
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/3/2010
We were absolutely blown away by this place. No disappointments whatsoever. I want to go again and… Read more »
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Review from Spidermonkey J.
11/10/2010
Out of the way location but worth the trip. Solid, well prepared Himalayan food. Owner (I assume) was a delight and goes out of his way to ensure a pleasurable experience. If you've never tried Himalayan/Nepalese food you're missing out. Big, bold, spicy, and oh so good. Get yourself an order of momo, some grilled goat meat, rice, naan, and the cauliflower dish here at Cafe Kathmandu.
Happened to be raining the night we were there and getting a cab was taking quite awhile. Upon spotting an available cab driving by the owner actually ran out in the rain and chased it around the corner trying to get it for us.
Tip- There's a skytrain stop about 2 blocks away. -
Review from Rachael T.
Toronto, ON
9/1/2010
I searched high and low for the most ideal place to take my lovely Claud for her birthday! A fully vegan restaurant was definitely tricky, with me not being vegan at all! I definitely looked to Yelp for good recommendations and found this place thanks to Gabrielle!
I was not sure what to expect when I walked into this place..... never have eaten Himalayan before. The place was empty, but slowly started to fill up. Hearing about the Momo's (no, not the one that Homer wears), I was surprised that they looked exactly like Xiao Long Bao! In fact, Momo's by definition: Steamed dumplings with a savory filling of your choice of vegetable or pork, served with tomato and cilantro chutney. Not soupy inside, but I really enjoyed dipping it into the sweet and hot sauces.
We also got the large sharing plate with vegetables, which came with daal (lentil puree), steamed rice, and roti. It may not have looked like a lot, but believe me, it was. We just kept eating and eating, but it didn't feel heavy because there was no milk products in it. We scarfed down every single bite, and I was quite pleased.
I can't say I'd come back again, even though I have tonnes of meatless meals, but I'm glad I checked this place out. -
Review from Emma K.
Vancouver, BC
2/14/2011
Mmmm The best prawns i've ever had. They're slightly breaded and curried and are just begging to be loved. The wine was affordable and came in a carafe- I like. The atmosphere fit the theme and they sell fair trade products at the most amazing prices! I bought FIFTY BAGS OF CHAI TEA plus a shoulder hand woven bag for SIX DOLLARS. Spectacular. So much healthy, natural food- I live on lentils so this was prime. Absolutely delicious and authentic food beautifully executed
Listed in: Night Prowling
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Review from Noa G.
Vancouver, BC
10/1/2008 1 photo
It's a case of more than meets the eye when it comes to Cafe Kathmandu, a Himalayan restaurant on Commercial Drive. Owner Abi Sharma immigrated to Vancouver from Nepal after being arrested for his involvement in student activism in his home country.
Now, Abi serves up authentic Nepali cuisine along with a healthy dose of social and political awareness at Cafe Kathmandu. As chef, host, and sole server, Abi intentionally takes every opportunity he gets to speak with his customers and inform them of the issues happening not only in Nepal, but also right here in there own backyards.
Abi also hosts lectures and guest speakers at his restaurant, which anyone is welcome to attend. Check the schedule on the website for details. http://www.cafekathman... -
Review from Cam W.
Vancouver, BC
4/11/2010
I really enjoyed Cafe Kathmandu. The ambiance was warm and inviting, the manager genuinely friendly, and the food authentic and delicious.
The room is laid-out with some nice photos and art from Nepal which you can buy if interested.
Highly recommend the fried and steamed momo! -
Review from Jesse H.
Vancouver, BC
3/7/2011
This place is baller. Awesome owner. Generous portions (vodka). Highly recommended.
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Review from Truman W.
Vancouver, BC
8/31/2010 1 Check-in Here
I actually decided to try this place based on the consistently good reviews found on Yelp, so I actually had moderately high expectations walking in.
We went at 7:30pm on a Monday evening, and the place, fairly small, at about a dozen tables, was packed, with just one table to spare, which we promptly claimed.
There was just one server on at the front of the house, whom I suspect was also the manager-owner, and was super friendly. We could tell he was swamped though, as it took a good ten minutes before we got our water and menus.
When it came time to order, we asked for the fried kothay pork dumplings ($9), the kukhurako maasu chicken curry ($12), and the khasiko maasu goat curry ($12).
The pork dumplings were excellent, fried crispy golden on the outside and richly flavoured, moist, and tender on the inside. They were served with three different sauces too, a cilantro chutney (fresh, bright, bold), a tomato chutney (sweet, but a bit flatter), and a third spicy chili sauce (earthy and very hot).
The curries were served with a fragrant basmati, topped with the scent of cardamom, and diced green and red pepper, which was quite lovely. However, I found the curries themselves a touch unidimensional in flavour, especially the chicken kukhurako maasu, which I felt could have used more depth and richness. This curry seemed a bit thin.
The khasiko maasu curry was better, helped by that characteristic 'twang' of the goat, which was very tender. The dish had a sort of consistent, dull, lingering heat, that I thought could have used some more texture or counter-balancing flavours.
We also ordered the mango-yoghurt drink, but the server was too busy and never brought it to our table (but preemptively acknowledged the omission and removed the charge from our bill).
Over all, the food at Kathmandu was good, and I want to like the place, with the cosy ambiance and super cheery server (who actually imitated goat sounds when confirming our order!) And while the place was busy around 7:30pm, tables were readily available again by 8:15.
Café Kathmandu gets three stars for now, but I'm looking forward to giving it another shot, if, for nothing else, those kothay dumplings, and to find out what that mango-yoghurt drink's all about. Plus, any server who imitates whatever animal's on the menu gets a thumbs up in my books. -
Review from n Y.
Vancouver, BC
11/25/2010
Excellent food! Good for vegetarians, seafood and meat-eaters. The service was good. The atmosphere was very mom&pop shop... no decor skills. But the food was great.
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Review from Dave M.
8/15/2010
Just came in from my first visit and I will definitely be back. The person working (I'd presume is the owner) genuinely wanted me to enjoy every dish and answered all of the questions I had about ingredients, and how to eat certain dishes. Quite engaging, happy to have gone. Food was fantastic.
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Review from Lisa T.
Vancouver, BC
12/19/2010
Cafe Kathmandu is a fantastic place for dinner and Abi (the owner) is a great person to talk too.
He recommended a variety of salads from different parts of Nepal and Momo's to start, and we had lamb curry as a main. All of it was really good, but the salads were my favorite... especially the one with roasted soy beans.
Abi is super friendly and has some great stories. We will go back for the good food... and to talk to him again. -
Review from Louise G.
4/17/2010 3 photos
Delightful location with a unique menu full of great new dishes and wonderful interpretations of familiar dishes. I'm amazed I've been walking by for years and never walked in. I'll definitely be a regular.
Listed in: VEGETARIAN
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Review from Pete C.
8/25/2009
I came here on a recommendation of a B&B owner I was staying at. The food was delicious and the owner was very welcoming. It's Himalayan food so somewhat of a rare find for me. I thought the dumplings here was absolutely delish!
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Review from chantal m.
Vancouver, BC
2/21/2011
cute place - and super friendly owner. this is the type of place you just want to support.
lots of veggie options. try the momo (with cilantro sauce!) or the kothay. good place to go with a group of friends. -
Review from Ali L.
Montréal, QC
10/4/2009
Unfamiliar with Nepali food? You're in for a treat... everything I've tried at Cafe Kathmandu is delicious, and the owner is a wonderful host. It has options to satisfy both vegetarians and carnivores, and everything on the menu is milk-free - perfect for the lactose intolerant. I love that this place has a shelf full of books and hosts lectures - food for the mind, too!
