East is East Chai Lounge - Main Street

Name: East is East Chai Lounge - Main Street
Address: 4433 Main Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V5V 2M4
Telephone: (604) 565-4401
Price range: CAN$30 and under
Rating: 4.5

4.5

1039 Reviews

CAN$30 and under

Mediterranean

Top Tags:

Our food consists of thoughtfully prepared recipes that will take you on a culinary journey along the ancient Silk route.

As evening descends upon the vibrant city of Vancouver, Chai Lounge comes to life like the courts of the eastern Raja's. Imagine a warm, dreamy and visually arresting venue where global sounds cascade the room over the din of lively conversations. Spicy scents waft from the kitchen followed by an abundance of delicious trans-himalayan cuisine.

Chai Lounge is our landmark location. There is no place like it in Vancouver,and visitors from near and far marvel at the ornate carpets, ceiling mandala's, and the nature-inspired furnishings.
The large central stage features a rotating line-up of world class musicians and dancers. We ask for a small patronage fee of $3 per person which goes to support all the live local music at East is East. Because we are very busy we hold tables for 2 hours. We look forward to serving you.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Aug 14, 2022

7:00 PM

Booked 23 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(604) 565-4401

Other options

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Cuisines
Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Southeast Asian
Hours of operation
Mon–Thu, Sun 12:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 12:00 pm–10:30 pm
Phone number
(604) 565-4401
Website
http://www.eastiseast.ca/
Payment options
AMEX, MasterCard, Visa
Dress code
Smart Casual
Catering
We offer catering for fundraisers, private and corporate functions, weddings etc.
Private party facilities
We offer the space at our restaurants for private events.

Location
4433 Main Street, Vancouver, BC V5V 2M4
Neighborhood
Mount Pleasant
Cross street
28th Ave E
Parking details
Underground parking for guests of Chai Lounge
Public transit
Bus 3 (Main St)Bus 25 (King Edward and Main) Three blocks away from Chai Lounge
Entertainment
Music is a cornerstone of East is East and Chai Lounge. Every night at Chai Lounge is a musical one. The large central stage features a rotating line-up of world class musicians and dancers from Spain,India, China, Persia, Romania, Canada and more, playing traditional and modern instruments in rare and unique combinations.Whether you are a music lover, or just a casual listener interested in expanding your musical vocabulary, Chai Lounge is a gateway to an exciting world of sound.
Additional
Beer, Corkage Fee, Dancing, Entertainment, Gluten-free Options, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

100 Vancouver / British Columbia Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

Popular dishes

Soup Bowl with Salad and Boulani
Your choice of Dhal soup, Mystic Soup, or Sambar Squash Soup
Green Salad
Baby spinach, greens, avocado and sprouts with hempseed pesto dressing
Chai Salad
Baby tomato, artichoke hearts, olive oil, grapes, sheep feta cheese, almonds, baby spinach, olives; oregano & white wine dressing
Mediterranean Platter
Organic Quinoa salad, hommus, baba ghanoush, olives, roasted garlic, boulani, mint, dates and feta cheese (vegan option available)
Quinoa 'Tabouli' Salad
with hommus and boulani
Mango Prawns
Prawns sautéed in a spicy mango, lime leaf and star anise curry on basmati rice
Tibetan Mantu
Dumplings stuffed with green onions, chives and herbs
Dhaalcha
Roasted chunks of chicken or lamb, Afghan rice in our organic dhal soup, served with roti and side salad
Masala Praws
Prawns pan-sauteed with garlic butter in South Indian spices
Eastern Calamari
Spicy calamari sautéed in giner, garlic and vindaloo spice on Basmati rice
"Baba Chapati's" Pate Platter
Rustic hempseed vegetarian pate (served cold) with fresh pesto, roasted vegetables, green salad and kefir naan
Kabuli Pulao
Grilled lamb kebab sautéed with basmati rice, carrpts, aromatic spices; topped with Persian salad
Boulani
Traditional Afghan whole wheat roti stuffed with potato, green onion and herbs; served with chickpeas, dehydrated yogurt, beets and sprouts

Chai Feast

Our signature tasting menu, the Chai Feast features a selection of our favourite dishes from East is East and Chai Gallery. The Chai Feast is served with your selection of soup, salad and any two main dishes. It comes with boulani, kefir naan, garlic pickle, Afghan and basmati rice. You may choose more of the same or different dishes throughout your meal to complete your journey

Soups and Salads

Persian Salad
Finely chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, nions, romaine lettuce, mint and cilantro
Beet Salad
Steamed beets, sour cherries with cumin w/ balsamic vinaigrette
Quinoa Tabouli Salad
Parsely, quinoa, red peppers, cucumber, lemon and spices
Dhaal Soup
Three different kinds of lentils, cauliflower, spinach, herbs and spices
Mystic Soup
Lemongrass, green curry, ginger and mushrooms in coconut milk
Sambar Squash Soup
South Indian yellow dhal with squash, flavoured with tamarind and spices

Mains

Jackfruit Cauliflower Curry
Jackfruit and cauliflower in a yogurt, ginger and cumin curry
Afghan Eggplant
Baked eggplant, sautéed with herbs, tomato, onion and garlic
Eastern Ratatouille
Zucchini, potatoes, eggplant, whole garlic in a lentil plum sauce
Alu Gobi
Cauliflower and potato in a tangy tomato coconut sauce
Peas & Cheese
Peas, ripened paneer cheese and potato, mixed and spiced
Spinach Paneer
Whipped spinach & paneer (Indian Cheese) with mushrooms (vegan option available)
Baby okra
Baby okra and tofu sautéed in a sundried tomato and chipotle sauce
Mango Butternut Squash
Butternut squach and mango cooked with coconut milk, ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon and curry leaves
Chana Masala
Chickpeas, onion, tomato, herbs & spices
Wild Salmon
Baked miso salmon in coconut milk, lime leaves and red/gree Thai curry
Seasonal fish curry
Seasonal fish in an exotic South Indian Curry
Chicken Masala
Chicken in creamy masala and herbs
Lamb Kebab
Perfectly spiced and grilled chunks of lamb in a savoury yogurt, black cardamom and bay leaf curry

Eastern Roti Rolls

Each roll comes with green salad, dhal soup, yogurt - mint sauce, brown lentil rice or Afghan rice (basmati rice with raisins and carrots). When ordering a double, you can choose a combination of any two rolls

Vegetarian

Bombay Masala
Cauliflower and potato in a tangy tomato coconut curry sauce
Ghandi's Breakfast
Whipped spinach with mushrooms
Yogi's Treat
Chickpeas, onion, tomato, herbs and spices
The Gypsy
Baked eggplant, mango butternut squash with Afghan rice
Ghandara Blues
Baked eggplant sautéed with herbs, tomato, onion, garlic and spices
Lion of the Desert
Peas, paneer cheese and potato mixed and spiced
Spice Caravan
Chickpeas, cauliflower and Afghan rice

Non-Vegetarian

Afghan Nomad
Charbroiled lamb kebab with eggplant
The Silk Route
Baked miso salmon in coconut milk, lime leaves and red/green Thai curry
The Mughal
Chicken in creamy masal and herbs
Persia's Favourite
Charbroiled lamb kebab with spinach and basmati rice.

Kids Meal

Kids Meal
Your choice of rice bowl with any topping

Drinks and Desserts

Eastern Teas
Our Chai is made with tea, brown sugar, organic milk, ginger and a secret blend of spices. It is a meticulous and sensuous process which ensures an enjoyable cup of chai

Hot

Darjeeling Masala Chai
This classic Chai hails from the darjeeling region. Made with black darjeeling tea and milk, it will satisfy your need for an original Indian Chai
Soy Chai
Our classic masala chai with soy milk
Rooibos Chai
In this masala chai we use rooibos tea instead of black tea, offering you a healthy boost that is caffeine free
Persian Tea
This classic black tea is made with cardamom and saffron, brewed without milk and served with sugar on the side
Select organic teas
A premium selection of organic teas
Green Masala Chai
In this masala chai we use green tea instead of black tea, offering you a healthy boost without the strong caffeine
Almond Milk Chai
Our classic masala chai with almond milk
Apple Ginger Chai
This is healthy Chai is our take on hot cider: made with organic apple juice, ginger and our secret spice blend.
Chocolate Chai (add organic cacao to any of the chai)
This chai is for the chocolate lover. Upon request we will add organic cacao to any chai of your choice.

Cold

Iced Masala Chai
Our masala chai served on the rocks
Hibiscus Tea
This delicious cold tea is perfect for a hot summer day. An infusion of hibiscus flowers, mint and honey
Iced Lemon Ginger Chai
Our lemon ginger chai served on the rocks

Eastern Desserts

Gulab Jaman
Traditional Indian cakes topped with pistachio and rosewater (served hot)
Kir
Rice pudding with pistachio and rosewater
Eastern Ecstacy
Rice pudding, ice cream and a warm gulab jaman on top; sprinkled with rosewater, pistachio and cardamom
Chocolate Pudding
Vegan chocolate pudding with organic cherries and pruit preserves

Eastern Shakes

Your choice of ice cream or frozen yogurt, and soy or organic milk

Kathmandu Hash
Blueberry, strawberry, cherry
Kabuli Dream
Pistachio, cardamom, rosewater
Ganges Nectar
Blueberry, strawberry, cherry
Nutty Gypsy
Mixed nuts, cardamom, cinnamon, chocolate
Himalayan High
Honeydew, pineapple, lychee, rosewater, cardamom
Turkish Chill
Espresso, chocolate, hazelnut, cinnamon
Kama Sutra
Darjeeling masala chai with a secret blend of spices

Yogurt Lassies

Plain organic yogurt, fruits and ice

Kashmiri Sunset
Mango, cardamom, rosewater
Buddha's Blesing
Cherry and mixed berries
Rangoon Rain
Peach, lychee, pineapple, banana, coconut
Rumi's Joy
Blueberry and strawberry
Shiva's Nectar
Hempseed, banana, blueberry, almond milk, strawberry

Smoothies

Fruits and Ice

Calcutta Monsoon
Pineapple, coconut, banana, lychee
Tibetan Wildflower
Cherry, mixed berries, flower essence
Bhutan's Secret
Mango, orange, peach, mint
The Indonesian
Kiwi, strawberry, banana, blueberry
Khayyam's Orchard
Apple, cherry, lime, ginger, mint

What 1,039 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.5

4.5 based on recent ratings

4.6Food
4.4Service
4.6Ambience
4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Vancouver / British Columbia
Live Music
Vancouver / British Columbia
Good Vegetarian Options
Vancouver
Healthy
Vancouver
Hot Spot
Vancouver
Good Vegetarian Options

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G
Guyj
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 2 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great Service- Good food. Great deal. This was our Anniversary lunch and third visit to this restaurant. I recommend if you want good and plentiful middle eastern food.
AC
ArtieChin
Vancouver
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Been dining here for many years now and always love the food, service and ambience. Will be back soon!
N
Nikita
Vancouver
3 reviews
2.0
3 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
overall2food2service2ambience3
I'm sad to say we were pretty disappointed with the whole experience. The Chai Feast was overpriced for the quality of food. And, while I fully support local artists, it was a turn off to show up for our reso and find out there's a $3 fee to dine in. The food and experience was absolutely not worth the $50 per person unfortunately.
AK
AmirK
Vancouver
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on August 6, 2022
overall3food3service3ambience3
Nice place to spend a couple of hours with family and friends It would be much better if they add more to the menu
SS
StefanieS
Saskatoon
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 6, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
The soup, salad, and roti were all excellent! We appreciated the outdoor seating, too.
E
Ella
Vancouver
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on August 5, 2022
overall4food2service3ambience5
The band was amazing and would come again just to listen to them, BUT, the food was not good. Every little plate tasted the same, all same seasoning with less or more sugar. I better keep it at that
OT
OpenTable Diner
Vancouver
21 reviews
3.0
21 reviews
Dined on August 4, 2022
overall3food3service2ambience5
Absolutely, underwhelmed by the food, service, untrained servers versus what you’re paying for! Completely overrated for the money they charge for food and entertainment. Maybe works as a touristy spot but for locals, its a cliché right out of the box. Desert was served as chocolate fudge instead of chocolate pudding (as per the menu) where clearly the server tried to tell us its “puddingy” chocolate. For that price point of bills over $200 we are expect knowledgeable and professional quality of service. Not high school summer job interns serving. Definitely never going back!
CB
ChelseaB
Vancouver
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on July 31, 2022
overall5food4service5ambience5
Service was excellent, food was very good, nice ambiance, have been here before and will come again!
TM
TammyM
Vancouver
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 30, 2022
overall5food4service5ambience5
Fabulous food, service and ambiance. Great selection of food and delicious!
CJ
CJJohnson
Calgary
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on July 28, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Just Fantastic food! The Chai Feast is a must. I go every time I’m in Vancouver.
SM
SamanM
Vancouver
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on July 27, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food and ambience as always. Love the live music.
SS
SaharS
Vancouver
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 27, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
It was my first time and I love. The food is so good and plus you guys kept halal food. Really happy and definitely recommend to people.
Z
Zamushka
Vancouver
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on July 24, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great restaurant, tasty food, excellent service!
FL
FranceL
Atlantic Canada
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 24, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
My partner and I were celebrating our anniversary and booked a table for a unique culinary experience. Our experience exceeded our expectations. The food was delicious, the service was impeccable and we quite enjoyed the music as well. Highly recommend! Very cozy ambiance & friendly staff.
KA
KrystleA
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 23, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great as always, service and food are impeccable. Will be back soon.
BP
BruceP
Vancouver
5 reviews
vip
4.0
5 reviews
Dined on July 20, 2022
overall4food5service4ambience4
Love this place- I continue to return again and again
LK
LouiseK
San Francisco
49 reviews
vip
5.0
49 reviews
Dined on July 19, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Delicious food, great service. A bit noisy
T
Terry
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on July 19, 2022
overall3food3service3ambience4
My concerns was that I was overcharged on my bill. But in the moment there I was not able to deal with it. Servers should be more aware. I also had an item left out of my dish.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Vancouver
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 19, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
The staff helped to make my friend’s birthday special. Staff put candles and sparklers on her dessert and sang happy birthday along with my daughter. I’m told the food was superb as always.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Toronto
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 16, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We live upstairs from here & had yet to try it for the past year since living here… needless to say we were not the slightest bit disappointed; trying nearly every main on the menu as part of the Chai Feast while being serenaded by some lovely live music & well attended to by service staff. EiE will become one of our staples, especially the yummy darjeeling chai!!!
ME
MainstreetEater
Vancouver
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on July 10, 2022
overall4food4service5ambience4
We had the Chai Feast. The various dishes were okay but not outstanding. Value for money was just okay. Possibly better value to choose the a la carte options rather than the Chai Feast.
L
Lesrich
Vancouver
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on July 10, 2022
overall4food4service3ambience4
Tasty food, nice music, pleasant staff but slow service.
AJ
AdelineJ
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 7, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had an amazing company lunch. I’ve been to this restaurant once before and was blown away, so I arrange to have our company lunch there and people were still talking about it today. We will definitely be back!
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on July 7, 2022
overall2food3service4ambience3
Went for my friends bday. Food was ok but here is no AC in the restaurant and was very uncomfortable
R
Rick
Vancouver
16 reviews
5.0
16 reviews
Dined on July 5, 2022
overall5food5service4ambience4
We really enjoyed the Chai Feast and the rice pudding for dessert. Food was cooked to perfection as always. This has always been our go to for good quality Afghan, Indian cuisine. Our servers were great and very educated on all the subtleties of the dishes. We had a great time. We were surprised how busy it was for a Monday night and our only slight negative comment was that the service was a touch slow. Still a wonderful experience for us and our out of town guest. Thank you for a memorable evening. We will be back as always.
D
Deepz
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 3, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
The host was lovely, the food sumptuous and perfect vibe setting. I was there on a regular rainy, windy afternoon and the wine (I fail to recall what's called) was like a warm hug. A must try
RW
RandalW
Vancouver
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on July 3, 2022
overall4food5service5ambience5
Food, Service and ambience were outstanding I would recommend the feast as you can try a variety of menu items.
C
Coco
Vancouver
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on July 3, 2022
overall5food5service4ambience4
This restaurant was recommended to me by my colleague as a fantastic venue prior to the baseball games at Nat Bailey Stadium, and she was not wrong. Do not let the small dishes you order from the "feast" menu fool you - you get a lot of food for a great price. All the dishes my daughter and I tried were morsels of flavour explosions in our mouths. I will definitely be returning with other friends!
JA
JAnnC
Vancouver
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 30, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We were a party of 10 celebrating my mother’s 80th birthday. The staff was wonderful, food delicious, and the overall experience was so special for all of us!! This was just the kind of evening we had hoped for!
A
Amanda
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 28, 2022
overall5food5service4ambience5
Amazing! The decor always transports you to a different place, the music and musicians were so good and love what they do, the food is excellent! Amazing options for people who don’t eat dairy and/or meat, yet options for people who do. The flavours are amazing! No need to ask for salt or pepper to flavour the food (which I have done in other restaurants) - because it’s beautifully drained and flavoured! Friendly staff. So amazing! Will becoming back here again soon!
U
U9123
Toronto
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on June 19, 2022
overall4food4service4ambience5
nice restaurant. we enjoyed the live music although we thought it would have been culturally fitting with the theme of the restaurant but it was not. The food was really good aside from the bread which did not resemble south Asian food at all. It was very hard and the boulani did not taste authentic. It tasted like a quesadilla with different filling. Some of the other menu items did not taste authentic but nonetheless it was good.
AP
AndreeP
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on June 18, 2022
overall2food5service3ambience5
Horrible seating. Very uncomfortable. We were a table of 6. 2 folks sat on seam of 2 uneven tables. Kindergarten wood benches.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on June 15, 2022
overall5food5service4ambience5
Vacation! From out of town, a return visit after a 3+ year absence. Food was excellent and the pleasant wait staff were friendly and attentive. The live music added just the right level of ambience, the wood decor and tapestries take you away to another world!
MC
MelissaC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 14, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food is delicious. The server was helpful. The music and atmosphere are wonderful. It's not an easy place (in the evenings) to have easy conversation, but it's a fun place!
M
Mike
Vancouver
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on June 14, 2022
overall5food4service5ambience5
I have never been to a place like this before! I would recommend this for anyone to try at least once. I love the live music and the all-you-can-order style menu experience.
AV
AltafV
Toronto
3 reviews
vip
3.0
3 reviews
Dined on June 12, 2022
overall3food4service4ambience3
Chairs were very uncomfortable. Musicians were taking too long for set up. Prefer someone to tel what genre was being played.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Vancouver
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 12, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food, music and service was great! Loved our time there!
ID
InspectorDK
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on June 11, 2022
overall4food4service3ambience5
Yummy yummy, good Chai. Forgot about my friend's birthday even though they brought it up when they called to confirm the reservation. Overall a good if not perfect experience. Enjoyed the live music and ambience.
MC
MattC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 11, 2022
overall5food4service5ambience5
Great place to enjoy a nice evening with friends. The service is always outstanding and the food is very delicious. A good variety of dishes and beautiful ambience.
N
Natalie
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 9, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Please go hungry because you will absolutely be leaving uncomfortably full! Service was great, food was even better. Peas and cheese for the win!

FAQs

East is East Chai Lounge - Main Street does offer delivery in partnership with Skip The Dishes and Uber Eats. East is East Chai Lounge - Main Street also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (604) 565-4401.

East is East Chai Lounge - Main Street is rated 4.5 stars by 1039 OpenTable diners.