It’s raining. It’s pouring. And this weather is getting so old and so boring. Time for a sunny holiday? Yeah right, we wish. What we can offer however, is some tropical tasty food options to brighten your day, right here in Kitsilano. Here’s our list of four great Southeast Asian restaurants in the neighbourhood.
1. Banana Leaf
This colourful Malaysian restaurant on West Broadway and Carnarvon Street is one of five Banana Leaf locations. It’s a hot spot for lunch and for its daily happy hour specials from 3pm-6pm. Eat in or get it delivered to your door. Prices are a little higher than some but the quality of the food here makes it worthwhile. To try: Satay Skewers, Vegetarian Spring Rolls, Rendang Beef Curry (don’t forget a side of Coconut Rice packed nicely inside a banana leaf triangle), and Nasi Goreng.
2. Maenam
Creative Thai fusion dishes in a cool crisp linen setting. Seasonal and local ingredients are the inspiration here. Open for lunch and dinner. And if it sounds too snooty then order take out! Yes, it’s a fine dining restaurant with take out options. To try: Banana Blossom Salad, Three Flavour Paradise Farm Pork Ribs, and the Rice Doughnuts for dessert.
A student favourite, this Thai and Malaysian restaurant is in a strange location, tucked underneath the TD Canada Trust on West 4th Ave. They offer excellent prices though, including a Chef Tasting Menu with 9 courses for just $36. And delivery is fast and free. To try: Roti Canai, Mango Salad, and the Pumpkin Fried Rice.
4. Pho Japolo
A newish Vietnamese eatery on West Broadway near Macdonald Street, this is one of four locations of the Pho Japolo group. The focus here is namely Pho – a delicious and filling rice noodle soup topped with tender beef (or sometimes chicken). Subs and Rice Plates are great here too. Perfect for a quick lunch under $10.
Last modified: February 9, 2017
