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  3. Vancouver / British Columbia
  4. Vancouver
  5. Mount Pleasant

East is East Chai Lounge - Main Street

4.6
4.6
1157 Reviews
CAN$30 and under
Mediterranean
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

2 people

7:00 p.m.


Booked 11 times today

Dining areas

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

  • 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.

  • 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

Popular dishes

What 1,157 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

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Vancouver / British Columbia

    Healthy

  • Vancouver / British Columbia

    Hot spot

  • Vancouver / British Columbia

    Great for live music

  • Vancouver / British Columbia

    Vegetarian-friendly

  • Vancouver

    Best Ambience

  • Vancouver

    Healthy

  • Vancouver

    Hot spot

  • Vancouver

    Great for live music

  • Vancouver

    Vegetarian-friendly

Sort by

Filters

  1. JKee

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall3food2service2ambience5
    We’ve been going here for years and always left amazed. Portions were much smaller. Food quality has declined. Staff are kind of entitled looking and rude. Total opposite from e wry other experience we’ve had there. Live Music was fantastic
  2. JordanK

    Vancouver

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    What a great place! Food, amazing! Service, very attentive and friendly plus knowledgeable! Live music was a treat! What a great spot for a date or to get out with friends and family
  3. Steph

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 14, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    The food was delicious. The seating is a bit tight but doable. We'll definitely return. Thank you!
  4. KumarB

    Vancouver

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on March 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Except for the chairs, which are more like a form of torture than style, everything is excellent. Great food, attentive service, clean, and excellent entertainment (especially the flamenco)
  5. SarahJ

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This is my favourite restaurant. I come to Vancouver from Victoria often just to eat here.
  6. OpenTable Diner

    Vancouver

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 26, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    I love the sample size dishes that you can order with the deal. So many different tasty dishes to try.
  7. OpenTable Diner

    Montreal

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 26, 2023

    overall4food3service5ambience4
    Food was mediocre, service was excellent
  8. Zerelda

    Vancouver

    15 reviews

    4.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on February 23, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    The roti rolls and chai were tasty and warming on a cold afternoon. Love the decor. Our servers were friendly and helpful. A good place to catch up with friends.
  9. Katiej

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Super yummy food. We were stuffed. Fun musicians and great ambience
  10. RebeccaB

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 19, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Had the Chai feast which was so delicious and a great way to get a variety of offerings. So delicious.
  11. Patti

    Vancouver

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 16, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience4
    I have been coming to East is East for many years and always enjoyed the food and entertainment. I accepted that it was rather expensive for the portions and food provided but, was willing to indulge. As prices around the city keep nudging up East is East has lept to an unacceptable level. I am extraordinarily disappointed with their pricing on chai. There was a time when you would get your second cup for half price...then that stopped. Now the price for 1 cup of chai before taxes is $7.00. One of my favourite indulgences is having chai. My fiance and I were shocked to see the bill that included $28 for 4 cups of chai alone (before tax or tip). Sadly I won't be going back to East is East anymore. It's just not worth it.
  12. JohnL

    Vancouver

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Love the small portion dishes for the all you can eat feast, that way you could taste lots of different food
  13. ShabiJ

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 13, 2023

    overall3food5service3ambience5
    The quality of food is amazing . But our food got mixed up and the service was slow . We had to ask for our drinks 3 times until it showed up
  14. NaomiY

    Vancouver

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 12, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    Wasn’t too keen on the live music that didn’t match the environment.
  15. CathyM

    Vancouver

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 11, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience5
    The food is fantastic and the service and ambience equal to it. But the noise level of people talking was like nothing I've ever experienced in my life. I'm not sure what can be done about that but it works be great if it could be lowered. My companion and ii were meaning closer and closer to hear and getting louder and louder and still reading lips. It's still go back because all the rest is top notch
  16. Tara

    Vancouver

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 6, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience5
    The food and experience were amazing. We did feel a bit pressured to finish our meal within the 2-hour window but that won't stop us from coming back. We will just need to order faster next time!
  17. OpenTable Diner

    Vancouver

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 5, 2023

    overall5food4service4ambience5
    Tonight the service was prompt . Food was tasty. I real
  18. Jude

    Vancouver

    7 reviews

    2.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on February 5, 2023

    overall2food2service4ambience5
    Its not the same as it used to be years ago, the feast dishes are smaller,the lentil soup used to be heartier and more robust now watery, the boulani is still good. The seating as always is horrible, uncomfortable chairs, even the booths are hard with rugs and pillows that are itchy.
  19. OpenTable Diner

    Vancouver

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 4, 2023

    overall3food3service4ambience4
    Our server explain the dishes to us, it’s our first time in regards to food it’s just regular not something I will be dying to come back for second time. There’s a person playing piano the place is good for people that wants to relax it’s actually putting me to sleep while listening to the piano. Well it’s a nice experience for the first time.
  20. MasakoF

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 29, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience5
    Very vibrant atmosphere with lots of energy. Live flamenco performance (on Saturday night) was very entertaining. The music and dancing was loud so I cannot recommend for a quiet chatting outing, but it was lively and fun with a group.
  21. GraceM

    Vancouver

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on January 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Most enjoyable lunch
  22. MichaelO

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Loved our time at East is East. The flamenco group was incredible and really added to our evening! Will be back for sure.
  23. Llannie

    Vancouver

    27 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    27 reviews

    Dined on January 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was delicious! Every dish a treat for the senses. The decor was really well done and the entertainment - superb! Truly an immensely enjoyable evening.
  24. AsminaH

    Vancouver

    22 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    22 reviews

    Dined on January 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The ambiance, food and music made it fun and enjoyable. The tasting menu was great because of the variety and unlimited food.
  25. OpenTable Diner

    Vancouver

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 19, 2023

    overall3food2service4ambience5
    Ambience and service were awesome! I just didn’t like food there….. maybe I expected too much. But still disappointed. Couldn’t finish even half of my dish. I won’t be back there for eating for sure.
  26. DougB

    Vancouver

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on January 17, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Great format with the Chai Feast to be able to sample a variety of dishes. Superb setting and outstanding service from Gwen.
  27. ThereseS

    Calgary

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Ambiance was great and the servers were all very attentive! Worth it to get the feast and try all the yummy dishes :)
  28. Brian

    Edmonton

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on January 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great experience! First time dining there- would do again!
  29. Libby

    Toronto

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on January 15, 2023

    overall2food4service2ambience4
    Great food and ambiance but they really push you to order, eat and get out! Service was poor and felt rushed even before we ate our meals. Was told after being there an hour we only had 10 mins left. Again the food was great and the atmosphere fun!
  30. BillT

    Palm Springs

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Very enjoyable. Great ambience. Menu a little difficult to understand if you are brew to the cuisine.
  31. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 11, 2023

    overall2food4service4ambience4
    Not worth it, overpriced for the stuff u get, I am talking about the unlimited menu
  32. OpenTable Diner

    Vancouver

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on January 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Absolutely excellent Professional staff, consistent food quality and always a familiar ambience I’ve loved for years
  33. SaraC

    Vancouver

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 8, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    The reason this isn't 5 stars is because I received a phone call from the restaurant 2 hours before my reservation to inform me that I couldn't stay for longer than 2 hours and that I would be charged an extra $5 for the musicians. This started the experience off on a sour note. I understand these policies and it would have been fine if that was indicated when I made the reservation. But 2 hours before dinner didn't leave me with any other options and I felt it was very tacky. High end restaurants simply don't do that. Otherwise, the staff and service is amazing, great food and fun ambiance.
  34. Kris

    Vancouver

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 2, 2023

    overall3food4service2ambience4
    As always the food and ambiance were great. The servers were friendly but quite unattentive. I had to ask twice for water because they never brought it after the initial cups on the table. When we were ready to order it took a while to locate a server and get her attention. The food took a long time to come and after the server came back quickly to ask how the food was but then didn’t come again for a long time to let us order our next feast items. Thankfully they didn’t kick us out at the two hour mark but we ended up having the opposite problem where we had been done eating for ages and were waiting for the bill and not a server was in sight. Finally we saw one and asked for it but 15 minutes later still didn’t have it so went to the hostess who brought it to us about 10 minutes later. Thankfully we were not in a hurry but if we had been it would have been very frustrating. We were definitely very ready to be out of there by the end though! I would recommend it but only if you’re fine with having a very slow meal.
  35. localvores

    Vancouver

    19 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    19 reviews

    Dined on January 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    An oasis on Main Street. Tastefully decorated, nice staff, lots of food and well prepared. A local treasure
  36. OpenTable Diner

    Portland

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 31, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It’s was pretty good considering the environment and customer service; there was live music ard 7pm and I think the food is authentic even though I am Chinese :) We enjoyed the meal very much and loved the soy chai and oat milk chai
  37. OpenTable Diner

    Vancouver

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 29, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    So so good. Did not expect to love it and I did. Will be back. Perfect date night but would also be great night with friends.
  38. JustineF

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 24, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Had the Chai feast. All you can eat. Delicious. Soup and salad were both excellent, as were the 4 mains we both ordered, as well as the boulani and roti and Afghan rice. Also came with chai tea. Cannot recommend enough. Hadn't been here in about 15 years or so. Will definitely keep it on my list of favourite places when I'm in the city!
  39. SarjG

    Vancouver

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 24, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent attentive service! Great evening with friends. Wonderful food!
  40. OpenTable Diner

    Vancouver

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 23, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I came in for my birthday dinner with a friend at 730 (we were seated right next to the stage) and we had the best night. Our server was so lovely and helpful, the food was incredible and the setting was beautiful. Very low key but inviting. I had my wisdom teeth out a few weeks ago and couldn’t really chew, so, our server had the kitchen add extra soup to my meal (the lentil/cauliflower - which was incredible) and then brought us a complimentary bday dessert. I have already told a few people to go and I will be back soon!

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 1157 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 p.m.


Booked 11 times today
Google Map for East is East Chai Lounge - Main Street

4433 Main Street, Vancouver, BC V5V 2M4

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Cross Street

    28th Ave E

  • Neighbourhood

    Mount Pleasant

  • Hours of Operation

    Mon–Thu, Sun 12:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 12:00 pm–10:30 pm

  • Cuisines

    Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Southeast Asian

  • Dining style

    Casual Elegant

  • Dress Code

    Smart Casual

  • 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

  • Payment Options

    AMEX, MasterCard, Visa

  • 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

  • Phone number

    (604) 565-4401

  • 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.

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