Vancouver East Indian Community Information - India Town, or Main Street

'Little India' - Indian Community in Vancouver

The Sikhs and East Indians who immigrated to Vancouver before the 1914 suffered the same treatment given to the Chinese (Chinatown) and Japanese. (Japantown) Most sought to established homes and to gain reasonably secure livings. They bought with them distinctive habits and attitudes that influenced the choice of food, work and recreational activity.

They were subject to the biases and animosities of the predominantly Anglo-Saxon majority in the early years and occupied distinct and discrete quarters of the city.

The Sikhs and East Indians then settled down in Kitsilano between First and Burrard Street. Today you can walk down Main Street near 41st Avenue and Fraser Street. You will be literally transported into another world, as sights of exotic and bright 'saris' greet you from window display.

There are various stores that offer a variety of Indian spices and delicious snacks. For something more formal, try the various Indian restaurants located along Main Street. Samosa Garden on Kingsway Street has a great selection of delicious East Indian and African dishes. (It is advisable to book ahead of time if you want dinner.)

Punjabi Market

If you travel further south along Main Street, you will eventually see special street signs that indicate you are now in Punjabi Market. Situated between 48th and 51st Avenue, this neighborhood is neither well-known nor as crowded as Chinatown but its array of fine cloth and exotic food makes this a truly magical discovery. The market have the highest concentration of jewelers in Canada and the prices are always open for bargaining.

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