Himalayan Flavour Hideaway
Vancouver’s West End couldn’t be further away from Nepal, but the flavours of the region have a homebase in Davie Village. For 15 years, Gurkha Himalayan Restaurant has built a loyal following through the Nepalese traits of generosity, courage, and great tastes. Trekking in the Himalayas is not just an experience of outdoor adventure — it’s where the flavours of Nepal, Tibet, and India fuse to create nostalgic longing.
Climb the Stairs & Taste Nepal
Prakash Adhikari is chef and owner of Gurkha Himalayan, and we asked him what brought his love for Nepalese cuisine to the Pacific shores of Canada. “I grew up in Nepal and I think of our menu as ‘comfort food’, designed around the flavours I remember from my mother’s kitchen. I come from a large family, and I was the one who was always hanging around, helping to prepare our meals. Later, I travelled the world for my education but was always on the lookout for the tastes of my childhood,” Adhikari said.
“After a successful restaurant partnership in Surrey, I decided to take over Gurkha Himalayan on Davie. It’s a special place, right from the entrance on the second floor of our historic, house location near Shoppers’ Drug Mart, above the florist. The West End’s restaurant scene is so multicultural — I love that Nepal and Tibet are in the mix as local favourites.”
Afternoon & Late Evening Happy Hours
Daal-bhaat is central to Gurkha Himalayan’s appeal and is a daily lunch or dinner in Nepal. Its lentil-rice base is complemented by veggies and protein, for a rounded meal that’s a natural tasting plate for those new to the region’s cuisine. Curries and Momo dumplings have Indian and Tibetan influences, with a natural vegetarian and vegan focus, as well as meat and seafood options. Nepali Bhojan features chicken or goat meat with bamboo shoots. Poleko shows off the region’s grilling specialties, highlighting lamb, shrimp, and chicken options.
Spices are a big part of Nepalese and Tibetan cuisine and Gurkha Himalayan knows how to bring out the best. “We buy our spices whole and grind them immediately before cooking, for the maximum flavour and quality,” Adhikari explained. “Cumin, coriander, ginger, garlic, and cilantro — these are our Nepalese flavour secrets.”
Nepal, Tibet, India – Spicy or Mild
Gurkha Himalayan Restaurant is open from lunch through to a late dinner. Climb the stairs to the second floor, across Davie from the Sandman Hotel — enter into the cozy warmth of Nepal, Tibet, and northern India. Relax with mountain vibes, enjoy a Katmandu Breezer or Sherpa cocktail with quince. The indoor dining area seats a comfortable 30, and the expansive outdoor patio is heated for rainy-day enjoyment or a downtown summer mini-get-away. Make a reservation today and get to know an area of the world renowned for its flavours, despite being less explored. Travel to the other side of the globe with take-out or delivery tonight. Climb the stairs and feel Nepal welcome you to the old and new of an inspiring culture.