A Complete Guide to Desi Bar & Grill Menu: What to Try First

Walking into a new restaurant with a big menu can feel overwhelming. Desi Indian Lounge, located at 1355 Hornby St in Vancouver, offers appetizers, tandoori specials, curries, biryani, cocktails, and lunch specials, and picking where to start isn't always obvious.

This guide breaks down the menu by category and tells you exactly what to order first, whether you're stopping in for a quick lunch, happy hour, or a full dinner.

What Kind of Restaurant Is Desi Indian Lounge?

Desi Indian Lounge is a modern Indian restaurant and cocktail bar in downtown Vancouver. It pairs classic Indian dishes, like curries, tandoori grills, and biryani, with signature cocktails inspired by Indian regions such as Punjab, Bengal, and Goa.

What Should I Order First at Desi Indian Lounge?

If it's your first visit, start with these three items:

1. Chicken Tikka ($23) – Boneless chicken marinated in spiced yogurt and grilled tandoori-style. It's a reliable introduction to the kitchen's tandoori cooking.

2. Butter Chicken ($23) – A classic, mild tomato-based curry that pairs well with garlic naan.

3. Samosa Kale Chat ($17) – Samosa pieces topped with chickpeas, chutney, yogurt, and crispy kale, a good example of the restaurant's fusion appetizers.

What Are the Best Appetizers to Share?

Appetizers at Desi Indian Lounge range from $17 to $23. Good sharing options include:

• Mango Burrata ($18) – creamy burrata with spiced mango chutney and toast

• Cochin Cauliflower Bites ($18) – crispy fried cauliflower in South Indian chili sauce

• Karwari Shrimp ($20) – Goan-spiced grilled prawns

• Bombay Pomfret Fry ($23) – whole fish coated in semolina and fried with Bombay spices

What Are the Best Vegetarian Options?

Vegetarian eaters have several strong choices among the curries:

Is There a Lunch Special?

Yes. Desi Indian Lounge runs lunch specials that include:

• Lunch Thali ($15 paneer, $16 chicken, $17 lamb) – curries, rice, bread, and protein on one platter

• Desi Wrap ($13–$15) – naan rolled with cucumber slaw, tandoori mayo, and a choice of protein

• Rice Bowl ($13–$16) – rice topped with salad, raita, and a curry of choice, such as butter chicken or paneer makhani

What Time Is Happy Hour, and What's Included?

Happy hour runs daily from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM. It includes discounted drinks such as $5 craft beer, $11 mojitos and margaritas, and $7 house wine, along with lower-priced appetizers like momos ($9–$10) and Kerala pepper chicken ($10).

What Should I Drink First?

For cocktails, the Bengal Martini ($19) — Tanqueray 10 gin with Panch Phoron vermouth and bay leaf tea — reflects the restaurant's Indian-spiced cocktail style well. For something lower-proof, the Mango Lassi ($4–$8) is a traditional, non-alcoholic yogurt drink.

Key Takeaways

• Desi Indian Lounge is at 1355 Hornby St, Vancouver, and blends Indian classics with modern lounge dining.

• First-time visitors should try chicken tikka, butter chicken, and samosa kale chat.

• Vegetarian options include paneer butter masala and chana masala.

• Lunch specials (thali, wraps, rice bowls) run $9–$17 and are the best value for a quick meal.

• Happy hour is daily from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM with discounted drinks and appetizers.

• Signature cocktails like the Bengal Martini highlight the menu's Indian-inspired bar program.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Desi Indian Lounge vegetarian-friendly? Yes. The menu marks vegetarian curries clearly, including paneer, jackfruit, and eggplant-based dishes.

What is the most popular dish? Butter chicken and chicken tikka are the most ordered tandoori and curry dishes based on menu placement and reviews.

Does Desi Indian Lounge have gluten-free options? Several appetizers and curries are marked gluten-free or dairy-free on the menu, including cochin cauliflower bites and gunpowder cassava kebab.

What time does happy hour start? Happy hour runs every day from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM.

Is reservation required? Reservations aren't required but are recommended for dinner, especially on weekends.

Conclusion

Desi Indian Lounge's menu covers a wide range, from budget-friendly lunch thalis to signature cocktails and shareable tandoori plates. Starting with chicken tikka, butter chicken, or a vegetarian curry gives new visitors a solid feel for the kitchen's style before exploring the rest of the menu.

Ready to Try It Yourself?

Reserve a table at Desi Indian Lounge, 1355 Hornby St, Vancouver, or call 604-681-2131 to plan your visit.