Surrey British Columbia, Canada Travel Guide
Surrey excels in presenting authentic, high-quality immigrant food traditions. Proximity to the fertile Fraser Valley agriculture supports farm-to-table options.
Expect rich South Asian spices (cumin, coriander, turmeric) and East Asian flavors (brown sauce made from fermented soybeans, ginger, garlic). Fresh BC seafood, local berries, and Canadian comfort foods like poutine are also found.
Heavy concentration of authentic Indian, Pakistani, and Punjabi restaurants, sweet shops, and bakeries. Known as "Surrey's Little India."
Offers diverse options, including chain restaurants, Western casual dining, and various Asian cuisines (Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese).
Features independent cafes, local diners, and upscale casual dining. Emphasis on local, fresh seasonal produce due to farm proximity.
Surrey is renowned for authentic Punjabi restaurants. Butter chicken (creamy, tomato-based curry) is a popular dish. Explore tandoori chicken and other curries.
Find in: Newton, "Punjabi Market" area.
BC's coastal location means fresh fish. Enjoy classic fish and chips or local salmon, Dungeness crab, and oysters when in season.
Find in: Casual eateries and pubs, especially near Crescent Beach or White Rock.
Popular, affordable, and delicious snacks. Samosas are savory pastries filled with spiced potatoes or meat. Pakoras are vegetable fritters.
Find in: South Asian eateries and bakeries throughout Newton.
A no-bake dessert bar from Nanaimo, BC, with a crumb base, creamy filling, and chocolate ganache. Find at cafes and bakeries.
Small donut holes from Tim Hortons, an ubiquitous Canadian coffee and donut chain. A classic, affordable Canadian treat.
Compared to Vancouver, Surrey has a limited number of dedicated fine dining establishments. The restaurant at the Civic Hotel (Autograph Collection) in Surrey City Centre offers a refined experience.
Surrey numerous mid-range restaurants covering various cuisines like Italian, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese, and Mexican. Budget eateries and street food are also abundant.
Surrey's strength lies in its extensive representation of diverse international cuisines, a direct result of its multicultural population.
Operates during warmer months, offering local produce, artisanal goods, and food vendors. A place to sample local flavors.
Find in: Surrey City Centre.
Features a variety of food stalls offering quick meals and snacks.
Find in: Surrey Downtown.
Excellent options, especially in South Asian restaurants. Dedicated vegan spots and clearly labeled menus.
Widely available, especially in the Newton area, with certified Halal shops and restaurants.
Many restaurants accommodate. Inform your server about allergies. Major grocery stores carry GF products.
HappyCow app for vegan/vegetarian spots. Check online menus or speak directly with staff.
The Sikh community offers extensive free food (langar) to all attendees, including traditional Punjabi dishes. A unique cultural experience.
Free food for all attendees.
A major multicultural festival at Holland Park. Dozens of cultural pavilions with diverse food, music, and dance from all over the world.
Excellent opportunity to sample many cuisines in one place.
The sheer density, variety, and quality of authentic South Asian cuisine, especially Punjabi food, sets Surrey apart. This concentration of truly regional flavors offers an unique dining experience.
Places like the Public Market at Surrey Central or the food offerings during the Fusion Festival showcase Surrey's capacity to blend diverse culinary traditions under one roof.
Some private cooking classes, focusing on specific ethnic cuisines (e.g., Indian, Thai), might be available through community centers or independent chefs.
Surrey and the surrounding Fraser Valley have numerous farms. During warmer months, many offer "U-pick" experiences for berries.
Local farm stalls sell produce in season, eggs, and artisanal products, specifically in areas near agricultural land.
Engaging with local cultural groups during festivals or visiting ethnic markets (e.g., in Newton) provides an unofficial community-based tourism experience.
Discover local traditions through direct participation.
Various schools and community centers offer English as a Second Language (ESL) courses, appropriate for longer visits and cultural integration.
Opportunity for language acquisition.
Newton's South Asian restaurants are a must for flavorful, authentic, and often affordable meals. Embrace trying new cuisines.
Surrey's official tourism website lists event calendars.
Visit farmers' markets and local farm stands for fresh, produce in season, supporting local producers directly.
Surrey's nearness to the Fraser Valley makes it a prime location for fresh, local ingredients. Look for restaurants that emphasize farm-to-table practices.
