I recently spent some time test driving the Honda HR-V 2025 car around Vancouver visiting some restaurants that were in both by Curry and Pasta challenges. The 2024 Honda HR-V is a subcompact crossover SUV that offers a spacious interior, good fuel economy, and a variety of standard features. It’s a great choice for drivers who need a practical and affordable vehicle and this is the city for it.
Our Curry challenge featured Kerala Kitchen (9386 120th Street, unit 103 ) and they featured the Chicken Stew and Appam that originates in the Kerala region of Southern India. The chicken stew is made with tender chicken pieces, cooked in a fragrant coconut milk base with spices like ginger, garlic, and green chilies. The Appam is a type of fermented rice pancake with a soft center and crispy edges, perfect for soaking up the flavourful and delicious stew.
While there I also had a Fresh lime soda which was a refreshing beverage to pair with the curry dish, I also had some other Kerala specialties that included the Kerala Parotta (bread), Fish pepper masala, Kerala chicken fry (dry on the bone), Beef Ularthiyathu (dry fry), along with the Paneer masala dosa with sambar, coconut and tomato chutneys, and for dessert I had their delicious Mango coconut cake.
It was a beautiful fall evening to walk around the Westend neighbourhood before dinner and see the fall colours.
Our Pasta challenge featured Robba da Matti (1906 Haro Street) and they featured the Mushrooms and Truffle Burrata a rich pasta topped with creamy truffle burrata, sautéed mushrooms, braised sausage, fresh tomatoes, and a hint of chili and garlic.
While there we also had their bread, Insulate toscana salad, Frittura un pesce, Risotto alla Zucca, and Scaloppine di pollo al limone.
This year’s model offers fuel efficiency powered by a fuel-efficient engine that delivers impressive fuel economy without compromising performance.
Our Pasta challenge featured Stanley’s Bar & Grill (610 Pipeline Rd (inside Stanley Park)) and they featured the Short Rib Pappardelle, a flavourful and rich pasta with braised pulled beef short rib, marinated mushrooms, tomato red wine sauce, crispy kale, oven-dried cherry tomatoes, basil, and parmigiano reggiano.
While there we also had a Ginger pineapple spritz mocktail along with the Harvest salad, Lois lake steelhead, and for dessert their delicious Caramel flan and the Decadent chocolate mousse cake.
More of the fall colours in the Westend neighborhood on the edge of Stanley Park.
Our Curry challenge also featured Dhaliwal’s Lounge (#112 – 7938 128 Street in Surrey ) and they featured the Malabar Fish & Prawn Curry a Southern Indian specialty featuring salmon and prawns in a delicious coconut-based sauce infused with tangy tamarind, fiery green chilies, and a fragrant blend of traditional Kerala spices.
While there we also had their Pineapple cucumber mule mocktail, Paneer arancini, Honey and orange chicken, Cheese and chilli stuffed mushrooms, Non-Veg platter (with delicious lamb chops, chicken tikka, fish pakora, seekh kebab), Tandoori broccoli, Chicken momos, Bread basket, Spring chicken, Baigan bartha, Jeera rice and for dessert we had the tasty Rabri and Faluda with ice cream and Saffron Kulfi.
This year’s model features advanced technology and comes equipped with a range of advanced technology features, including a touchscreen infotainment system, smartphone integration, and advanced safety systems.
Our Curry challenge featured Ban Chok Dee Thai (20395 Lougheed Hwy in Maple Ridge ) and they featured the Southern Thai Curry with Betel leaves, a flavourful Southern style curry with coconut milk, betel leaves and prawns served with rice noodles and fresh cilantro and ground peanut.
While there we also had their Chok Dee Platter, Tofu ginger cashew, Power greens in peanut sauce and the Herbal tofu salad.
Despite its compact size, the HR-V offers a surprising amount of interior space. The rear seats fold flat, providing plenty of room for cargo when needed.
I really enjoyed the Honda HR-V 2025 was a great car to drive and around Vancouver.
By: Richard Wolak
Disclosure: Honda Canada provided me with the 2025 Honda HR-V for a week to test drive, and photograph.