Winter Warmers

So its supposedly summer in Vancouver but 9 degrees and constant rainfall really doesn’t feel like a Northern Hemisphere summer. And as the winter evening chills descend on the Southernmost tip of Africa as well, we started wondering what the best way would be to keep the stomach satisfied and the body warm. Our one word answer – Indian.

So Ion set off to find the best Indian on the Canadian West Coast, while Dimitri set off to find a similar jewel in the city of Gold. Being new to the city, Ion put his trust in the rave reviews and daily queues that form outside of VJ’s. The restaurant’s atmosphere is warm and welcoming and the wait is alleviated by the yummy snacks that are offered regularly. Once you get a table, you realize the food was worth the wait. We loved the Lamb Popsicles in a creamy curry sauce. The chicken in a spicy, tomato based sauce was also a hit. Funny enough, the Chardonay-Pinot Noir Prosecco we ordered complimented these dishes remarkably well.

On the other side of the globe, our vote goes out to Bukhara in Sandton Square. The food and service has always been of the highest standard, even though the Lamb Vindaloo may leave you asking “where’s the loo?”. Hot is an understatement! For a not-so-hot, but just as nice dish, go for the Lamb Rogan Josh or the traditional Tandoori Chicken. The Naan bread is also yummy, although we suspect that they don’t use fresh garlic in making it.
Another favourite in the Indian cuisine circuit is Kharma, which has a more relaxed and bohemian atmosphere, although we suspect that there are many more small, informal and very traditional Indian hot-spots that remain to be uncovered!

Where is your favourite Indian restaurant? Tell us at best@yourtastebuds.com

Until we eat again,

Your Taste Buds,

DimitrION