Bombay Bhel Restaurant (more reviews, map, 4266 E Hastings, Burnaby, BC, Canada, phone: 604-299-2500) is one of my favorite Indian restaurants in the Burnaby area, a suburb that is only about 30 minutes from downtown Vancouver. The restaurant is located next door to the popular pasta place, “Anton’s”, which is famous for its exceedingly large portions. Bombay Bhel’s portions are more manageable, and the Bombay chef’s command of the Indian spices is really evident, making for an exotic, yet palatable dining experience.

WestcoastMunchers, a reviewer on Dinehere.ca writes (click here to read review):

Well first off, I am East Indian and have grown up eating this food since my mother is an awesome cook… This place is definitely authentic and the spice blends are certainly what your palate desires… My wife and I had the Halyari Chicken which is totally different blend of spices cooked in the tandoor. Magnificent is all I can say! We also had the Goan lamb curry which was very delicious. Service was very attentive, polite and friendly. Nice ambience too. Certainly going to be one of our favourite Indian restaurants in the Lower Mainland.

I ordered the “Non Vegetarian Thali”, which is a huge combination platter that includes a selection of veggie and meat curries, a cold yogurt sauce, some spicy peppers, some pieces of chicken, rice, naan, and papadum (Indian crackers). The platter was around $14 (pictured below). There are plenty of choices for vegetarians too, including a vegetarian version of this platter.

I’m definitely going back when I have the chance.

Non-vegetarian Thali combination platter ($14) from Bombay Bhel Indian restaurant in Burnaby.

I keep returning to Samurai Sushi (web site, map, 1108 Davie Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada, phone: 604-609-0078) for good sized portions of Japanese food at reasonable prices. For more info please view Part 4, Part 3, Part 2, or Part 1.

Pictured below is the 1/2 order of Futomaki ($4.25), as well as some shots of the Combo C ($12.95) which includes 5 pieces of Sashimi, 3 pieces of Nigiri sushi, some tempura, and chicken or beef teriyaki. The Combo C is a huge amount of food, and I always order it if I’m feeling especially hungry and want something fairly conventional.

When I’m feeling a little more adventurous, I like trying some of their specialty rolls such as the SSSR Roll (made with smoked salmon and shrimp, $4.50) or the gigantic Special House Roll (jam packed with tuna, salmon, avocado, tamago, kani, and masago, $5.25 for 1/2 order). The restaurant also has some good choices for vegetarians such as the various veggie rolls, and the tofu teriyaki.

1/2 order of Futomaki Sushi ($4.25) from Samurai Japanese Restaurant

Nigiri Sushi and sashimi, part of the Combo C at Samurai Japanese Restaurant.

Chicken teriyaki and rice (part of Combo C from Samurai Japanese restaurant)

Tempura (part of Combo C from Samurai Japanese restaurant)

The Templeton (web site, map, 1087 Granville Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada, phone: 604-685-4612) is one of Vancouver’s oldest classic diners (with original furnishings and jukeboxes at tables dating from the 50’s). However, don’t let the classic decor fool you into thinking the food will be, well, typical 50’s greasy diner fare. The Templeton’s food has been modernized to fit the healthy lifestyle of many Vancouverites.

You’ll find good selections for vegetarians such as the Portobello Mushroom Burger (Marinated Portobello, grilled asiago cheese on multigrain bun, $8.50) and the Pesto Grilled Veggie Lasagna (with organic noodles, pesto, zucchini, red peppers, fresh tomatoes, ricotta, mozzarella, tangy tomato sauce, and side mixed organic greens, $11). Non-vegetarians will also find plenty of choices here too, such as the organic, free range chicken burger, or the free range New York Striploin steak.

I enjoyed The Med Quesadilla (pictured below, made with artichoke hearts, sun dried tomatoes, green olives, aged white cheddar, fresh tomato salsa and sour cream, $11). The gigantic portion and creative ingredients made the dish really satisfying, and I didn’t miss the meat. My friend ordered the Ahi Tuna Steak, $14, which I’ve had before too and liked.

The Templeton restaurant also serves great breakfasts (view Part 1 for a picture of their eggs).

Med Quesadilla ($11) from the Templeton restaurant in Vancouver