2313 Main Street, Vancouver
Tel: (604) 872-8779
Web: http://www.nirvanarestaurant.ca/
Twitter: @NirvanaOnMain
Advice: Reservations suggested. Specify the spice (heat) level for the dishes you order. Share dishes with your friends.
Located in the heart of the Mount Pleasant neighborhood is the longest standing Indian restaurant in the city, having opened in 1971. It’s taken me that long to finally visit this gem serving traditional North Indian cuisine. My friend Ivan joined me to share some dishes, starting out with the delicious Chicken Tinka, skewers of chicken served upright, with a slightly spicy and sweet sauce. Next were the delicious Vegetable Pakoras (Bhaji) ($3.95) made of Spinach, Cauliflower, Potatoes, Cilantro & Ginger and lightly battered with seasoned Chick Pea flour making the dish gluten-free.
We then shared a couple of mains including the outstanding Kashmiri Chicken ($13.95) with cashews, almonds and poppy seeds; along with the delicious Chicken Byriani ($12.95) Basmati Rice flavoured with Saffron and cooked with boneless, tender meat, nuts & herbs served with Raita; we also had a couple of their freshly made breads to go along with the Kashmiri Chicken dish, a Garlic & Basil Naan ($2.50) and Whole Wheat Paratha ($1.50).
We each had a cup of Chai as we were too full to indulge in dessert this time around. You’ll find all your Indian favourites on the menu along with some new creations from the Northern India region.
Review by: Richard Wolak
Vancouver, BC V5T 1M6, Canada