If there’s one thing that gets my taste buds tingling and my adventurous spirit roaring, it’s embarking on a journey of scrumptious bites through a vibrant food scene. And let me tell you, exploring Surrey’s Spice Trail, featuring some of the city’s most tantalizing restaurants, is an absolute must for any self-proclaimed food enthusiast.

Unveiling Surrey’s Spice Trail

Surrey, a remarkably diverse community in Metro Vancouver and poised to become the largest city in British Columbia in terms of population, is a city full of cultural convergence, reflected vividly in its fare. From tantalizing Mexican dishes to aromatic Indian cuisines and beyond, this city boasts a multicultural culinary scene that caters to every palate. Surrey’s Spice Trail is a self-guided tour with over 70 establishments across six neighborhoods.

From the get-go, I was bursting with excitement, knowing I would experience this multi-cultural food mecca. Naturally, I wore my stretchy pants, knowing I would burst out of those later, as well. Ever had a taste of a city that’s basically a flavor fiesta? Welcome to a yummy rollercoaster of international deliciousness!

Evolution of Surrey’s Spice Trail

Food & Wine has said that Surrey BC, is “home to one of the largest Indian populations in Canada, interwoven with immigrants from Africa, other parts of Asia, and beyond. This vibrant, diverse culture is reflected in the city’s rich food culture.”

Discovering Culinary Diversity in Surrey, BC

Over the years, Surrey’s food scene has evolved into a dynamic hub of gastronomic treasures. It’s fascinating to learn how the city has embraced authenticity while also celebrating feast fusions that cater to the various tastes of its residents and visitors.

Immediately when I arrived in Surrey with the International Food, Wine, and Travel Writer’s Organization, on a short walk, I could hear ten different languages being spoken. I later learned over 100 different languages are spoken here. It’s the mix of cultures I’ve always wanted to immerse myself in. Being in a city with such diversity is a dream and was the perfect appetizer for this tour of tastes.

Guacamole Mexican Grill: A Taste of Mexico on the Spice Trail

Relishing Authentic Mexican Delights

First on the trail is Mexican cuisine. Authentic Mexican food in Canada? Absolutely. Owners Rosa and Marvin create homemade eats in their restaurant. Although I was already impressed witnessing the differing backgrounds, having just arrived in Surrey, I’m always skeptical about Mexican fare because I grew up on it. But the smell of home immediately hit me when I opened the door to Guacamole Mexican Grill. Step in and see how Rosa and Marvin transport you to the heart of Mexico.

Must-Experience Dishes at Guacamole Mexican Grill

Initially, tasting Mexican Grill’s signature dish, pupusas, was incredible. However, their birria taco, made with slow-cooked beef in a stew slapped in a homemade taco with a cup of juices or ‘consume’ on the side for dipping, steals the show for me. One bite, and you can tell Mexican food has definitely made its way to Surrey.

Next, their horchata also gets my Mexican stamp of approval and is a highly recommended drink. A sweet rice drink with cinnamon, I was happy to find that Guacamole knows exactly what they’re doing in the kitchen!

Finally, for dessert, the churros sundae are a must. Stuffed with vanilla and topped with ice cream, they’re the perfect sweet ending. What’s even sweeter than their churros? Marvin, the owner, belts out some tunes on occasion. It’s a surprise bonus I hope you experience when you visit.

The saying on the wall when you enter says, “Todo lo que se hace desde el coazón, está bien hecho!” Which translates to, “Everything you do from the heart is well done.” And at Guacamole, it sure is.

Momo n Wings: Where Flavors Collide on the Surrey BC Spice Trail

Fusion Cuisine at Momo n Wings

Following some Mexican delights, head to Momo n Wings and prepare for a wonderful collision of flavors. Getting here, I knew I had stumbled upon something truly unique. Have you encountered such innovative fusions before? On the menu: Handmade Tandoori Vegetable Momos, Jack Fruit Curry, and Nepalese Chow Mein.

Unique Culinary Pairings at Momo n Wings Surrey BC

The perfect blend of traditional Nepalese momos with the saucy indulgence of spices creates an explosion of taste that’s hard to forget. In fact, you’ll likely think about them long after your visit here. Momos are Nepalese-style dumplings filled with vegetables, paneer, or chicken. Whether you prefer spicy or savory, their menu offers an assortment of flavors that will leave you craving more. Soft, pillowy handmade momos tasted like puffy clouds of goodness.

It was my first time trying jackfruit curry and the delicious mango lassi made with fresh yogurt, sweet mangoes, and cardamom. I was impressed with the rainbow of savory sensations here. But you know what I can’t get out of my head? The chow mein. My goodness, it’s so unexpected. You might think, chow mein is chow mein, but it’s not at Momo n Wings. It’s a star on the Spice Trail, and you will absolutely regret it if you don’t stop here. Would you fly to a different country just for their noodles? I don’t need the answer to that. If it’s Momo n Wings, it’s obviously yes.

Embracing Afghan Hospitality at Afghan Kitchen

Although tempting to eat a whole bowl of chow mein (and trust me, you will want to eat the whole bowl), you’ll want to make room. Our Surrey Spice Trail Tour concludes at Afghan Kitchen.

This is where a childhood dream comes to life! Picture a young boy in sandals on the streets of Kabul, watching his family work hard to make ends meet. Through war and moves to different countries, they found their way to Canada and established Afghan Kitchen. Now, every corner of this beloved family-run restaurant tells a story. Each dish is a taste of home, crafted with love from cherished recipes.

Afghan Kitchen Signature Dishes on the Spice Trail

Without a doubt, the aroma of spices beckons you to indulge in the warmth of Afghan hospitality at Afghan Kitchen. The hearty seasonings in their Bolani, assorted kebabs, trio dips (hummus, avocado, dill yogurt dip), lentil stew, and afghan rice left a lasting impression on my taste buds. And don’t get me started on their cocktail list. All are carefully curated to pair beautifully with every dish. They also have an extensive wine list. All to create a sense of warmth during your time on the Spice Trail.

Gourmet Treats Beyond Surrey’s Flavor Corridor

Nepalese food is the perfect ending to a day of edible enjoyment, but did you even feast if you don’t get dim sum? Though not on the Spice Trail specifically, Michelin Guide’s Neptune Palace in Surrey, BC, is a must-stop for some unbelievable dim sum.

There are many options at Neptune Palace, but these are top choices when visiting.

Start with the baked BBQ pork puffs with honey and lemon. Imagine a sweet, flaky pastry, then boom, savory pork. Next, enjoy the steamed pork Shao Mai with fish roe. Perfect with some soy sauce and chili oil. Follow it up the Rice rolls with three kinds of mushrooms. They come with a sweet soy sauce so good you’ll want to lick the plate.

Dim sum is one of my all-time favorite grub experiences, and Neptunes Palace will send you to culinary nirvana.

Tips for Exploring Surrey’s Spice Trail

With so many options for some of the best meals you’ll ever have, it’s time to embrace the Surrey food scene and every tasty bit the Spice Trail offers. Even though I only tried a few restaurants, there are many, many more to try, and why more than one visit is highly recommended!

But it’s more than your average food tour. Surrey’s Spice Trail isn’t just about satiating your hunger; it satiates the hunger for a cultural odyssey. Through traditions, family-feel eats have a home in this magnificent city. Each gastronomic journey and each story of the restaurants is a testament to the multiculturalism of delectable excellence that Surrey proudly boasts.

Your next flavor journey awaits on Surrey’s Spice Trail. Check out the interactive map and plan your visit. Easily discover the finest restaurants nearby, filter by cuisine or neighborhood, and directly connect with the restaurant to book your table. The hardest part is deciding where to go first!