Daawat a ishq — Restaurant in Vancouver

We just moved to East Vancouver from Portland and were keen to use our child-free night to find a neighborhood Indian spot. (It’s in our top three cuisines.) Of the three in this area, Daawat a Ishq seemed the most promising for in-person dining.

// Atmosphere // Yes, the staff wear gloves. This doesn’t bother me, but I can see where it might give others pause. I used to work in food service, and gloves helped keep moisture in my hands from all the hand washing. I’m assuming this is why they’re doing it, too.

Yes, this was a Mexican restaurant and is now an Indian restaurant. It’s obvious they added their own touches, but no, they didn’t get rid of all the aesthetics of the previous restaurant. That’s expensive, and, frankly, the color palettes I associate with both countries are bright and vibrant, so I can see why they might have liked what they walked into.

// Service // The staff we interacted with were welcoming, friendly, attentive, and anticipatory of our needs. They weren’t all up in our space, but they came by often enough to make us feel looked after. Food also arrived at a good pace.

// Food // Here’s where things get tricky. Like the U.S., India is a big country, and it has large variations in dishes and flavor profiles depending on the region of the restaurateur’s origin or preference. Kind of like how BBQ in America varies dramatically depending on where you go.

So, we ordered more than we typically would to get a baseline. We had all vegetarian options: samosas, Naan basket, daal makhani, kheer, salty lassi, and a few other things. And based on the other reviews, we ordered a spice level of a 4-5 out of 10. (That was a mistake; more on why later.)

The naan is delicious. It’s puffy, soft, and has some burnt bits like all good naan. In fact, it was a bit like really good pizza dough from Pizzeria Otto’s, which makes me think they make theirs with yeast (not all places do). The wheat one was nice, and l liked the ghee one, but the garlic one was absolutely lovely (and our favorite). Next time, we’ll do garlic and try the aloo paratha.

The desserts reminded me of my childhood because they had a lot of cardamom and rose water, and I’m Persian. We had kheer and a cheese dish because I’m a sucker for cheese. Both were good, but super sweet, which is to be expected with Indian desserts. I’d order them again. The smell was also gorgeous.

Here’s where things get tricky. The rest of what we ate wasn’t bad, but the flavor was sweet on the palette—even the salty lassi was sweet rather than savory. We’re wondering if that’s a regional thing, or maybe more star anise than we’re used to? Or perhaps because we should’ve gotten it with more heat? (We like our tongues to tingle but not feel like we’re in an episode of Hot Ones.) We took all the food home and will be experimenting with adding more acid and heat to the dishes. For us, we like the savory end of the spectrum. I’m the gal who sneaks Jacobsen salt into the movie theater to salt up the popcorn. (I also love tangy because I’m Persian and was raised on that stuff.) So it may have been that we were missing the spice. It might also be that their dishes are just sweeter. Like how some Italian marinara is sweeter and others are tangier. Again, not bad. Just not our cup of tea.

We’ll probably go again after trying the two nearby, and the next time, we’ll go with more spice. And skip the lassi for a chai.

So, if your palette is like ours, opt for more spice. If you like a sweeter flavor, this is definitely gonna slap for...

MOST TENDER MEAT ever, in CURRY so FLAVORFUL and HEARTY (NOT OILY), it deserves it's own celebration.

First, meat was so wonderfully soft, it could be eaten by spoon -- allowing savoring vs effort with fork/knife to finagle. With every bite, it was a full-sensory experience -- fragrant herbs and spices, mouthfeel, unfolding of rich taste. I ordered goat, fresh and high-quality/not at all goat-y/pungent/gamey. (am certain their lamb would be phenomenal, based on this, and others' reviews) The meat was also well-trimmed, not laden with fat, yet a little, good for flavor. And plenty of quantity, which is also connected to quality; higher-quality, more satiety (feeling of satisfactory fullness); lower quality and poor prep makes one eat more of denatured, tough, bad-for-health meat yet feel hunger...it doesn't have vital nutrients this meat curry has. Ten out of five stars.

Now, the curry: Imagine a sauce so hearty, yet not heavy, not oily, you savor it from the start, and despite lingering with each bite in a sort of heaven, despite the journey through ample portion, when you get to the end, part of you can't believe it is over -- it was sooo good. It lingers in your food memory, comes back to your sense of smell when you recall it, ignites salivary glands when you think back, smiling. No exaggeration; amazing curry.

And the way it's prepared, onions velvety and perfect, meshing with spices properly-roasted, punctuated with other Ayurvedic ingredients, you actually forget there is also the meat; it's not 'background curry'; each aspect is distinctly delicious.

You keep coming back to this memory, and this restaurant; you stop imagining, and order your next version of bliss...

PS, I find the decor and staff perfections, and like being in India, with stonework, outdoor-indoor feel, emphasis on authentic designs and colorful patterns, and hosts warm, friendly, gracious, solid/wise in recommendations per patron needs. There is outdoor patio seating, a substantive menu for those who drink, and a selection of desserts. A true Daawat a ishq...

Daawat e Ishq – Vancouver: A Feast for the Senses

Daawat e Ishq in Vancouver is a culinary gem that brings the authentic flavors of India to the city in a delightful way. Upon entering, you're greeted with a warm ambiance that blends traditional Indian decor with modern touches, making it a perfect setting for both casual dining and special occasions.

Food: The star of the experience is, of course, the food. The menu offers a wide variety of Indian dishes, from street food favorites to rich curries and tandoori.Vegetarians will find plenty to love here too, with the Paneer Tikka and Dal Makhani being particularly well done.

The naan and roti are fresh and fluffy, the perfect accompaniment to the flavorful dishes. If you're a fan of Indian street food, their samosas and chaats are authentic and bring a vibrant burst of flavors.

Service: Service at Daawat e Ishq is attentive and friendly, with staff who are more than happy to provide recommendations or customize the spice levels based on your preferences. The food arrives in a timely manner, and the servers ensure that your dining experience is pleasant throughout.

Ambiance: The ambiance is cozy yet elegant, with soft lighting and traditional Indian artwork adorning the walls. Whether you're dining with family, friends, or on a date, the restaurant's atmosphere makes for a comfortable and inviting experience.

Price: The pricing at Daawat e Ishq is reasonable for the quality and portion sizes offered. While it may not be the cheapest option in the city, the value is well worth it for the taste and authenticity of the food.

Final Thoughts: Overall, Daawat e Ishq is a fantastic spot for anyone craving authentic Indian cuisine in Vancouver. With its flavorful dishes, warm service, and cozy ambiance, it’s a restaurant that keeps you coming back for more. Perfect for both first-timers to Indian cuisine and seasoned food...