Originally, we tried to get into East Is East at their Main Street location but it was way too busy during a weekend so we postponed for another time. A meetup with a few old university chums resulted in us reserving a spot at their Kitsilano location. They specialize in Afghanistan/Indian food.
We dropped in on a Thursday evening (around 7:00pm). The space is split; the left side is more dark and intimate while the right is brighter. We sat in the latter, which I preferred for our group of 4. Love how when you first walk in, they offer you a complimentary sample of chai (regular milk, almond or soy).
The menu is straightforward. Most people I’m guessing do the Silk Road Feast ($27.00/person for all you can eat). It seems to be the most worth it as everything else on the menu is pricey. There’s also eastern tapas, roti rolls (vegetarian and non-vegetarian) and drinks.
Don’t you love when a place doesn’t show their menu prices on their website? Click here to see the full menu (1, 2, 3 and 4).
Rooibos masala chai ($4.00)
This is their regular milk chai. Good but one spice in particular really stood out; cardamon.
Tibetan mantu ($14.50)
Dumplings stuffed with green onion, chives and herbs. Topped with chickpea, sprouts and dehydrated yoghurt. This dish may not the most appealing look wise but it was t-a-s-t-y. This is Afghan style mantu with yoghurt sauce but there was a mix of curry sauce underneath that was warm and satisfying. The mantu had a great bite and delicious filling. My only complaint was that they stuck together so it was hard to grab individually.
Lamb curry ($14.50) with Afghan rice ($3.50)
Lamb cooked in onion, sundried tomato, garlic and five spice curry with mushroom and potatoes. The curry was tasty and we loved the tender potatoes in it. B thought the lamb was a wee dry. It’s nice that you have the option of ordering any dish by itself from The Silk Route Feast list but for what it is, it’s overpriced. They should at least include one side item.
Eastern roti roll ($18.50 double)
My two other friends got their own roti roll. Prettty pricey for a roti wrap.
Roti ($1.50)
Really small portion and our roti didn’t arrive hot. Skip it.
Overall, the food was tasty and we liked the vibes of this place. Will have to come back to try the Silk Route Feast option so that I can try all 11 options!
East Is East
http://www.eastiseast.ca/
3035 W Broadway
Vancouver, BC
(604) 734-5881
CHERRY BOB-OMBS 