Lucas CloutierWhenever I’m having a bad day, I only have 2 fixes – mountain views and a proper Indian curry.
I’ve practiced that mantra more times than I’d like to admit, and the city makes it easy to indulge. There are a few hole-in-the-wall joints on Main Street, as well as family spots downtown.
The thing is, some are mind-blowingly good, some would simply qualify as a non-Asian person’s idea of good Asian food. And I’d really rather we all enjoy true, authentic food at all times.
If you’re craving Indian food in Vancouver that actually delivers, here’s a cheat list. See my honest takes on each one here.
How much does it cost to dine at an Indian restaurant in Vancouver?
The cost to eat at an Indian restaurant in Vancouver ranges from $15 to $30 per person for casual dining and $40 to $70 or more for more upscale options. Prices depend on the type of dishes and the restaurant’s location.
1. Indian Oven
Location: 2006 W 4th Ave, Vancouver
Contact: +1 604 730 5069
Opening Hours: Monday – Thursday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM. Friday – Sunday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM
When I first visited Indian Oven, I was immediately greeted with warm customer service. The place is relaxed and clean, and was surprisingly quiet even during a busy lunch hour.
Parking wasn’t the easiest, and I had to settle for a paid spot nearby. Just something to take note of in case you’re planning to drive here.
On the good side, I loved their range of dishes. They offer vegetarian and vegan food, as well as seafood, chicken, and beef specialties. In short, everything that makes traditional Indian cuisine.
I sampled their butter chicken first and was impressed by the depth of flavor. I was a bit obsessed with their paneer makhani too, with its creamy and buttery tomato cashew gravy.
When it comes to service, my food arrived quickly, with only a 15-minute wait. I did notice that serving some diners in groups took longer, though not excessively.
Prices are solid – I was in fact offered lunch specials that cost less than $10. On normal main dishes, you can expect to spend $10 to $30 per person.
Glorious and much-needed meal
“Wow, words truly can’t express how I feel about Indian Oven. Genuinely one of the most glorious and much needed meals of my life. I fear the things I learned about myself while dining at this stunning restaurant will stay with me long after the food has digested 🙂 Perhaps I’m experiencing limerance but I can only hope Indian Oven loved having me as much as I enjoyed being had ❤️ WOULD DINE AGAIN!”
Sam Albert | Google Review
Warm and welcoming at a reasonable price
“I had one of the best meals of my life at Indian Oven! This family business deserves the best score for their warm and welcoming approach, and their Oh-my-God super tasty plates. Add to this the magnificent view over Vancouver and you get yourself a meal to remember, at a very reasonable price.”
Denis Levesque | Google Review
2. Modern Handi Indian Cuisine
Location: 827 Denman St, Vancouver, BC V6G 2L7, Canada
Contact: +1 604-559-5244
Opening Hours: Monday: 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM. Tuesday– Sunday: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Modern Handi Indian Cuisine is a cozy, family-run restaurant on Denman Street known for its authentic Indian cuisine made the traditional way. Their name “Handi” refers to a clay pot used for long, slow cooking — a nod to rich, deeply spiced dishes.
They offer a diverse menu covering North Indian classics like curry, biryani, tandoori, and vegetarian thalis. Their portions are generous, and the staff is happy to explain spice levels and recommend dishes based on your preferences.
Many diners praise the chicken biryani for its flavor and texture, calling it a standout. The garlic naan is also a crowd favorite, though some say it could be crispier, but its flavor makes up for it.
Specialty dishes like dal makhani and lamb korma highlight the restaurant’s commitment to traditional Indian stews and slow-cooked sauces. They also serve Punjabi-style items like sarson da saag and gluten-free makke di roti, making them a thoughtful choice for dietary restrictions.
Atmosphere-wise, the restaurant feels calm and welcoming, with understated décor that doesn’t compete with the food’s bold flavors. It’s a comfortable spot for brunch, lunch, or dinner, and seating is suitable for groups or solo diners.
On the downside, since Modern Handi focuses on authentic techniques and ingredients, some dishes may feel more traditional than “modern fusion,” which may not be for everyone. Also, during peak dining hours, wait times can be significant — reservations or takeout may be better options.
Overall, Modern Handi Indian Cuisine is a reliable and sincere spot for Indian food in Vancouver. It attracts loyal patrons who appreciate genuine flavors, generous servings, and a warm neighborhood feel.
A must try
“What a delightful place and what great food with awesome presentation!! Every dish was unique in it’s taste and prepared with detailing. Indeed a hidden gem in Downtown Vancouver. Must try!!”
Gayatri Agarkar | Google Review
Awesome flavours
“This food was SO good! I cannot stress enough how good the chicken biryani was! The garlic naan wasn’t as crispy as I would’ve personally liked but the flavour was absolutely delicious, so it didn’t even matter. The butter chicken was nice and creamy! Great place! Good eat and the presentation was great, my picture didn’t do it justice! I got medium spice and it was perfect!”
Zanna H | Google Review
3. House Of Dosas | Kingsway
Location: 1391 Kingsway, Vancouver
Contact: +1 604 875 1283
Opening Hours: Open 24 Hours
The atmosphere at House Of Dosas will really remind you of your mother’s homemade dishes. It has a nice, lively family energy, with most diners in groups, chatting casually as they wait for food.
Though I never felt out of place dining solo, I noticed how the noise levels can be too loud at times. I asked a few patrons, and they said that’s to be expected during the latter hours.
On a more positive note, I can’t say enough praise about their food. The menu features a diverse range of South Indian dishes, including mysore masala dosa, egg curry, baby eggplant, and paneer specialties.
The level of seasoning in every dish is just right. The spice is perfect for those who are used to the strong kick common in Indian food. If you can’t tolerate it, the staff is nice enough to adjust the food for you.
I was happy with their prices too. Overall, based on my bill and the cost per food, every diner can spend about $10 to $20 for a full meal here. Portions are pretty generous.
A wonderful experience
“We went to House of Dosa for our Diwali dinner and had a wonderful experience! The food was delicious – a perfect way to celebrate the festival. The service was excellent too. Samira served us with great care and a friendly attitude, making our evening even more enjoyable. She was so kind to our little daughter and even offered her a mango lassi on the house, which made her day! Thank you to the whole team for such a pleasant dining experience. We’ll definitely come back again!”
Dang Thi Cam Anh | Google Review
Fresh, flavorful, and authentic
“Had a great experience at House of Dasas! The food was fresh, flavorful, and authentic. The place is clean and has a nice, relaxed vibe. Big thanks to Samira — she was super kind, polite, and professional. Her great service made the visit even better. Definitely coming back soon!”
Kaushik Jana | Google Review
4. Dhamaka Indian Restaurant | Vancouver
Location: 6560 Main St, Vancouver
Contact: +1 604 327 0891
Opening Hours: Sunday – Thursday: 11:30 AM – 12:00 AM. Friday – Saturday: 11:30 AM – 2:00 AM
Dhamaka operates as a Halal-certified kitchen. I was also pleased to see that they use locally sourced ingredients, so everything tastes fresh and flavorful.
The restaurant specializes in traditional Hyderabadi biryani, and I must say, they’re one of the best in the city. The spices are balanced, pairing beautifully with the aromatic rice. The portion is just right.
There are more standout dishes too, especially if you like regional Indian food. Some of my favorites include the chicken ghee roast biryani and paneer biryani.
While I love the richness and authenticity of the flavors, I did notice a couple of inconsistencies. On my second visit, the biryani felt too dry. Even the kebab felt tough when biting into it.
Despite these, they still win in other aspects. The space is modern and spacious. The entire place is comfortable and clean, and the level of noise is just enough for conversation.
On average, each person can expect to spend $10 to $30, so they’re not that expensive. The serving per order/plate isn’t the biggest I’ve encountered, but it’s just right for a single diner.
Authentic Hyderabadi food
“Nice ambiance, authentic Hyderabadi food.
Staff is well aware of the menu. Sahiti our server was really nice, had smile on her face, excellent customer service. Had knowledge of each item on menu.
Overall good experience. I visited second time and will go again.”
Hiteshi Chauhan | Google Review
Great value with delicious dishes
“Dhamaka Indian Restaurant offers great quality and value with delicious dishes like their chai, pakora, and vegetarian Schezwan fried rice. The portions are generous, prices reasonable, and the customer service is excellent, making for a pleasant dining experience. The restaurant is comfortably quiet, allowing guests to enjoy their meals in a relaxed setting. Highly recommended for flavorful Indian cuisine and attentive service.”
Vijay Thakkar | Google Review
5. East Is East
Location: 4433 Main St, Vancouver
Contact: +1 604 565 4401
Opening Hours: Sunday – Thursday: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM. Friday – Saturday: 12:00 PM – 10:30 AM
East Is East was a delight to visit, thanks to its uniqueness. Their dishes focus on a unique blend of Indian, Afghan, and Persian flavors, offering a creative take on Silk Road-inspired dishes.
I really loved their service – it’s one of those few places where the staff was really attentive. They accept dietary accommodations and would occasionally check in as you eat.
Ambiance is impressive. Their decor really captures the charm of ancient dhabbas with its decor and music.
I also appreciate that they use eco-friendly materials and support local suppliers. It’s just a nice touch.
As for food, I think they’re best suited to diners who want to sample multiple dishes at once. They offer their signature Silk Route Feast. This allows guests to try a variety of small dishes with unlimited refills.
Inclusions are great. There’s salad, soup, cold mezza, and a choice of 3 main dishes.
Prices are just higher than average, so you may just want to reserve this for more special events. Waiting time was also a hit or miss – I had to wait over 30 minutes on my last visit!
Great vibe and fantastic staff
“From the moment we entered and Noor handed us chai to the point when we finished our last sip of wine, we enjoyed our experience. East by East on Main has a great vibe, cozy seating, live music, and a fantastic staff. We enjoyed every one of Noor’s recommendations and appreciate that she checked in numerous times throughout dinner. Happy Diwali!”
Molly Lindblom | Google Review
Went above and beyond
“One of the most beautiful meals I have ever had. Gorgeous ambiance and the flavors of every single dish were amazing. I was also blown away by how many vegan and gluten free options they have. Bhumika was so kind and attentive and went above and beyond with service and creating a truly lovely experience for me. I cannot recommend this place enough!!”
Alicia Rice | Google Review
6. Hyderabad Biryani House
Location: 6231 Fraser St, Vancouver
Contact: +1 236-455-0125
Opening Hours: Monday – Thursday: 11:30 AM – 12:00 AM, Friday – Sunday: 11:30 AM – 2:00 AM
Hyderabad Biryani House impresses with its true-to-its-origin Hyderabadi biryani. I love how authentic the Andhra flavors are, with rich, aromatic, and perfectly spiced rice.
The range of biryani options was great. Some of the ones that stood out to me were the chicken dum biryani and goat biryani. The meat in these was tender and lean, so you can really tell they were cooked well.
I was pleasantly surprised at their portions, too. Servings were large, and I think 2 people could comfortably share meals.
Prices are mid-range, offering great value for money. You can spend about $15 to $25 per dish here.
When it comes to service, I personally had a minimal waiting time of 10 minutes. However, a few diners around me waited for far longer, so serving times can be inconsistent.
The space can become loud and busy during weekends, too, though some diners said they actually don’t mind.
On the positive side, the quality and taste of their food is more consistent compared to the others I’ve tried. I did three visits, sampling the same dishes, and each time was as good as the last.
Great aromatic food
“We ordered paneer 65 biryani and gobi manchurian. gobi manchurian was really good, crispy and INDIAN SPICY!!!! we loved it. Biryani was very aromatic and tasted well with the Salan. The service was pretty quick. Although They only have 2 vegetarian options for biryani which i found less as I have been to other biryani places with more option. All in all, loved the taste. Will come here again.”
Akshita Sharma | Google Review
Authentic food with generous portions
“The food was absolutely delicious! The biryani had authentic Hyderabadi flavor — rich, aromatic, and perfectly spiced. Portion sizes were generous, and the service was friendly and quick. Definitely one of the best biryanis I’ve had in a long time. Highly recommend this place! Server was Preet”
Khushi Dodia | Google Review
