KESARI KITCHEN
Traditional Indian Cuisine, With Some Surprises!

When you think of “fusion cooking”, Chinese cuisine with an Indian twist may not be the first combination to come to mind. but it’s a thing, and one of the things that set the West End’s newest Indian restaurant apart.

“It’s a common and very popular combination of flavors and cooking techniques in my hometown of New Delhi,” explains Kesari Kitchen’s owner Sumit Mehta, “and I’m very pleased to be able to introduce it to Vancouver diners.”

Sumit left New Delhi as a young man, studied culinary arts and restaurant management in Australia, and then traveled the globe, gaining restaurant experiences in several countries and continents, including New Zealand, Indonesia and Africa before arriving in Vancouver 12 years ago. “This is my eleventh city to live and work in,” he says, “and my forever home.”

The word “Kesari” means Lion in Hindi, denoting bravery and adventure. Certainly opening a new restaurant in these challenging times is an act of bravery, and there are many culinary adventures to be found on the menu.

Selections reflecting the traditional cooking styles of the subcontinent include the curries, kormas, masalas, and vindaloos that Vancouverites are familiar with, along with many new-to-us dishes. The extensive vegetarian menu includes many vegan and gluten-free options as well.

And that “Chinese with an Indian twist” adventure? Well, you’ll have to sample a few dishes yourself to discover the taste treats of Chilli Prawns (“fried prawns with onion, bell pepper, tossed with Indian-style Chinese sauce”) or Chicken Chllli Fried Rice”.

Kesari Kitchen is at 1708 Davie. Visit their website here to see the full menu and order for delivery. And next summer, look for an outdoor patio to be added.