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: 4.6

4.6

1015 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

Jul 5, 2022

7:00 p.m.

Booked 1 time 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
Neighbourhood
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 1,015 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.6

4.6 based on recent ratings

4.6Food
4.5Service
4.7Ambience
4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

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

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R
Rick
Vancouver
16 reviews
5.0
16 reviews
Dined today
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 2 days ago
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 2 days ago
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 2 days ago
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 5 days ago
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 7 days ago
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!
KF
KarpeFoodem
Vancouver
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on June 8, 2022
overall4food5service3ambience5
Menu was a bit confusing. Staff explanations weren’t very helpful. But food was all excellent, very delicious.
MN
MikalyN
Vancouver
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on June 7, 2022
overall3food4service1ambience3
Food was good. Service was terrible. Live music was good
A
Alena
Vancouver
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on June 7, 2022
overall4food5service4ambience4
The food was incredible. Wouldn't recommend going if you are on a time crunch but worth it to sit and enjoy good food with friends.
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 1, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Birthday - great service
A
Auntiek17
Vancouver
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on May 31, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
As always, East is East did not disappoint. Love that they offer gluten free options as well.
LW
LeesaW
Vancouver
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on May 30, 2022
overall4food5service5ambience5
Love this place! Food, service ambiance was like no other! My only comments relate to tables being located uncomfortably close together (litrally elbows almost touching next door neighbours) and noise level. I found it hard to hear my friends voice even though she was only about a foot away from me. We came in on a Sunday @ 5:15 and had hoped for a little quieter experience. Will try during the week next time?
JL
JudyL
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 28, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had the chai feast which was fun to be able to try such a variety of authentic foods and none of it was overspiced. We hope to be back again when we’re in town
PL
PeterL
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on May 26, 2022
overall4food4service4ambience4
I've dined at East is East many times prior but this time the food was hot when served and very tasty. Many times in the past the food has just been lukewarm. There are just two of us who typically dine, one vegan and one not and this is an ideal venue as it accommodates both parties. We typically each select the Chai Feast and find that satisfying and appealing to each of us. The live music is always enjoyable and provides a nice ambiance.
AC
AmandaC
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on May 23, 2022
overall2food2service2ambience2
We had a party of 8 and I specifically told the hostess when I made the reservation this was an important dinner as my partner and I were Introducing our parents and there were two belated birthdays. I asked for a high chair for the baby as well. Mind you.. they placed us RIGHT next to the stage so it was incredibly loud and we could not speak or get to know one another, three of our guests are over 6 feet and we were crammed into a bench for children and a couple beside us moved because it was so squished at the bench. We asked multiple times to move or to swap chairs and everyone was acting as if we were an inconvenience just trying to rush us out. There were plenty of normal sized chairs and tables with 2 people sitting in a booth which would have suited our group better. The server was so rushed and no one understood the menu. The baby spilled a water and we used all our napkins and no one replaced ours for food. Over all it was a horrible experience, I would not go back. I heard such great things but it was just one problem after the next.
C
Claire
Vancouver
6 reviews
vip
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on May 21, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Delicious food, live music and dance, beautiful surroundings and excellent service. Excellent.
R
Rb604
Vancouver
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on May 18, 2022
overall4food3service5ambience5
Salmon was too fishy and didn't really match the cuisine. Would like more dish choices that are not stew or curry textured.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Vancouver
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on May 17, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
My 2 companions had not been before and were so impressed with the food, music and service!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Vancouver
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on May 16, 2022
overall5food4service5ambience4
Great service, great food and good value! I love the chai feast idea, you get to try everything. Overall a great dining experience, I will definitely be back!
MM
MonikaM
Vancouver
4 reviews
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on May 15, 2022
overall4food5service4ambience5
Aside from slower than usual service, it was a great experience!
NF
NanF
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 14, 2022
overall5food5service4ambience5
8 of us were there to celebrate a birthday. The complimentary chai tea at the start was an excellent feature. We ordered the chef feast and we were able to sample different unique dishes and then compare them. One iof our friend’s was middle eastern and she raved about the lamb, spinach paneer and the salmon. Best she’s ever had. Wine was affordable and dessert was excellent. The violinist was soo talented. Glad they charge each person a fee for the entertainment ~ he deserved it. If you’re looking for an experience and not just a restaurant, try East is East on Main.
AS
AnkitaS
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 9, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing food and amazing staff! We went to celebrate a coworkers' birthday and it was perfect. We all ended up getting the Chai Feast and their tea is just lovely. Definitely a round 2 soon!
b
bearsdining
Vancouver
4 reviews
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on May 9, 2022
overall4food5service3ambience5
Had a great time however ordered the feast and server never came back (this was during an over 1.5 hour stretch) to ask me if I wanted to order more food. By the time we were able to flag someone over it was close to 10pm and our food came shortly after 8pm. We ended up choosing to leave because it was quite late. The service is always great here but perhaps they were short staffed yesterday.
RG
RonG
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 9, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food, excellent service! Definitely will be back again!
EG
EvelynG
Vancouver
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on May 8, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Really enjoyed our time and entertainment and the food was delicious
A
Andi
Vancouver
3 reviews
1.0
3 reviews
Dined on May 7, 2022
overall1food4service1ambience4
We are bigger group, so we confirmed and did some pre order, order was lost when we went in . menu is very limited unless do tasting menu but that means all of us have to have the same dishes Service is very from reception to table is very confusing , mandatory charged us $3 per head while we specifically we don’t like that while we were put at the corner table aren’t able and o see the stage at all ?! Whats the point to ask you customers permission then enforce the charge on them ? We spent lots on drinks and food but will not go back nor recommend anyone to go .
c
chris
Vancouver
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on May 4, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
This is one of my favorite restaurants to go to. The concept of it is wonderful. The tasting menu is nice but perhaps the portions could be very slightly larger. Still good though to try lots of different items. Would be good to have more than a bite of each item though, they are so very small.
MG
MarG
Manitoba
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 2, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great atmosphere and servers know the menu very well
T
Tomv
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 1, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had a great dinner, really enjoyed the food which was great!
t
tanyar
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on May 1, 2022
overall3food3service4ambience3
We had a 5:15 reservation and were made to pay $3 entertainment fee. There was a paino player (terrible) and couldn't not hear him. When we had to leave at 7:15 the dancers came out but we never saw them! A rip off to pay for entertainment when the food is already expensive. The table and chairs are hard and very uncomfortable. I would not come back.

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 4.6 stars by 1015 OpenTable diners.