Need a shot of heat with your lunch or dinner today? Let some flavourful dishes warm you up at one of these Kitsilano restaurants that serve up spice just the way you want.
A classic Malaysian restaurant with five locations in the city, the Kitsilano Banana Leaf is an airy and modern spot that’s always busy, especially at lunchtime. Start with the Tom Yum Goong soup (with an optional spiciness level) that’s filled with big tiger prawns, then as your main, try the Nasi Goreng fried rice which has just a hint of nice heat. The sambal hot sauce is there if you need it.
Banana Leaf, 3005 West Broadway, 604-734-3005, bananaleaf-vancouver.com
Cozy and welcoming, this Indian restaurant has all your favourites and they do a great lunch platter special for around $10 (meat or vegetarian). If ordering a la carte, start with the prickly and crispy Papadums, then move on to the Veggie Samosas, and finish with a Lamb Curry in mild, medium, or hot. If the heat gets to you, cool off your mouth with a sweet or salty lassi drink that’s made with yoghurt.
Tandoori Fusion, 2872 West Broadway, 604-738-2824, tandoorifusionvancouver.ca
One of the neighbourhood’s favourite exotic eateries recently moved into a nice new space, just a few blocks east in the old Calhoun’s spot. For lunch, try the Roti Roll Meals (The Mughal chicken and The Afghan Nomad lamb) and for dinner go for the Chai Feast where you can try almost everything on the menu. The accompanying chutneys and hot sauces are serious, so you’ve been warned. East is East also has children’s meals and awesome hot chai tea.
East is East, 3035 West Broadway, 604-734-5881, eastiseast.ca
With 5 spice levels for most of their dishes, ranging from mild to crazy dare devil level, the freshly made curries come in fun take-out boxes and are filled with happy meats. Vegan and gluten-free options are available. Try the Cambodian Jungle Curry with coconut and mango or the Black Bean and Garlic sauce with hookien noodles. You can drink good local wine and craft beer at this location, too.
Noodlebox, 1867 West 4th Avenue, 604-734-1310, noodlebox.ca
Last modified: January 23, 2018
