5 beloved Indian restaurants in the Tri-Cities

A colourful array of spices, textures and traditions

Author

Eva Rasciauskas
April 25, 2023

With so many regional variations and ingredients inspired by different climates, cultures and traditions, it’s impossible to get a true grasp of what constitutes Indian cuisine other than a multi-faceted world of colours, flavours and textures.

Popular dishes like biryani, curry and tikka masala are beloved in North America but only make up a tip of the iceberg; underneath you’ll find a history that dates back over 5,000 years, constituting thousands of dishes that have yet to reach the surface.

Here’s a list of some of our favourite Indian restaurants in the Tri-Cities, presenting you with both familiar favourites and new dishes to add to your palate.

One of the first things you’ll notice when you pick up a menu at The Bombay Restaurant is their list of soya chaap—a soy-based snack added in curries as well as a popular street food in India—that comes in a multitude of marinades and sauces. A similar theme follows throughout rest of the menu; each category (from chicken dishes to rice specials) consists of various versions of sauces, spices and cooking styles. Whether you’re a connoisseur of Indian cuisine or a complete newbie, you’re bound to discover something new.

Address: 2748 Lougheed Hwy, Port Coquitlam

Milaap Indian Kitchen is deemed to have the best “butterica” chicken in the Tri-Cities. Unlike other butter chicken recipes, their sauce is made using fresh tomatoes that are smoked and cooked for four hours, then enriched with butter, heavy cream, nuts and a rich gravy. The result? A smooth, silky elixir delicious enough to drink on its own.

Address: 1196 Lansdowne Dr #315, Coquitlam

Jamila’s Kitchen offers a diverse menu of Indian, Afghan and Greek fusion cuisines, with menu items ranging from lamb vindaloo to large Greek platters of chicken and beef souvlaki. All portions are generous and come with rice, salad, raita dip and naan, with plenty of options for large platters that are perfect for larger groups and families.

Address: 2733 Barnett Hwy, Coquitlam

Continuously voted the best Indian restaurant in Port Moody, Aroma Indian Restaurant offers a fine dining experience with delectable chicken, goat, lamb, seafood and vegetarian specials. Their butter goat and lamb dishes look particularly enticing, as well as long list of seafood specials—prawns and fish are prepared in every kind of sauce and marinade imaginable, from prawn tikka masala to fish goa curry.

Address: 50 Queens St, Port Moody

Spice Art’s executive chef Harish Kumar offers a unique Indian fusion experience, with a menu that takes inspiration from each season. Expect a long list of sizzling tandoori specials, chicken, lamb, goat, beef as well as an impressive list of vegetarian mains—items like malai kofta (cheese dumplings in a creamy cashew sauce) and paneer methi (homemade cheese cooked with fenugreek) sound particularly delicious.

Address: 1475 Prairie Ave, Port Coquitlam