Pull up a chair. Take a taste. Come join us.
Chef Riyaz Kazi, the passionate owner of Tandoori Palace in Vancouver, Canada, warmly invites you to experience the authentic flavors of his beloved India.
Using traditional recipes learned from his mother and a genuine Tandoori oven, Chef Kazi crafts warm and comforting dishes that transport diners to the vibrant streets and homes of his homeland1.
Come and savor the love Chef Kazi puts into every meal at Tandoori Palace, where healthy, organic, and locally sourced ingredients come together to create an unforgettable culinary journey that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of India.
For 23 years, Tandoori Palace has been a culinary gem in the heart of Commercial Drive, serving delectable Indian cuisine to Vancouver’s food enthusiasts. The restaurant recently celebrated its milestone 20th anniversary, marking a journey of flavors, tradition, and community service.
Riyaz Kazi, the founder of Tandoori Palace, saw an opportunity in the lack of Indian cuisine options in the Commercial Drive area. This gap in the market inspired him to establish an Indian restaurant that would become a neighborhood staple.
Culinary Roots and Expertise
Kazi’s culinary journey began in his hometown of Kankavli, Maharashtra, India. He credits his mother for his cooking skills, recalling afternoons spent helping her grind fresh masalas using traditional methods. This early experience continues to influence his cooking, particularly in dishes like Kolhapuri specialties.
Upon moving to Canada, Kazi expanded his expertise by working in an upscale Vancouver restaurant, where he honed his understanding of the restaurant industry’s business aspects.
At the core of Tandoori Palace’s kitchen is its tandoor oven, purchased in 2001 and handmade with real clay. This traditional cooking method is central to many of the restaurant’s popular dishes, including Kolhapuri Dishes, Vindaloo Dishes, Saag Paneer, Butter Chicken and Bombay Biryani
Quality and Transparency
Tandoori Palace prides itself on using halal, local, and organic ingredients. The open kitchen concept allows diners to watch their meals being prepared, including the baking of naan bread in the tandoor oven.
Navigating Challenges
Like many in the restaurant industry, Tandoori Palace faced significant challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. The restaurant had to adapt to changing restrictions and work to maintain customer trust in their safety protocols. Despite these obstacles, Kazi remains committed to introducing the community to authentic Indian cuisine.
Looking Forward
As Tandoori Palace moves beyond its 20th anniversary, it continues to focus on providing authentic Indian flavors and adapting to customer preferences. The restaurant offers takeout, delivery, and event catering services, ensuring that Vancouver residents can enjoy their favorite Indian dishes in various settings.
