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East is East
Category: Restaurants Middle Eastern Middle Eastern [Edit]
4413 Main StVancouver, BC V5V 3R2
Neighbourhood: Riley Park
(604) 879-2020
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 11 am - 10 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Intimate
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
51 reviews for East is East
Review Highlights
"The various chai teas are aromatic and perfectly spicy."
(in 33 reviews)
"Great Chai, delicious lentil soup."
(in 7 reviews)
"The seating is low benches, with rugs placed everywhere."
(in 3 reviews)
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51 reviews in English
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Review from Sarah D.
2/4/2012 1 Check-in Here
East is East, where have you been my whole life? And why haven't I indulged in your spicy, delicious chais before now?
This morning, a few friends and I found ourselves in the Riley Park neighbourhood picking up our bridesmaids dresses, and one of them suggested that we stop by East is East to relax over a cup of chai afterwards. Being the chai devotee that I am, my rubber arm was easily twisted. Since we arrived right as the place opened we got to choose our seat, so we settled into one of the many cozy tables lining the sides of the restaurant. I've gotta say, walking into this place felt like I was warping through time and space to an intimate Persian cafe. The small tables, the dim lighting, the tapestries on the wall, and the smell of exotic spices made me feel as though I were somewhere far, far away. It was wonderful.
Upon perusing their menu, I indulged in not one but TWO of their chocolate Darjeeling Marsala chais. Yep, I had to have a second, as it was honestly the best, spiciest chai tea I have ever had. Since we were lingering so long in the restaurant, we decided to order some food as well. I ordered the Saag Paneer rice bowl with brown lentil rice, and it was served with a side of raita. Delicious! I can honestly say that the entire experience, from the food and beverages to the service, was excellent. What is better yet is that I felt totally guilt-free, being that the food served here is so healthy.
I'm already looking forward to my next visit to East is East. It's the perfect exotic and tranquil oasis in the heart of Main St.Listed in: The Main Attraction
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Review from Scott W.
Vancouver, BC
1/8/2012 1 Check-in Here
I cant think think of any reason why i would not give East is East 5 stars!! OK, my butt was asleep from sitting on the tree stumps for 3 hours, but just the fact that the place was so good we stayed for 3 hours considering the falling asleep butt cheeks, means its amazing!
We went on a Thursday night, and they have live bands there - this night was a 5 piece gypsy band. So COOL! Each of them were super friendly that we chatted with - music was really laid back and comfortable!
Now lets get to the food! Everything has a middle eastern flare, and they have both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. We ordered a whole assortment of things to try.. first thing i remember, is how FAST the food came! But then.. my first moment my teeth entered into my Ghenkis Khan roti.. words cant even explain how good it is. Everything apparantly is good, which only means i will have to come back again and again to try everything on the menu!
Also - excellent desserts, smoothies, and varieties of chai.
I will be coming back again and again, and cant wait for the new location next door to be open later this year!! -
Review from Louise G.
11/11/2011
We've wanted to try this place for quite some time.
Walked in the door and was overwhelmed by the scent. Large plumes of smoke rose from a giant stalk of incense. It looked like Mt St Helens was erupting on the counter; smoke and ash made the air hazy.
Would it tolerated if the space was filled with cigarette smoke?
Incense might be cool and trendy but it is a horror for those who have a problem with scent or MCS (Multiple Chemical Sensitivity), and considering how this is becoming a problem for more and more people I wonder WHY on earth a business would do this.
http://dualpowerproduc...
I have contacted the restaurant via their website to voice my concerns. The contact form on the website does not work. I had to go to their Facebook page and send them an email there, also thru a contact page, very frustrating, as the page never loaded to indicate that it has posted, but a copy was transmitted to my email, so I can only assume it was sent to theirs as well. As of this posting, I have not heard back from them.Listed in: 30-Day Challenge, becomes 365…, The Best Of The Worst
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Review from Jess L.
10/11/2011 1 Check-in Here
Yeah chai tea! They have a few to choose from: Darjeeling Masala Chai, Green Masala Chai, Soy Green Chai, Rooibos Masala Chai, and Lemon Ginger Chai. You can also request for soy, or make any of these teas a 'Chocolate Chai' for an extra dollar. The Green Masala Chai w/ chocolate is really good :)
There is also a live band that plays every Thursday night! -
Review from Jess M.
Vancouver, BC
10/3/2011
I decided to hit up this place thinking it would be a quick eats kind of place and while I'm sure I could have gotten something to-go quickly, it didn't turn out to be a quick lunch for me...
And that's a good thing!
Maybe because it was a quiet weekday afternoon, but they were plying me with free samples of everything on their menu as soon as I sat down. I got a chicken wrap thing with lentil soup and salad that was delicious. It was spicy and flavorful without putting my mouth on fire. All the other little tidbits they brought over were delicious as well.
The final free sample was for one of their fruit smoothies which was so good, I had to get one to take home. The regular size appeared to be rather small but the amount of fruit packed into it was VERY filling. I definitely plan to go back and try some other dishes. -
Review from Amanda F.
8/19/2011
Last week was my first time trying the East is East location on Main, after having already tried the location in Kits a few months prior and loving it. It was my boyfriends first time eating at East is East altogether.
He absolutely loved it, and he is one fussy diva, so that gives it major plus points in my book right away! His exact words upon finishing the meal were "holy sh*it. that was delicious". And I concur, it was freaking delicious. The featured dish lets you choose a couple of small portions of different foods from all around the middle-east/asia. Taste explosion! So many wonderful spices and different flavours....yet you didn't walk away feeling grossly overfed. We got a main course & a starter to share amongst two people and that was more than enough.
The servers and hosts are super friendly, the live music was a nice touch, and the decor feels authentic and wonderful (although to be honest, I wouldn't know, having never travelled to the middle east or anywhere in asia). The only downside for me is that the Main St location is small and the seating/tables are a bit awkward....(they're low to the ground, yet you still sit on a bench...a bit uncomfortable)... compared to the more spacious broadway location.
Did I mention the food is awesome?
Oh, and another bonus: I was walking by yesterday and I got a free sample of some tasty Afghan bread! -
Review from Rachael T.
Toronto, ON
7/29/2011
My last dinner in Vancouver during my quick and very worthwhile trip.
I got there at a very early 6:00pm to meet my friend at about 6:15. Even while I was waiting - I was offered some tasty spicy ginger chai.The resto was already full at this time but it was soon after that I got a seat somewhere in the middle, but close to the live music playing that night. It was all of a sudden that I found out that my date wouldn't arrive until 7, and I felt bad sitting and waiting for 45 minutes so I told the waitress I was happy to give up the table if there were other people coming in.
In a cheerful voice, the waitress was so accommodating and she told me not to worry.
Finally when my lovely Claudia showed up, we ordered one shake, one fresh fruit juice (both tasted delicious but whatever you decide to get... get it with ice cream) and a double wrap that came with a soup and salad. I got the eggplant and butternut squash while C got one of the cheese and peas. It came with dhal soup that included cauliflower and lentils, and a green salad.
We were not that hungry so sharing this plate was perfect. The soup was tasty, but I wasn't going to jump in for another bowl. The salad was nicely dressed.
I love eggplant and mango, and although the wrap was full of flavours, I found the textures to be a little mushy... I think that's my own fault because I think it was made this way. Although I didn't want any cheese in my wrap, I must say that since the cheese was in chunks, it helped with a solid bite in the second wrap.
We ended off dinner with a a lovely rice pudding with pistachios and rosewater, while listening to a little boy sing with some awesome musicians... he was so shy and so cute but sang his heart out anyway. What a lovely way to end the night...
. -
Review from Haedis L.
8/25/2011
A solid 4.5 stars.
The ambience is amazing.. very relaxed, hippy, different, welcoming, warm. There were some tourists out of town and the kids could just sit around the table on the floor.
The food was really good, nice to have some vegan options. We ordered the double rolls(?) which were pretty good.
The staff were all amazing! So kind and warm.. it makes a huge difference.
I would go back for sure.
Thank u east is east! -
Review from Justinne R.
Richmond, BC
9/3/2011
My situation:
I was out with my boyfriend on a Friday night with no reservations. We waited for about 15-20 minutes before we were finally seated. In the meantime, we were offered to have some "chai" tea and mango "lassi" with pistachio. My boyfriend, who is used to having such drinks, thought that the drinks were great!
Ambience:
The restaurant requires street parking.
Once you've entered the establishment, you'll realize how small and popular it is, and that you should have made reservations if you haven't already. Because I am a fan of beautiful ambience, East is East gave an exotic experience for its customers. The seats were really short however (it was on these wooden stools, and some were against this drape with artisan pillows). I felt like I was in "the East", with the low tables and the rugs everywhere; its website description of letting you "travel to the East" is quite true!
The folk singers/musicians added to the exotic feel of the place. They were playing live "background" music. Think of people jamming as you eat.
Food:
I ordered the double roti with the "Ghengiz Khan" (minced beef) and the "Mughal" (chicken). I can see why the Mughal was the more popular one since the chicken was really tasty. I didn't really like the "Ghengiz Khan" because it was hard to differentiate between the meat and the vegetables; the meat was too pureed/minced.
My boyfriend ordered the "Silk Route Feast" and particularly enjoyed the Mango Butternut Squash. The portions were quite small, although it was all-you-can-eat.
Service:
The ladies who served us were pleasant and helpful. They refilled the glasses of water without being asked, and came to our service right away. They weren't intrusive or too chatty; they weren't invisible either.
Overall Experience:
It's not a great place for big groups because of how small the place is; it's best for dates or a small (4) group of people. It also wasn't best for tall people since the seats were really low (and I saw a gentleman have a hard time sitting, so he ended up sitting on the floor). I'm short, and my knees were the same height as the table when seated.
I thought it was a bit pricey for Indian/"Eastern" food, having eaten at authentic Indian restaurants before. However, the experience was unique that I suggest that it's a wonderful place to impress a date or a tourist. -
Review from Edward L.
Having been to the other location, I was already a fan of East Is East before coming in.
The moment you walk in, you notice 2 things.
1) The restaurant is narrow. Almost so narrow that you wonder how they even operate.
2) The feel is extremely exotic (in a good way). I don't know if it's the Persian rugs on walls or the raw wood trim, but basically it feels like you're in a bustling Middle Eastern street market. There is a live (Persian-style) band too, which completes the picture beautifully.
The staff were courteous, and give you mini-cups of chai tea when waiting for your table. The chai tea alone is worth a mention. It has a very spicy ginger kick to it, and has just the right amount of sugar and milk. It can be had as part of the main menu too, for $4. I also had another drink (Persian ______ for $2), but this one honestly tasted just like regular tea. Go for the chai.
We decided to go for the Silk Road Platter. It's basically a $19.50 allyoucaneat, with 11 main items, as well as rice, roti + another type of bread, soup, 2 chutneys, and salad. This is totally worth the money. My personal favourite is the beef kebab. It looks like a meatball you'd find in a pasta dish, but the flavouring is wonderful. To be honest, I couldn't find a bad dish. I left totally stuffed. The roti was so fresh that I was burning my freaking hands.
It really doesn't get any better than this, and the pricing is reasonable. They really should expand though, as there's a reason why there's a pile of people waiting outside. -
Review from Malloreigh M.
Vancouver, BC
12/14/2010 4 Check-ins Here
Sometimes I have to physically restrain myself from going to East is East. This place is incredible. Everything I have ever tasted has left me salivating for more. The flavours are perfect - so rich they're sultry, but the food isn't heavy. The portions are reasonably sized and the prices seem to suit the quality of the food.
They have some of the best chai I have ever had in my life - and, bonus, they offer it non-dairy all the time.
Everyone who I have ever seen working at this place is beautiful, interesting-looking, and better dressed than I will ever be. The whole place just makes me feel blessed to be there. It's something, certainly.
I think this would be a great place to take a date - get a couple of share plates and enjoy the experience together. -
Review from Tina H.
Vancouver, BC
1/23/2011
East is East, I know we've only been together a short while, but, will you marry me?
Honestly, I totally concur with Cara P. It's all great here. The mango lassis are the best I have ever had in my entire life! It's that cardamom they put in it and all those puppy dogs and rainbows seriously. Their wraps are fantastic, I think it's their gypsy wrap that's my ultimate favourite. Out of all the Chai's I've had in town so far, their Chai's are the very best. Love the decor and the unusual space- it's just an overall fun experience! -
Review from m R.
Vancouver, BC
9/9/2011
Great food, intimate environment, casual vibe. Have some hot chai, listen to some authentic middle eastern inspired music and take in the multitude of different flavors. Recommend getting there early for dinner as it can get pretty busy particularly on weekends.
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Review from Peter H.
Vancouver, BC
2/13/2011
This place is like a wheel of fortune of deliciousness! The chai, platters of rice, chicken, lamb, paneer, eggplant and their desserts! Oh the desserts! One in particular is rice pudding topped with pistachio ice cream and gulab jamun on top! Sounds over indulgent but somehow it works together wonderfully.
I have never had anything short of a great, unique meal here and the food makes me swoon the way no woman ever could. Quite often they have live music, really adds to a fantastic eating experience. Highly recommended! -
Review from Ellie C.
Vancouver, BC
10/13/2011
I cherish this place! The drink menu is absolutely fantastic. The various chai teas are aromatic and perfectly spicy. The nutty gypsy - a blend of chocolate and spice is definitely my favorite and has inspired me to use cardamom regularly in my baking endeavors. The large selection of wraps keeps me interested and the relaxed ambiance puts me at ease. I love this cozy spot.
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Review from Danielle s.
Surrey, BC
1/3/2011
I love this place!!! i say this is a must have if you are in Vancouver. This restaurant is truly a unique experience.
The food is really good. And you get a large portion. Plus they even let you have free refills. The Chai tea is incredible and I highly recommend getting the Black Chai.
My friend a long time ago brought me here, and I could never remember the name. And then luckily another friend just brought me here. I am so glad I was reacquainted with this place!!!! -
Review from Drew L.
Vancouver, BC
3/27/2011
Each time I visit East of East I am impressed with the food and customer service. My boyfriend and I, being the pair of piglets we are, ordered the Eastern Feast. It was wonderful. For $19.50 you can take advantage of all the yummy curries the restaurant has to offer. My favourite was the chickpea and my bf talked endlessly of the whipped spinach. Seriously, thinking about it now makes me hungry.
The decor is rustic Eastern hippish with low tables and seats. I love the unorthodox seating arrangements; however, the people across from me had to move to higher table. The service was excellent: water was refilled regularly, candles relight and kind server.
East of East is a great restaurant because it will please vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. -
Review from Cara P.
Vancouver, BC
11/25/2010 3 Check-ins Here
Great atmosphere, great food, great prices. I really can't say much of anything bad about this place - other than maybe being a tiny bit too dry - more sauce please! More sauce! But that's just my opinion. :)
Delicious, the peas and cheese is my favourite so far, and the afghan rice is wonderful.
In the summer the yogurt drinks are so refreshing, in winter the Chai will keep you nice and warm and spicy. Because yes, you are spicy!
If you're looking for flavour and spice and traditional atmosphere this is one of the places to go in the city. They also have a take out window if you can't stay to soak in the warm carpets and rich aromas.
I wish I was there now but today is a ramen day, and I don't live near Main. :) -
Review from Tinella T.
Vancouver, BC
4/1/2011
It was couples night out with my European friends, Saturday night. We had our reservation for four people. There was still some line up, but as we were waiting for our table a few minutes, lady with food & chai samples passed by quite frequently and we tried some samples- it was so nice and yummy.
I always hated chai, but after trying East Is East chai I love a good chai and cant wait to have next one soon.
The food was just perfect. If you have platter, you can fill in & add as many times as you want- its $ 20 but so worthy.
I asked to be seated close to the stage- Saturday nights there is flamenco dancer. It was astonishing to watch her dance, and her group mates play guitar and sing- amazing experience!!!
Going back soon- and taking my ladies with me for a girls night out :) -
Review from Elisa W.
Vancouver, BC
3/16/2011
This restaurant has spoiled chai tea for me in that chai anywhere but here tastes completely lackluster. Everywhere I go I expect the chai tea to be as delicious as the ones served here and I am constantly disappointed! But 5 stars for them because they shouldn't be faulted for being great.
Regarding the food, I didn't like anything the first time I ate here, but that was years ago and I was much less adventurous. I don't think I'm particularly adventurous now, but when I came here last summer I found that my meal was absolutely delicious, and it's all I could talk about for a while. I ate a chicken wrap and every bite I took seemed so precious because it was one more bite closer to the end of the meal, and I wanted to eat it forever! Even my vegetarian friend (who made the restaurant suggestion) found several choices and enjoyed whatever she had as well (I didn't pay attention to what she ordered--I only order meat!). I haven't been back, but that's due to current situations of inconvenience. Perhaps this weekend I'll make my way there and write another review somewhere else, gushing about how remarkable everything was. -
Review from Zee K.
Vancouver, BC
1/7/2011
Between Dream Sushi three doors North, and East is East, probably 80% of my dining out is done in this one block of Main St.
I've been going to East is East since the original location in Kits opened, and love this location. The Eastern Platters are a good deal for big eaters - cheaper at lunchtime and also, unlimited free refills. I'm of the opinion that this is the better of the two East is Easts, and their shakes are definitely superior. If it's your first time, definitely try one of the shakes (I'm partial to the Nutty Gypsy and the Himalayan High). Their boulani (a paratha-like stuffed flatbread) is also fantastic. -
Review from Alex G.
Vancouver, BC
6/23/2011
The food is overpriced, even by Vancouver standards, ever since they stopped allowing free refills (hilarious utopia that that was). Still, although they try way too hard, the live music here is some of the best atmosphere in the city. Best six dollar soy milkshake of my life, too.
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Review from Mark H.
7/17/2010 2 Check-ins Here
The only thing missing was a camel to take me home. I've passed by this place countless times, but always thought it was just a take-out place. I didn't actually plan on coming here, but I was in the area and the burning of jasmine incense literally drew me in.
I walked in and it's like stepping into an alleyway of an Afghan market, not that I've ever been to one. Low seating at tables made our of wood planks. A live band strumming chill, fusion jazz. I could not have felt more relaxed at a restaurant.
Before we ordered, we were given a sample cup of their absolutely stellar chai tea. I thought Vij's was good, but this stuff was unreal in the depth of flavour.
Didn't know what to order, so went with server's pick of Mango Butter squash Roti roll which came with salad and lentil soup (spectacular). The filling of the roll had such delicate, smooth taste with a perfect balance of spices.
Being in a food bliss, I opted to keep on rolling with dessert. They all looked good, so went for the best and got the Eastern Ecstasy. Its name says it all. Pistachios, ice cream, those Indian 'balls' and rose water.
If they only had Hookah, I would have stayed all night. A true hidden gem. -
Review from Debbra V.
Vancouver, BC
10/8/2010
I've been a fan of this place for a long time; I really like the food. It was good tonight, although possibly not as wow as the other times I've been there, but the two-star status is due to the crappy service.
We arrived at about 7 without a reservation, but the hostess showed us to a table anyway. It had a Reserved sign on it. We ordered chai, an appetizer, and two entrees. The appetizer arrived. And then the mains came about 30 seconds later, no time to enjoy our appetizer (which I have to say was delicious). My husband finished his main, but I was still eating and we were both picking away at the appetizer. The server tried to take his empty plate. No, he indicated the table, we're still eating. Within a minute another server tried to take the plate. He said no again, he wanted to keep it. And almost immediately, a third person tried to take it.
We couldn't help but feel rushed. The reserved party had shown up and they wanted to rush us out the door. Really unprofessional, really left a bad taste in our mouths. As in, sure they're happy to seat us and take our money, but they're going to bring our entrees right on top of our starters and then try to clear while one of us is still eating, to give us the message that we'd better hurry up.
Probably won't go back for a while.
And I think I agree with Amanda W. My great experiences have been at the Kits location. Maybe this Main Street venue just doesn't have it together. -
Review from Liza B.
Vancouver, BC
2/14/2011
Love it! Food is plentiful and fantastic, decor unique, fabulous ambiance. Price wise - very worth it.
The only thing I struggle with is the seating. Comfort is at the expense of ambiance; the seats are wood and very low and the tables very small. A bit awkward to eat like that.
But I still just love the place, so it's a small price to pay;) -
Review from Louise F.
Vancouver, BC
11/5/2011
bad service, good food, small portions
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Review from Jenny C.
11/27/2010
I've been away from Vancouver for a year and craving for good East Indian food, so a good friend took me to East is East for the first time..(I know..I can't believe I passed by this place so many times and never went there..anyway).
The atmosphere..super chill! I love how the place is furnished with wood-made furniture that are very organically shaped. The place was cozy with dim Himalayan salt lighting and perfect for the rainy Vancouver day!
We were being greeted and given samples of some tea (forgot what type of tea it was..sorry). I'm not used to caffeine so it was a little strong for me. So..onto the food.
I had the lunch combo: chicken masala roti with dhal soup and salad. The wrap was really tasty and it came with 2 different sauces that you can dip into. Salad was pretty fresh but was in a very small portion (which is fine because it had celery in it and I hate celery). The soup was pretty tasty as well.
I hope to go back and visit whenever I'm in Vancouver during a cold rainy day to sample other goodies soon! -
Review from Ian K.
2/1/2010
We went here after trying two different Italian places that were closed at 2 pm on a Sunday. Upon walking in I was impressed with the decor, and everything had a relaxing vibe to it.
We ordered a plate to share, peas and cheese and a mango dish. Now I am a big fan of this type of food, and I have to say this was some of the most bland unappetizing fare I've encountered in a long time. There was really just no FLAVOR.
The chai we were served was good, and the mango lassi we ordered was quite tasty, but the food itself was nothing to write home about.
I fear that this establishment relies too much on their outstanding decor and ambiance, leaving the food as an afterthought. -
Review from Karen W.
Burnaby, BC
7/29/2011
Okay so I went here for a friends birthday. Never been here before but thought it would be cool to check out. The atmosphere of this place is really cool, hippy, and relaxed, defiantly unusual.
Food was great, servers were extra helpful by bringing out samples of the flavorings for us to try before we ordered! (A lot of help). Service wasn't super fast but it wasn't slow either, pretty typical for a restaurant.
There were however a few downsides. They had flamenco dancers for entertainment which was great except the music from it made it way too loud to hear anyone talk, not the best for a birthday. And the other MAJOR issue for me was that the seating was basically on the floor. If you're lucky you got to sit against the wall on a seat that was about a foot above the ground. Other seats were stools that must have been made for kids. Equally small tables made eating much difficult. Overall not easy for somebody like me whos 6 feet tall and was wearing wedges. -
Review from jay s.
5/27/2009
I couldn't wait to get back to Vancouver to try East is East. While cruising Main Street during our last visit, we were offered samples of some of their drinks and rotis. They were delicious little bites and we lamented having already eaten.
This time around we got to sample a bit of the menu. We got take out - they have a big window for it in the front of the restaurant - but I would love to eat in. As other yelpers have noted, they have this wonderful, inviting, kinda dark interior...
We placed our order & were given a delicious demitasse of spicy, hot chai to pass the wait. Our rotis were fantastic - you can get 1 roti for about $7.50 or two for $11.50. Cool fact: if you order two rotis you can mix & match. we had the Mughal - a fantastic masala chicken & a Nomad - which features lamb. If you like Indian food, this will NOT disappoint! Vegetarians - great selections await you! I wish we could have tried the Lion - peas, paneer, and tomato. Roti orders come with an excellent, small cup of daal (lentil soup) & salad (we received a dynamite shredded beet salad - I don't know if it's the same everyday). You can order the daal as a meal & add chicken or lamb, if you like. So goooood!!
Drinks are another thing to check out. As I mentioned - great chai, but also shakes - get them with soy or dairy. My kids - usually not into soy - gushed over the Turkish Chill with soy. We also had the Nutty Gypsy done dairy with cinnamon, cardamom, nuts & chocolate - excellent. A large shake is $5.50 and we thought they were very worth the price.
Service is very kind, knowledgeable and - for food of this quality - very quick. We waited less than 15 minutes for this feast. My only question is - could they open an East is East down South for me in Tacoma???Listed in: A Slice of Main Street,…
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Review from Iain R.
Vancouver, BC
1/19/2010
Food and crew are awesome.
Seating has improved.
Great Chai, delicious lentil soup.
Very dark inside, so remove your sunglasses when entering to avoid tripping over diners. -
Review from Amanda W.
Vancouver, BC
3/29/2010
I know it's the same name but really this place has nothing on East is East in Kits.
1. The food was dry
2. The seating, however "authentic" was uncomfy at best.
3. To eat in is a full $3.00 more each serving.
The service was pretty good and the chai was amazing but it definitely doesn't come close to the Kits location.
Maybe I was just there on an off night?
Either way, I'm taking it to go! -
Review from Roanna Z.
8/11/2009 1 photo
After our carnivorous sins at Splitz down the street we took a walk in the fresh night air and entered the sanctity of East is East for a little redemption Chai.
Our friend, jet lagged and calorie tipsy was seduced by the romantic ambiance of East is East, with its dark and rich decor.
We ordered and folded ourselves into pretzels, onto the floor cushions. Our Chai arrived and was set upon the finished driftwood table before us.
We chatted and enjoyed the live music being performed by a local middle eastern artist. Flute, Guitar and Oud?
This is a very romantic place. Many woven Kilim hang on the walls and cover the floor.
Enhanced also by the Salt Crystal candle lamplights, East is East transports you by magic carpet to exotic foreign lands like a mini vacation.Listed in: Gluten Free/ Dairy free eats.
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Review from Kreag S.
Vancouver, BC
12/29/2008
On a tour of our new neighborhood we discovered East is East..we were not really that hungry but intrigued by the little restaurant with the wooden door and an exterior that stood out on the long stretch of antique shops...
We looked at the menu full of yummy middle eastern fare. So..not being that hungry...we decided on 2 shakes made with ground nuts and chai...OMG..amazing!!! If the food is nearly as good as the shakes I would be thrilled...Listed in: My Main Street Mainstays
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Review from Tanya S.
5/31/2011
Love this restaurant.... (& it's Broadway location as well.) Excellent afghany food & chai. Try their smoothies and yoghurt drinks. My fav meals are their wraps. Very cozy furniture. The low seats might be a bit of a challenge for tall people.
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Review from Matthew L.
Edmonton, AB
5/20/2009
This place just has a special feel. While you can take out their various roti wraps, there's something special that comes along with dining in the restaurant. On a recent Friday Night, middle eastern musicians set the mood on the stage in the back.
And if you have to wait for a table, the restaurant teases you with a few sips of its rich, delicious, honey-sweetened spicy chai.
The full restaurant menu focuses on the entire Asian continent, with its flavors skewed to meet the needs of a less spicy Vancouver clientele (though I'm sure they could probably spice their dishes up if you want).
My wife, who does not like spice as much as I, adores their chickpea roti. I enjoyed it as well. My spinach and mushroom roti lacked some flavor.
Rotis in the restaurant come with a simply dressed cabbage salad and a cup of lentil soup.
The restaurant itself is a skinny space, with low benches set against each wall, with low, long, skinny tree stump like benches. it usually doesn't make sense for you to face your dining companions, which makes for a somewhat odd, but cool experience.
Also, make sure to check out the lassi/smoothie/shake menu. They are all quite delicious. -
Review from kath r.
9/7/2009
A respite from the heat and a breather for the feet from a day of Main Street shopping, my mama and I ducked into this cool little spot for a bite of lunch.
Lured by the little Chai taster passed to us from the take-away window, and the budding curiosity amassed from many a free chai taster, we settled in for a shared lunch of tasty roti wraps (lamb roasted in garlic, onion and ginger AND baked tomato, eggplant and fresh herbs) and a mango, rosewater, pistachio and cardamon shake.
The cavernous space with low tables, colorful rugs and a cozy vibe won us over. Delicious food and friendly service enjoyed amidst a real sense of community, and I can't wait to go back again! -
Review from Karen F.
Vancouver, BC
9/7/2009
The staff are super-awesome and friendly, and the food is delicious and flavorful. The Eastern Shakes with ice cream/frozen yogurt are to die for, and their chai is spicy and excellent. The restaurant is probably challenging for parties larger than 5 or 6 people because of the seating arrangements.
The night I went, we were also pleasantly surprised by a live flamenco performance that was gorgeous and fun. If this is what you're going for, go a little before so you can get your talking in without feeling rude for speaking during the singing and guitar playing - it seems performances often start at 7:30.
One weak point: while the staff are certainly well-intentioned and kind, great with questions, they can be a little lax on follow-through - unorthodox requests for ice or replacements for fallen forks went ignored or had to be repeated, and for the number of people in the restaurant they seemed slightly understaffed. If you have a low tolerance for this sort of thing, you might be advised to steer clear.
I'll definitely be coming again! -
Review from Melissa F.
Toronto, ON
8/28/2009
I can't tell you how good the chai is. it is SO good.
Soy chai is the best
they make chai for realz here, nice and spicy and VERY fragrant.
so good.
the food is less amazing, but still acceptable. i enjoy traditional indian food over this white-washed version, but the platter is still quite formidable. -
Review from Stacey J.
10/27/2010
This place is amazing, I love going to this place. The food is delicious and they have live entertainment on the weekends that is great to watch. If almost feels like being in the middle east when I am there all they need to do is add hookahs lol
