restaurant review: vij's in vancouver

We got here a little after 5 and there was already a line.

(Vancouver, Canada).  When I was researching for places to eat in Vancouver, multiple people recommended Vij's - a high end Indian restaurant that was described to me as one of the best Indian restaurants in North America.  I have to admit that I generally am not a huge fan of Indian food, but since this place was universally praised by my friends I had to give it a try.

Was I disappointed?

I'm happy to report that Vij's was utterly delightful!  It was probably the most sophisticated and well prepared Indian food I've ever tasted and experienced.  It is definitely worth a trip for any visitor to Vancouver who loves Indian food or wants to try authentic, elegant Indian food.

But since it's so well-loved and reviewed, it can be difficult to get into since they do not take reservations.  They open at 5:30pm but the lines start forming before 5pm.  The restaurant isn't large so if you don't get into the first sitting, you will have to wait about 40 minutes plus for a table.  If you are in the 3rd or 4th groups, then the wait time grows exponentially.  I would recommend getting there by 5 to at least make the 2nd group - because you get to wait in the bar area in the back of the restaurant and order drinks while they offer you free tasty treats.  It makes waiting not so bad but be careful not to load up on free treats because you want to save room for the main event!

 

Snacking & Drinking - the best way to wait!

We were literally at the cut-off so we were the first people in the 2nd group.  Fortunately we snagged some bar seating and enjoyed some refreshing cocktails (and snacks) before dinner.  It was a nice way to meet the locals and get recommended dishes from them.  One man suggested we order a jackfruit dish.  While I've had jackfruit as a dessert; I've never tasted it in a savory dish.

When we were finally at our table, we ordered a sampling of dishes, including the jackfruit, the famous lamb lollipops, some samosas, eggplant, etc.  Everything was delicious with amazing, balanced flavors.  The jackfruit turned out to be the star of the show - incredibly fleshy, soaking up the spicy and savory flavors of the sauce.  Quite interesting really.

Anyways, Vij's was a wonderful experience - even with the wait - and even for someone like me who is generally lukewarm about Indian food.  

 

The aftermath....

The service was also incredibly gracious and the decor was elegant and cozy.

Check it out - you won't be disappointed!