Exploring the Surrey Spice Trail: Indian Fusion, Fine Dining, and Sweet Spots to Try
Surrey, British Columbia has become one of the most exciting culinary hubs in Metro Vancouver. As one of Canada’s most culturally diverse cities, its food scene is rich with both tradition and creativity. This is especially true along the Surrey Spice Trail, a curated list of restaurants that celebrates global cuisines.
I’m sharing five of my favourite South Asian spots on the trail. Whether you’re in the mood for bold fusion, refined dining, or nostalgic sweets, Gupshup, Clove The Art of Dining, Maharaja, Tokyo Mithaiwala and Sweets 64 offer something memorable for every craving.
Gupshup Surrey: Vibrant Indo-Western Fusion with Flair
Gupshup feels like a party from the moment you walk in. The atmosphere is vibrant, the music is upbeat, and the food is full of playful energy. During my visit, I was immediately struck by the creativity of the menu and the visual appeal of the space.
I loved the Kurkure Nachos, which were poured out tableside from a tin with dramatic flair. They were crunchy, cheesy, and had just the right amount of spice. The Spicy Chicken Bites were also a standout; crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, coated in a tangy, house-made sauce. We also shared the Sliders Trio, which included both aloo tikki and paneer options, perfect for sampling and sharing.
The interiors blend bold colour with greenery and moody lighting. Punjabi and R&B tracks add to the lounge-like feel. The team was friendly and attentive throughout the visit. I especially appreciated the energy and hospitality from Deepika and Armaan. With new items like fusion pizzas and a happy hour menu in development, I’m already planning a return visit.
Clove, The Art of Dining: Fine Dining That Reimagines Indian Cuisine in Surrey, BC
Clove offers a very different experience. Where Gupshup is playful, Clove feels elevated and calm. This fine dining concept was created by a hospitality professional with a background in Tokyo, and the attention to detail is clear.
When I visited Clove, I was impressed by the open, minimalist layout and the french inspired plating. The space feels upscale without being intimidating. I started with the Superfood Salad, which combined romaine, couscous, avocado, berries, and caramelized walnuts in a citrus vinaigrette. It was fresh, balanced, and beautifully plated.
The Lassoni Paneer Tikka was another highlight. The paneer was perfectly grilled and served with fondant potatoes dusted in a bold, house-made spice blend. The two accompanying chutneys, a smoked tomato-garlic and mint yogurt, added complexity to every bite. I also tried the Gateway to Heaven cocktail, which was infused with cardamom and served under a glass cloche filled with smoke. It was as visually stunning as it was flavourful.
Clove is ideal for date nights or special occasions. The menu is rooted in Indian tradition but is presented with a refined, contemporary twist that makes the entire experience feel unique.
Maharaja Fine Dining Surrey: Traditional Indian Flavours in a Luxe Interior
Tucked away on an upper floor of the Payal Business Centre, Maharaja Fine Dining blends classic Indian dishes with a sophisticated setting. This was my first visit and it certainly left a lasting impression.
The interiors feature tufted velvet seating, antique brass accents, and soft lighting that gives the space a calm, upscale feel. It reminded me of a boutique hotel lounge. While the atmosphere is refined, the menu focuses on well-loved Indian dishes that are full of comfort and flavour.
I tried the Karahi Chicken and Vegetarian Manchurian, both of which were well-prepared and satisfying. The naan was soft and fresh, and the curries had the kind of warmth and depth that make you slow down and enjoy each bite. The Mango Mojito was refreshing and not overly sweet, and for dessert, we were offered fresh, hot jalebi, which was the perfect way to end the experience. It was crisp on the outside, syrupy on the inside, and incredibly aromatic.
Maharaja offers a great balance of tradition and polish. If you are looking for familiar flavours served in an elegant environment, this is a strong choice.
Tokyo Mithaiwala: A Boutique Take on Indian Afternoon Tea
Tokyo Mithaiwala offers one of the most imaginative dessert experiences I have had in Surrey. This spot reinterprets Indian sweets in a calm, boutique space, using the structure of a traditional afternoon tea as its foundation.
The service begins with a beautiful, tiered stand featuring both savoury and sweet items. I particularly enjoyed the Paneer Tikka Slider, which was flavourful and soft, and the Puff Pastry, which was light and satisfying. Other savoury items included Manchurian Skewers (one of my faves) and a Samosa Roll, all of which added variety to the spread.
On the sweeter side, the Motichoor Cheesecake Parfait, Dodha Crunch, and Rose Rasmalai Cake stood out for their creativity and flavour. Each item was thoughtfully portioned and plated. I paired the meal with a warm chai, which complemented both the savoury and sweet selections. I also sampled a thandai, a seasonal Holi drink, which added a festive, spiced element to the experience.
The space is quiet, minimal, and well-suited for small gatherings or a solo outing. Tokyo Mithaiwala is ideal for those looking to experience Indian desserts in a fresh and modern way.
Sweets 64 Surrey: Traditional Mithai and Takeaway with Consistent Flavour
If you are looking for classic Indian sweets without added frills, Sweets 64 delivers. This casual spot is located just a short walk from Clove and focuses on traditional mithai prepared with consistency and care.
I stopped in to pick up a box of besan barfi and ended up adding some matari and gajar halwa as well. The flavours reminded me of festive family gatherings, and the texture of the sweets was just right. While the space itself is simple and functional, the quality of the sweets and savoury dishes speaks for itself.
Sweets 64 is ideal for quick pickups or large orders for celebrations. The pricing is reasonable, and the menu includes a wide variety of sweets and savoury items that stay true to tradition.
The Surrey Spice Trail: A Delicious Window into Culture and Creativity
While the Surrey Spice Trail features cuisines from around the world, these five South Asian restaurants are among my personal favourites. Each one offers something special, from Gupshup’s bold fusion to Clove’s refined plating, from Maharaja’s elegant take on comfort food to the playful desserts at Tokyo Mithaiwala and the nostalgia of Sweets 64.
This food journey reminded me of how diverse and exciting Surrey’s culinary scene truly is. Whether you are exploring as a local or visiting from out of town, these restaurants offer a meaningful and memorable way to experience flavour, heritage, and community.