Experience different delicacies from the Middle-East, India, and Afghanistan at the East is East restaurant. For the appetizer, try the Dhal Soup before digging into the Minced Beef Kebabs. Vegetarians have a wide variety of options as well, ranging from the Paneer Saag to the Afghan Eggplant. There is something for everybody at this charming restaurant.
Family owned and operated since 1974, The Afghan Horseman is the first Afghan restaurant in Canada. From the dolmahs and kebabs to the vegetarian dishes and vegan delights, everything is cooked as it would be in a traditional Afghan kitchen. For an authentic experience, choose to be seated on pillows at low tables in the cozy Afghan Rooms. The restaurant offers several types of meat and veggie platters for sharing, all served with a variety of side dishes.
Inspired by the Beirut of the 1940s—when it was considered the "Paris of the Middle East"- Nuba offers some of the best ethnic eats around. Their crispy cauliflower tossed with lemon and sea salt made Vancouver Magazine's list of "101 Things to Eat Before you Die", and the vegetarian dishes are particularly noteworthy. Try a trio of Mediterranean dips with fresh pita—tzatziki, hummus, and eggplant dip—before moving on to heartier fare like the lamb kafta or the chicken tawook: local chicken marinated in Middle Eastern Spices. The Turkish coffee tiramisu is a standout choice for dessert. Nuba is also open for breakfast.
Authentic Persian kebabs and other Middle-Eastern delights are hard to find in the city that's replete with European and American restaurants. But Zeitoon on Pendrell surfaces as one of the few restaurants in the city where you can enjoy the original flavors of the Middle East. Among the dishes served here, Torshi kebab, Chicken kebab and Koobideh, are favorites among the locals. If you are with family, then opt for the kebab platter for CAD21 and indulge in a variety of kebabs served with specialty sauces. Call ahead to know more.