For Asian Heritage Month, here are a few of my favourite go-to restaurants around Metro Vancouver that serve up delicious vegetarian options.
Sushi Bar Shyun
#102-1250 Dominion Ave, Port Coquitlam
Wed–Sun: 5:00–8:30 p.m., closed Mon and Tues
This family-run Japanese restaurant, owned by husband and wife duo Katsu and Kanako, is the perfect hidden gem for a delicious Japanese meal. Their sushi bar and kitchen feature every type of dish you can imagine, with hot and cold entrées — such as Ebi Chili Mayo or their Tempura Soba — that rotate the menu depending on the season.
Start off with a simple bowl of miso soup or a side of edamame. It’s a must to order some sushi here. Their kappa, natto, and the mixed vegetable and avocado rolls are a few of my favourites. They also offer various types of sashimi, nigiri, maki, and ura maki.
Shyun is hands-down the best Japanese restaurant in town. If you stop by, tell Katsu and Kanako I say, “Hi!”
Lazzez’s Grill Indian Cuisine
2786 Barnet Hwy, Coquitlam
Tues–Fri: 11:30 a.m.–9:30 p.m., Sat–Sun: 12:00–9:30 p.m., closed Mon
Lazzez’s has a variety of options for curries, naans, rice, tandoori, and appetizers. Some of my favourite vegetarian dishes are their vegetable zalfrezi, vegetable briyani, and mutter paneer (with green peas, ginger, and spices).
You can’t go wrong with rice pulao and naan or roti. Their spinach paneer naan and onion kulchas are tasty additions to plain naan — I highly recommend them. They also have an Indo Chinese section featuring vegetarian, chicken, or beef manchurian and chilli paneer dry.
“With affordable prices and a hefty menu selection, you’ll surely have a delectable meal here.”
Kurumba
#107-3003 St. John’s St, Port Moody
Mon–Tues: 11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. and 5:00–8:30 p.m., Thurs–Sun: 11:00 a.m.–8:30 p.m., closed Wed
Kurumba is a Himalayan restaurant offering various dishes from curries and omelettes, to fried rice and chow mein. They feature a mix of Singaporean, Malaysian, Chinese, Indian, and Sri Lankan cuisines. Many of their dishes are on the spicy side, so if you can take the heat, this is the place for you!
My favourite dish is the mixed vegetable yellow curry. Pair it with some vegetable fried rice and chow mein or pad thai, and it’s the perfect meal to share with friends. They have countless seafood, meat, and vegetarian options for nearly everything on the menu, making it suitable for everyone.
Kari House
#130-3900 Bayview St, Richmond
Tues–Sun: 11:00 a.m.–2:30 p.m. and 5:00–8:00 p.m., closed Mon
Kari House is a Malaysian restaurant overlooking the water on the Steveston boardwalk. Their dishes complement the gorgeous view, as they serve up a variety of soups, salads, rice, noodles, curries, and stir fry featuring seafood, meat, and vegetarian options.
Their pad thai, mixed vegetables with red curry or peanut sauce, and pineapple fried rice are all must-tries. With various sauces, vegetables, and protein to choose for each dish, there are countless tasteful options for everyone. I recommend sharing a little of this and that.
Their spicy dishes will surely spice up your life!
