Annapurna Restaurant

The Annapurna: Vegetarian Cuisine of India

 1812 West Fourth Avenue, Vancouver

(604) 736 5959

www.annapurnavegetarian.com

Accepts major credit cards

The Annapurna Restaurant

As this is our first review, we feel we need to explain where we are coming from. We are not professional restaurant critics and have no qualifications in the area of food and beverages. We are, however, enthusiastic and knowledgeable Foodies with decades of experience of dining out in France, Spain and Italy, the USA and Canada.

In the case of the Annapurna we should also add that we are long-standing customers. However, we believe our review to be balanced and fair. We ate at the restaurant in early February with the intention of basing this review on our experience.

Siddarth Choudhary-Manager

We were warmly greeted by Siddarth Choudhary, a manager recently appointed by owner Mr Suresh Sharma. As a result, some changes will be taking place, including revision of the menu and introduction of a breakfast service. It is clear, however, that the strengths of the restaurant – its vegetarian menu and the philosophy that underpins it will not be compromised. Nor will its attractive décor change: the unique lighting and mirrors create a sense of warmth and space.

Appetizers

We ordered soups together with pappadoms. The latter are always fresh and accompanied by tamarind, mango and mint dips. My lentil soup was a mouth-watering blend of lentils, black pepper and tomatoes with a slice of lime. I like my soups piping hot and this did not disappoint. Gretchen’s tomato soup was chunky with sweet bites of onion.

Other appetizers range from $4.50 to $5.95. The paapri chat, a yoghurt-based distant Indian cousin of nachos - is one that we rarely resist. The salads – hot potato, kachumber – are not far behind and there are delicious samosas, pakoras and bhajis too.

Entrées

At various times, we have tasted the full range and liked them all. Our favourites include the baigan bhartha (eggplant), the palak paneer (spinach and cheese), the navrattan korma and the okra. On this occasion I chose a relatively new addition to the menu, the vegetarian biryani. It proved an excellent choice, pleasing both to the taste buds and visually. The portion was generous but not overbearing with the brightly coloured peppers and a variety of healthy vegetables mixed in rice cooked to perfection. Gretchen chose the bhindhi (okra), accompanied by a wholewheat chapati.

The highly distinctive naan breads (or chapattis or parathas) are fresh and hot. We find the garlic/basil and onion/cilantro naans irresistible.

Dessert

For dietary reasons we do not often take dessert, but made an exception to put the full menu to the test. My gulab jamon were warm and sweet, served with delicate honey syrup and rose water. Gretchen had the gajar ka halwa (sweet carrot pudding with cashews and cardamom). It was hot and softly chewy.

We dined alongside other couples as well as a party of 6. As most dishes can be shared easily, the restaurant works well for a group of friends. Drinks on offer include various beers, wine, teas and a filling sweet mango lassi.

We invariably come away with a sense of satisfaction, despite being non-vegetarians. The food is never heavy, neither oily nor greasy. When Mr Sharma is present, dishes leaving the kitchen must pass beneath his highly critical eye and if not up to standard are returned to the chef before being served. This leads to the few criticisms we have. At times, service can be slow. Our plates on this occasion were delivered hot to our table but by the time the food arrived they had cooled down. At times the room heating is problematic - rather too warm if you are seated next to the heaters and a little cool away from them.

The bill for two came to $41.95 including a pretty cup of chai ($2.95).

Comments to this restaurant