Gurkha Himalayan Kitchen

Ordered take out service from here and only to have found out the portions were super small sized and they forgot about the salad sides as well. Roti was a really small piece that was charged for $ 2 when I could get 5 of it for $ 2 elsewhere. Food was mediocre as well especially the Pokhara Lamb, felt quite dry and tough. For close to $ 50 in total, I expected a LOT better in terms of service and food quality.

Gurkha Himalayan Kitchen was on my list for quite a while. Thankfully, one of my friends wanted to try it as well. I mean, sure, there are plenty of sushi places and Phở eateries in Vancouver. But a Nepalese restaurant?
First things first, it’s quite easy to miss it. The place itself is sort of a house on the second floor on Davie St, which adds to the mysteriousness of it. It feels like walking into the headquarters of a secret organization. And that’s not the end of it. There’s even a «secret garden» at the back! Since the weather was nice, we sat at the garden/​patio.
As for the food, I went with the Cadillac, the «Daal-​Bhaat Masu». It reminded me a lot about Indian food, with a lot of spices used. The flavours were definitely there. I must say, the food is good. I eat quite a bit, so I wasn’t particularly full. But I could see that the portion would fill up an average person.
Now for the bummer. To put it in a polite manner, the service was subpar at best. The food was good, but it was clear that there was a lot of confusion going on between the staff there. It took quite a while for them to bring out the food (~30 minutes). There was so much confusion, they forgot the roti. One of the staff then mentioned that they were having some sort of a «crisis» in the kitchen. Fortunately I did not see any smoke or fumes coming out from the back of the kitchen. I guess they were short on people on that particular day.
All in all, yay for the food, with a meh for the service. Don’t get me wrong, I’m sure service would have been excellent, were it not for the kitchen crisis.

Tasty food is one reason to come to this almost obscure restaurant. If it wasn’t for the clapboard sign and the «red carpet» pathway down a sidewalk and up some steps, we would not have found it. Our group of three ordered a few appetizers: a spicy tabbouleh tasting puffed rice and potato dish; delicious chicken skewers (2); fried lentil balls (5); and yak dumplings (I refrained from these.).
The restaurant was «slow» in that there were only two other tables busy upon entering, and one other table as we exited, surprising based upon the taste of the food, but not so surprising after experiencing the service. (Hence the subtraction of one star.)
Perhaps server was not happy that we were not ordering entrees? Regardless, it would be nice to have the water glass refilled without having to ask.

Really quaint space on the 2^nd floor of a building just at the beginning of the West End. Very nice and accommodating owners who seem to really care. Service is a bit slow but you will enjoy the comfy environment nonetheless. It is nice that they have a full bar and the drinks are not too expensive!
The momos are quite expensive yet they are well-​made. They could use a bit more seasoning as typically momo has a bit more flavor. Thukpa was not my favorite– it had an odd taste to me and to my colleagues as well. The dishes both veg and non– were generally good although some of the curries were a bit on the thick side.
This is a cozy spot to have a relaxing evening and I would recommend it for that as much as for the food if not more.

We went here last night, just walked in, had really good food. The 3 of us had starters and main course and we all loved our food. We had Sherpa chicken, like a curry, lamb skewers which were cooked to perfection, and a mixed vegetable dish, as well as rice a breads. Don’t let the stairs out you off, it’s a really nice place to eat and we’ll definitely be going back.

Not bad. We went around 7:30PM on a Thursday and were the only ones there, which was a little awkward, but the people working there were pretty friendly. On the plus side, if you’re vegetarian you can order a majority of the items on the menu, which is awesome. We got the veggie momos (dumplings), the palpali paneer, the quati, and an order of roti and an order of tingmo (Tibetan steamed bread). The dumplings were pretty good, unlike anything I’ve had before. It was a little like having a samosa but in dumpling form. The mains were a mixed bag. The palpali paneer was by far my favorite of the two we got. The paneer itself was very flavorful (if just a tad on the rubbery side). The sauce was like a paneer tikka masala or paneer makhani sauce. It was solid. Not great, but good. The quati was pretty disappointing to me. It was a mixture of 9 types of beans in a sauce that was flavored with different Indian/​Nepalese spices. It was a little bland to me. No spice at all, even when ordered as a medium spice level, and not really much flavor other than beans. I wouldn’t order this again. The breads were also disappointing. The roti seemed like a whole wheat wrap you would buy at the grocery store. The tingmo was the better of the two breads, but apart from its cinnamon roll-​like shape and interesting turmeric tinge, it wasn’t super flavorful.
Overall, the meal wasn’t bad, but I wouldn’t return in a hurry.

Went there for lunch when it was very quiet. Had the lamb. Food was delicious. Will go back.

My boyfriend and I had dinner here and ordered yak momos, aalu-​kaauli (cauliflower, potatoes, peas), gorkhali khasi (goat curry) and upon recommendation from the server, tingmo (Tibetan bread).
The yak momos were disappointing. They were presented nicely, but still cold in the centre. We sent them back to the kitchen since they seemed underdone.
The gorkhali khasi was too salty for my liking. We ordered it medium spicy, which was mild enough to have a bit of a kick but not leave any lingering heat in the mouth.
The tingmo was fine, but I was surprised that you only get one bun with each order.
Out of all the dishes, the aalu-​kaauli was the best. Overall the service was good and they were very responsive to our concerns about the cold momos. Unfortunately most of our food fell below our expectations, dropping this review to 2 stars.

TLDR: unauthentic, and the cooks do not have even a basic understanding of Indian spices and flavours. However, it is relatively healthy and if you can get past the mediocre taste a tolerably filling meal.
Onto the review:
As I am Indian, while I adore many cuisines and many flavours, the one thing I cannot live without is a proper full course dinner. An Indian dinner is incomplete without dal, salad, rice, a main and at least one other side + chutney/​pickles.
Now generally we do manage this sort of a dinner 2 – 3 times a week (not an easy feat I tell you, when you’re in your mid twenties living in Canada). Sometimes, however, we just cannot pull it off and not only that but the thought of substituting such a dinner with a small one-​course relatively less healthy meal (even if it is equally delicious) is absolutely soul crushing.
We have frequently had this sort of a dilemma. In such desperate cases we have absolutely no choice but to eat at a restaurant offering such a meal. The closest and only one in my vicinity is Gurkha Himalayan Cuisine.
On the menu it is called Nepali Bhojan with a vegetarian and a non vegetarian option. I always choose the vegetarian and my bf gets the non vegetarian. They both come with dal, roti, basmati white rice, salad, raita and kheer. The vegetarian thali (plate) comes with a mustard greens ‘shaak’ (a vegetable main), and another shaak made with beans. The non vegetarian comes with sherpa chicken and gorkhali khasi. I will not review everything individually including our appetisers — Tenzing Momos (Nepali chicken dumplings)
Tenzing Momos: ³⁄₅ it’s hard to screw up momos but these were certainly mediocre in comparison to what I’ve had near Nepal. Compared to what I’ve had in Vancouver, however, they hold up but are still on the lower spectrum. I’d rank them third best out of the only four restaurants that serve Momos in Vancouver and the restaurant at number four is absolutely awful. The second best is only at second because it’s chutneys are better. The Momos themselves were equally mediocre.
Dal: ³⁄₅ very difficult to screw up dal but it goes down to the cooks having no concept of Indian spices or flavours. It wasn’t done well but it wasn’t done terribly either, at least, there were no nasty clashing flavours like I’ve sadly experienced in other Indian restaurants in BC.
Roti: 4.5÷5 I like roti and it was done right, nothing spectacular, it’s not meant to be spectacular but it’s meant to be a pleasant accompaniment. They achieved this. It’s cut into a weird triangular shape which forces me to eat it in a wrong, awkward way but I won’t argue.
Raita: ⁴⁄₅ It’s raita. If anyone screws this up I’ll give up on life. Actually, I change my mind — I’ve definitely experienced some unbelievably horrid Indian food in this part of the world and I won’t risk betting on it.
Kheer: ¹⁄₅ Absolutely disgusting. Tastes like whipped cream and water. I don’t understand it. It has a 1 because it’s got the right colour to resemble kheer. Good job!
[Now one piece of advice: ALWAYS order mild spice at this place!
My bf asked to have it at the regular level of spice as they would normally cook it (basically a polite way of saying stop white washing the food for me) however, we were told there is no regular and we have to choose. We chose medium and hot. BIG mistake. Regardless of whether you like spicy, can handle spicy, or whatever it is. Do NOT ask for medium or hot. Unless you like the taste of burning, dry, nasty powdery red chilli powder in your mouth as you eat.
Once you order mild (as I did the last time I was there) the food is tolerable. Mild is how it’s made. Medium and hot just means they dump in chilli powder just before they serve it. I’m cringing as I type. ]
The following ratings are for the mains cooked with mild level spice.
Mustard greens shaak: ⁴⁄₅ Not bad. Healthy and tastes pretty good. Without the chilli powder I quite like it. I don’t like the potatoes that come with it but that’s not the cooks fault. Toddler-​me has hated potatoes in shaak and I just can’t grow out of that dislike.
Beans shaak: ⁴⁄₅ I liked this too. I believe this had bamboo shoots inside which is quite foreign to me but it’s very harmonious since Nepali cuisine has a strong Chinese influence. This dish is bland in comparison to what it should be. But in comparison to what there is in Canada it holds up.
I won’t review the Sherpa Chicken and Gorkhali khasi. I’ve never had either, they’re foreign words and foreign names and foreign flavours. I assume they’re Nepali traditional dishes. The flavours are not 100% correct is all I can tell, but they are apparently bearable as my bf likes them.

The food is delicious and the attention was good too. Looks like a family run restaurant and for the first time I didn’t use Unilocal to find a place around my hotel. Plates are big and recommendation by the waitress were excellent.

Good food, small portions, lukewarm experience
We had a Groupon lunch coupon for this place, and we almost managed to miss the last date of cashing in on the deal. Now that I have convinced you about how busy a person I am, let me go into the details.
As one might guess from the name, this is one of the few places in Vancouver that serve Nepali/​Himalayan cuisine (BTW, part of the proceeds from the restaurant is being donated to earthquake relief in Nepal, cool stuff!).
We were the first people in the restaurant that afternoon, since it opens at 12, and we were there at 12.05 pm. Perhaps they had not gotten it going by then, but when we entered, the interiors appeared distinctly darker and looked ill-​lit even on a sunny afternoon. We were asked about trying deserts and beverages which were not present in the lunch menu. Maybe it would be better if they included these items (and short descriptions) in the menu.
We ordered the Kathmandu Sekhuwa (grilled chicken, not bad, ⁷⁄₁₀), Nepali goat curry (good preparation, ⁷⁄₁₀), tingmo (Tibetan bread, ⁶⁄₁₀), chai/​tea (nothing special, ⁶⁄₁₀) and plain rice. The portions were significantly smaller than those in comparable restaurants.
The dishes came with sides of leafy salads. Salads from South Asia, instead of being leafy, are heavy on cucumbers, tomatoes and onions, like the ones you might see on a middle-​eastern food platter. So, possible Amercanization of Nepali food?
Overall, I would not visit again given there are better South Asian restaurants in this lovely city.

Went for lunch ordered quati sherpa chicken jhaaneko daal also momos and chat putay
Nepalese roti and gurkha pilaf
The food was suspect the quart was tasty however it was extremely hit from top and cold from the bottom. Sherpa was like pieces of chicken in liquid tomato sauce. The daal was average lifeless in spice at best the momas were cold and crust was hard as if they were sitting in the fridge for a few days.
The chat putay were ice cold and I will never order them again. The Nepalese roti is available on every store available for 2 dollars for 10 pieces he has them for 2 dollars each .
Definitely not fresh .
Only one guy ordering cooking everything at lunch. Hey i think I found my first zero. What a ripoff 70 dollars for lunch please give me a break.

Good food! Is very similar to food from Nepal, with a touch of Indian flare! Was a good experience with a groupon.

A few days ago I had the pleasant opportunity to eat out at Gurkha — Himalayan Kitchen. Not too many places serve himalayan food, so I jumped at the opportunity to come here when I saw their deal on Groupon. The best way for me to describe himalayan food is to mix traditional chinese and indian food together — the outcome is most delicious!
I came to Gurkha during the afternoon. They are only open for lunch for 2 hours (12 – 2) during the day so plan wisely if you plan on coming here. Inside it is pleasantly decorated, but a bit dark. My server was a friendly woman who was very knowledgeable with regards to the menu and answered all my questions perfectly. I ordered chicken momos (dumpling…must try), kathmandu sekuwa (meat skewers), phuraula (lentil patties), gorkhali khasi (goat), gurkha pulau (rice), and a tingmo (steamed bread). All the orders were absolutely delicious. The chef did an amazing job with the spices; the meat was tender, especially the goat; the rice was full of colour and flavour; the bread was so fluffy and chewy; and the dumpling were simply fun to eat. On the other hand, the lentil patties tasted a bit dull — they reminded me of bagels, but more dense with less flavour. The momos too were a bit (Just a bit) of a disappointment — Yes, they were delicious and the wrapping was the most beautiful wrapping that I have ever seen on a dumpling, but the dipping sauces were lacking flavour. The same dipping sauces were used for the Sekuwas and the Phuraulas as well; however, the Sekuwas were so wonderfully marinated and spiced I did not need the sauces to enjoy the dish :).
I finished the meal with a traditional dessert — Kheer. It was a sweet rice and milk dish with hints of cardamom. I LOVED this dessert. I am typically not a dessert person because I do not like overly sweet things; but this dish was sweetened perfectly to my tongue. It had chunks of raisins in it too that made it chewy and fun to eat :)!
Overall I give Gurkha a ⁴⁄₅. I would definitely come here again and bring a friend. Fast service, friendly server, and unique and delicious food! I would really love to taste more flavour in their dipping sauces, maybe more thickness aswell!

Climb the stairs — it’s worth it!
The food is excellent — we were four friends and enjoyed some good appetizers — lentil cakes, veggie dumplings, and chick peak and potato salad. All were good. For the mains two of us selected a «thali» or meal for one, which was really well presented and generous. Three different curries, with good condiments and rice pudding dessert. Our friends had lamb dishes, which they thought were excellent. Good service and a nice informal atmosphere.

The food was okay and the service was good. However, the portions were very small for the price of the dish. We were charged around $ 40 for just stew and had to pay extra for rice.
Will not be going back.

I’ve walked up and down Davie a million times and never really paid attention to Gurkha, up a flight of outdoor stairs next to the Shoppers Drug Mart on Davie. The first thing we noticed when we entered was the smell of heavenly spices, chili, curry; our mouths started watering immediately. The interior is warm and inviting, but we took a table on the back deck, not wanting to squander a warm summer evening, which I’d highly recommend: strings of lights, red umbrellas, clematis vines draping over the wooden railings… it’s quite lovely.
The food was delicious: similar to Indian, with some Chinese influences. We started with yak momos (yak is not on the menu, but we had to ask), which are just like Chinese dumplings, and mildly spicy chili chicken lollipops, which were a highlight. For mains: chicken himali (akin to butter chicken), lamb chili (my favourite) and quati (nine bean curry). The roti was thin, and the only part of the meal I did not love; it was just OK.
Our servers were friendly and efficient, and the whole experience was enjoyable. It was a bit more expensive than I was prepared for, but we left full and happy. We’re definitely going again, and checking out the sister restaurant Yak & Yeti.

I’ve had so many bad experiences with groupons that I had all but lost hope — thank goodness for Gurkha the redeemer.
We had a lunch voucher and wandered into this little unassuming restaurant — we were one of only 2 parties there, and for half of the meal we were the only people in the restaurant — which is a shame really, because the food was delicious.
Never having tried Himalayan before, we asked our server for recommendations, and happily tried the Yak that he told us is raised locally in BC.
We ate a ton and were wonderfully full afterwards. There’s a lot of tasty stews and curries and I highly recommend going with people who like sharing so you can try a bit of everything.

After visiting their sister location Yak and Yeti, Bistro in Kit’s, I assumed the food and service would be just as good, but we know what happens when we assume…
If my company did not have a wonderful conversation and those big baby browns (and a groupon that needed to be used) I would have been out of there in a heart beat and this is why…
5 minutes to be get seated, 15 minutes to take our orders, 30 minutes for our drink to come an hour for appies and entrees… GONG as in GONG show, your time is up! This diner was run by a one man show, who was the waiter, host, bartender and probably the cook.
My mouth had been watering for an hour to eat some delicious Chicken Momos.
Be aware of the tasty entrees, but don’t be surprised if you have to wait an hour for it!
You’ve been warned =)

I came here as a social meet up (The group I am involved in).
Finding the place was very hard as you have to look literally up. It is difficult for passers by.
There is no real ambiance in terms of décor, therefore, you have to make it your own with the company you keep and have. Thankfully I was with an awesome group of people.
I had Thupka: Tibetan style soup with spinach, mix vegetable, ginger, garlic, herbs, fresh coriander mixed with soft noodles. The soup didn’t blow me away and the huge chunks of ginger and lemon grass threw me off a bit, however, it satisfied the tummy.
For dessert I had the Chai tea crème brûlée. I am a crème brûlée whore. The combination of spices reminded me of a gingerbread latte. It was like Christmas in my mouth without the annoying relatives.
I had a little bit of the Thai tea (I think that is what it was called). It was butter tea which tasted horrible. Think butter melted in tea. Sounds like a fat dudes dream :), however, it tasted like soap. It was really gross. Not even Harry Potter would want this.
Service was decent. To be honest I didn’t pay too much attention to the timing of everything ’cause I was engaged with the socializing with the group at the table.
The prices were very decent for the neighborhood and what was ordered, however, was a little thrown off my the automatic tip that was added onto the bill that wasn’t disclosed on their on-​line or print menu at the restaurant.
Even though the food didn’t blow me away they still get 3 out of 5 stars based on service and for the awesome crème brûlée.