Saravanaa Bhavan in Vancouver - a tasty vegetarian meal
Location: Saravanaa Bhavan 
955, West Broadway
Vancouver, BC
604-732-7700
The title is not a mistake. I, a meatatarian by choice, actually had a vegetarian meal. I had it not once, but twice, and was happy with the meals both times. Saravanaa Bhavan is a chain restaurant that specializes in Southern Indian cooking. All dishes on the menu are vegetarian. The restaurant was packed with South Asian diners and I took it as a sign that their dishes are very authentic.
Quick a few appetizers look alike but they all tasted different. They are made of a kind of fried dough. The dough could be plain or filled with curry flavoured mash potatoes and pieces. I have no idea what is in the chutneys that came with the dish, but they were very tasty.
Paneer dosa with masala. The best dosa I have ever had. The crepe was thin and crispy, and yet substantially doughy. I love the texture of the crepe. The masala and paneer filling was a little spicy for me but it was also very tasty. The green chutney at the top left is my favourite.
ET had rice with a set of different types of curry. The ufo-like puffs were actually very soft. I poked one and immediately it deflated. Who said you can’t play with your food, especially when they look cute?
The mango lassi had a rich yogurt flavour without an overly thick consistency. I sipped it while I had my dosa to neutralize the spiciness.
Hi CW: Is this written by you CW? He he he … normally when I don’t see a “my husband” I assume it is you. Are you sure you guys wants to go to this place tomorrow? We can try another place … go to a place we had never been to before.
Ben