Afghan Chopan Bakery & Diner — Restaurant in Richmond

I recently had an experience at Afghan Chopan that was deeply disappointing and left my friends, family, and me feeling unwelcome and hurt. As someone who genuinely loves Afghan cuisine, I was excited to try this restaurant with my family, including our two young children, both under the age of 4. We were looking forward to a pleasant meal together, but instead, our visit was welcomed by discrimination that left us feeling out of place.

When we arrived, we were waiting inside for a table with our kids. To our surprise, the receptionist asked us to step outside instead of allowing us to stay in the waiting area. At first, we assumed this might be a standard practice due to space constraints, so we complied without much thought. However, what happened next was truly unsettling.

After we got seated, we noticed that other customers—who were of a different racial background—were allowed to wait in the same spot where we had been asked to leave. Feeling confused, I approached the receptionist and politely asked why they hadn’t been asked to wait outside as we had been. The response was nothing short of shocking: with a dismissive tone, we were told, "You guys are like that."

In that moment, I felt the sting of racism, a deeply personal and painful reminder that, despite being paying customers like anyone else, we were being judged and treated differently because of our ethnicity. I was not just upset; I felt a mix of anger, sadness, and disappointment that my family and friends had to experience this, especially in front of our young children.

It’s disheartening to be treated unfairly when all we wanted was to enjoy a meal together. To be reduced to a stereotype with a dismissive "you guys" was more than unprofessional—it was a clear example of racism in everyday life. No one should ever be made to feel inferior or unwelcome because of their background.

I sincerely hope that the management of Afghan Chopan takes this issue to heart and offers a heart...

It's one of my favorite places so naturally when i had to take almost 13 people out for dinner i picked afghan chopan. And Richmond branch because seating space is better than the surrey branch. However my experience was so horrible i regret going there at all. I booked 3 days in advance and specified that i want to sit in the large sitting area because we had kids with us. But when we arrived there on the day of dinner, we saw that sitting space was already occupied. I spoke with the girl behind the counter and told her we specifically requested that space because we have kids ranging from 6month old to 8 year old and its very hard to manage them if we sit on table. She said we have no such request with the booking and that they have table setup for us. Anyway we sat on the table. The sitting area is huge and can sit almost 15 people and there were only 6 people sitting there, so when the other server came to our table i tried to explain to him that i requested that space and if he can talk to the other party and see if they'd be willing to move. The guy told me "oh i was the one who took your reservation on phone and you made no such request, instead you asked me for a table" i was baffled. I told him its not possible because we always sit on the sitting area instead of tables because it's more convenient (we are regulars at afghan chopan). He refused and kept insisting that i requested the table. At this point my husband and sister stepped in too and told the guy its not possible that I'd ask for a table. The guy didn't budge. I realized it's pointless to argue and we just ordered. The whole dinner was painful because we were seated in a space way too small for 13 people. Kids were uncomfortable. The food was good as usual but the customer service was so poor that we couldn't even enjoy the food. I was embarrassed Infront of my guests for such a...

Came here with my family as a walk-in group and we got seated in the back where there were rugs and pillows. It was a new experience for all of us and we had a great laugh at our uncle's legs going numb from sitting on the rug.

We ordered the Chef's Special which serves 6-8, but even as 7 people, we had SO much leftovers to take home. The amount of food we get for the price is amazing.

The combo came with an Afghan style pallow (rice dish) and it was delicious. The raisins were sweet, the rice was aromatic, and the meat was so tender it melts in your mouth, 5/5.

The meat platter was massive. Every piece of meat was so juicy and pairs so well with the sauces, naan, and rice. It also came with a salad underneath, 5/5. There were two baskets of naan which were so soft and fresh, 5/5, and two plates of sauces, one yogurt, and one chutney.

We got one of each appetizers for our combo. The boulani was definitely everyone's favourite. It's crispy outside, soft and flavourful inside, and has a nice and airy sauce, 5/5. The mantu was soft and packed with flavour and the sauce went so well with the rice and naan, 5/5. The ashak was good but not the best of the three, 4/5.

We had a choice of three vegetable dishes and decided on the mixed vegetables, spinach, and eggplant. The mixed veggies was good, 4/5. The eggplant had a lot of sauce which went really well with the rice and naan, 4/5. The spinach, compared to everything else, didn't taste as good, 2/5.

For dessert, we got a pot of hot chai milk tea and it was delicious. The mildness of the spice felt refreshing after a heavy meal. It tasted even better when mixing a bit of sugar, 5/5.

Overall the restaurant serves amazing food for great prices, has a lot of food options, is clean, and the servers are kind and attentive. Will definitely be...