East Is East — Restaurant in Vancouver

I've been to East is East more than a few times over the last 5 years and it never gets old for me.

From the moment they greet you with a little (unbelievably delicious) cup of chai while you wait to be seated to warmly passing you a little cookie as you leave, the service is immaculate and warm. It feels special, they're so kind and attentive to all details. It was my partner's birthday today and he is not good with crowds so I mentioned it to one of the waitresses as she passed after they sang to another table for theirs (two other birthdays tonight!). When it was time for his birthday dessert our waitress (I forgot her name! I'm aghast with myself as we were served mostly by two women and they were great and both so patient with my boyfriend's elderly mother, but I spoke to four friendly faces while there) came low key, quietly, and with a little birthday note beautifully penned on a piece of handmade paper. It was so classy.

The food is great and personally I feel like you have to go the Silk Route and try a little of everything. Come hungry as the little portions are deceiving. I like everything except the vegan butter chicken (I usually like vegan food a lot but there's something off and bitter to me about this one), I force myself to get as much as possible lol. If I had to pick favourites I prefer the Mystic soup (a very light coconut and mushroom soup with I think green onions, it has a fresh bite to it), the Persian lamb (The other lamb offering is good but has a flavour echoing the lentil soup which just isn't my favourite but my boyfriend prefers it), the mantu dumpling (if you like spanokopita like I do, it's like that just more green onion forward) and the mango chicken.

But it's all good. The tabouleh is citrusy, the roti and rice are so good it's hard to avoid filling up on it, the naan is solid. The hummus is fine, I prefer the baba ganush (which I probably haven't spelled properly) as the hummus is a bit plain. There's also little green sauce I can never remember the name of that's so so good I could drink it. Citrusy, maybe a little bit of heat if you're very sensitive to spice. My partner tends to choose all the opposite options of mine and we both leave happy, I feel like there's something for everyone. If you're unsure what you'll like the silk route is a great way to suss out your preferences as the servings are so small it won't be a big waste of food or money if you decide after a bite it's not for you. The servers will be by shortly to get you another one.

The atmosphere is cozy, maybbee not the most comfortable for back support. But it feels warm, the light is diffused, the din isn't too loud overall, and the music isn't too distracting. And it's just lovely. I feel like it's a great place to take a date, and today I learned it's a great place to have a birthday. Thanks again to the servers, you were all so lovely.

You'll likely be back if you...

East is East - A Feast for the Senses

East is East in Vancouver doesn’t just serve food; it offers an experience—a soulful, sensory journey that lingers long after the plates are cleared. From the moment we walked through the door, we were greeted with the kind of warmth and hospitality that feels both rare and genuine. Harprit and the rest of the incredible team, all of whom were attentive and kind, made us feel not like patrons but like honored guests.

The ambiance is a mood all its own. A man at the piano played a soundtrack that seamlessly intertwined with the low hum of conversation and the aromatic spices wafting from the kitchen. It’s a setting that feels intimate yet communal—a perfect harmony of East-meets-West Coast charm.

And then, the food. Oh, the food! We opted for the Taster Feast Plate, which turned out to be the best decision we could’ve made. It’s the culinary equivalent of opening a treasure chest: a little bit of everything, and every bite was a revelation. Mango chicken curry, which I didn’t even know existed, absolutely stole the show—I shamelessly went back for three helpings. From the creamy, perfectly spiced curries to soups and salads, each dish was a celebration of flavor and texture. It’s clear that love and care are woven into every aspect of the menu.

By the end of the meal, I was full—fuller than I should’ve been, if we’re being honest—but with no regrets. When the food is this good, it’s worth indulging. East is East is a place where time slows down, where you savor not just the food but the feeling of being truly cared for.

If you’re in Vancouver, do yourself a favor and visit East is East. You’ll leave with a full belly, a happy heart, and a newfound appreciation for the beautiful fusion of culture and cuisine. Harprit and her team are setting the bar impossibly high for what a dining experience should be. I can’t...

We indulged in the Silk Route Feast. While I was eating I exclaimed, “Each dish is it’s own journey!”

As I sampled each portion I felt like I could taste the delicate care and attention put into each recipe.

On top of that, our server treated us like royalty from the moment we stepped through the door. But it was subtle, with the perfect amount of space to enjoy our meals while always checking in and topping up water and additional orders. The way she spoke to us and let us take our time in decisions was poignant. Whenever we had a new order she’d appear out of thin air. All the servers were a team and took care of us. The people bussing food to the table had no shortage of care bringing and explaining each dish. The bartender brought over the drinks she made. The jazz band added to the ambience with style.

It just felt like everyone from the kitchen to the door cared. And you could taste it in the food! Loved our server - “Shivani”. She had a grounding effect, while making our dining experience feel elevated without being forced. She was lovely. But each person that came to the table had a wonderful air about them as well. Adored the food. And that welcoming tea was equal parts intriguing and awakening.

I enjoyed this meal so much, I wanted to pay for everyone’s experience. And even after we paid, and the restaurant was empty, a new server I had not seen noticed us trying to take a picture and she came over to offer to take it for us. Most people would just want to get out of there and finish wiping and clearing out. A thoughtful and kind gesture as we left.

Shoutout to the amazing kitchen. What a divine evening.

Thank you...