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Hidden Gem in a Food Court: Canra Srilankan

Canra Srilankan

In Metro Vancouver, there are only just a few places that serve Sri Lankan food.  In fact, a quick search on Zomato for Sri Lankan food yields only five results.  Located inside the International Village food court is one hidden gem that should not be missed.  Canra Srilankan serves delicious, comforting, homemade style Sri Lankan food that is budget friendly.  You know how people like to say for authentic Italian cuisine that it tastes as good as the way nonna makes it?  Well, think of it like that for Canra except Sri Lankan-style.  This three-generation family-owned and operated business has the grandmother in the kitchen.  Here is a review of what my experiences at Canra Sri Lankan Plus.

Sri Lankan versus Indian Cuisine

I found an old article about Canra Srilankan published on Vancity Buzz where the writer noted the differences between Sri Lankan and Indian Food.  Sri Lankan is an island just off the southern tip of India and their ancestors are from India.  Sri Lankan differs from Indian cuisine because it does not use any dairy products.  Coconut is a main staple there and replaces dairy.  Furthermore, Sri Lankan cuisine incorporates less spices than Indian cuisine.

Canra Menu

Canra’s popular menu items include their dosasroti, curry and biryani.  You can choose between fish, chicken, lamb or veggies options.  Most of their entrees are between $10 – $12.

Service with a Smile

The family who owns and operates Canra is super sweet.  I’ve had the grand-mother and the father prepare my food while the mother and son have worked at the front.  Warm, friendly and inviting.

What I Tried

I have tried the following two entrees:

  • Lamb dosa ($8.99)
  • Lamb biryani ($8.99)

The lamb dosa was a crispy crepe made out of rice and uludu (lentils) and stuffed with lamb and potato.  On the side was chutney and sambar soup.  The crepe was fantastic and the lamb and potato filling was flavourful.  Total comfort food.  I liked that the crepe was not overly greasy as well.

Canra-Srilankan

The lamb biryani was rice mixed with spices, yogurt, onions, potatoes, tomatoes, and served with eggplant moju, deep fried egg, pickle and raita.  It was a mouthful of flavour explosion: sweet, savoury and spicy.  The meat portions was excellent; every scoop of my spoon had a bit of lamb in it.  I wasn’t left with excessive amounts of rice.

Canra Srilankan

Overall Impression of Canra Srilankan

Canra is an unpretentious mom and pop shop with delicious and flavourful Sri Lankan food.  Decent portions and reasonable prices.  On top of that, made by grandma and served with a smile 🙂  Highly recommend.  Rating: 5/5

Website: www.canra.ca

Canra Srilankan Plus Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

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Kevin Banks

Monday 15th of August 2016

@ Nosh and Nibble

I think the dosas here are much better than House of Dosas ; I feel the dosas here don't have that sour taste , from the batter being made weeks before, that House of Dosas often has. Perhaps, owing to the fact that the House of Dosas are much busier, and often favor quantity over quality. As a matter of fact, I think most busy restaurants , with an exception of a few, have to skimp on quality a fair bit.

Nosh and Nibble

Friday 13th of May 2016

Man, International Village sure does have interesting options in their food court. Any thoughts on the dosas here vs. House of Dosas?