Food & Drink
3 Must Have Winter Treats for Surrey!
Some might say, there is nothing better in the world than being outdoors enjoying freshly poured maple syrup snow candy coupled with that crisp smell of winter in the air, and a log cabin surrounded in a forest of snow and maple trees. Definitely some might say this, if they lived in Montreal.
But for us, living on the West Coast known for our rain and most recently our atmospheric rivers, this is likely the last thing on our minds.
Rest assured though, Surrey has memories to be made with the treats we share during the winter.
Here are just 3 treats of many!
First on the list, one that makes a healthy appearance starting around September in particular and might be difficult to find through the month of December but is worth the hunt:
Crinkle cookies!
A variety of crinkle cookies, Image by cravingforcrave.com
These cookies are very often a hit during the winter months, especially but not exclusively in our Filipino community.
Why are they called crinkle cookies? Well, because they’re crinkly of course! But more accurately because of their slightly hard-covered exterior, which is cracked through the baking process then covered in a tasty icing sugar. The moist tasty brownie style interior is revealed in the cracks of the cookies creating a winter wonderland map. Popular flavours are chocolate, ube and red velvet. The chocolate is Christa Jance’s favourite, co-owner and crinkle cookie baker for the local Surrey business Craving For Crave. Check for them online in January, they go quick!
Chocolate crinkle cookies, Image by cravingforcrave.com
Second on the list, but equally as tasty and doesn’t need much introduction:
Panettone!
Flamigni brand panettone in store display at Delitalia Fine Foods, Image by Delitalia’s Instagram
This is an Italian type of sweet bread, said to have originated from Milan, and possibly having roots to the Roman Empire, made for emperors, a bread sweetened with honey. Panettone is also very common throughout South America and hence throughout Surrey you are likely to find it at many winter gatherings. Very often given and received as gifts, and it’s no surprise as these delectables are often packed into stunning decorative, branded packages.
Assortment of Panettone at Delitalia Fine Foods in Surrey BC, image by Delitalia’s Instagram.
Flavoured with lemon zest, orange zest and candied fruit and raisins, Panettone can be found at either your local London Drugs, Costco or, if you want to try a rich variety, some flavoured with different types of liquor and beautifully handmade from Italy, then you must visit Romolo and his Mother Penny, owners of Delitalia Fine Foods. Let Romolo talk you through all of the varieties!
Toast it, butter it, and enjoy it with a hot beverage of your choice!
Now, last but not least, and not as widely known as you might think, but absolutely respected and loved throughout Surrey:
Gulab jamun!
Originating in India and declared the national dessert of Pakistan, by the Government of Pakistan, this milk-solid-based sweet derives its name from the Persian words gol, meaning flower, and ãb meaning water, referring to the rose water-syrup it sits in (flavoured also with Saffron or Kewra and Green Cardamom).
Jamun is the Hindi word for an Indian fruit similar in shape and size to gulab jamun, known to most as a black plum.
Gulab Jamun soaked in honey rose-water, Maharaja Sweets – Surrey BC, Image by Desire Amouzou
Note, gulab, or the sugar syrup this fried tasty ball of beautiful dough is lovingly soaked in, for some recipes, can also be replaced with slightly diluted maple syrup. Full circle!
It’s amazing served hot during cold weather, the dough melting in your mouth, and even better if it’s complemented with some ice cream.
So where can you get this amazing treat you ask?
Maharaja Sweets & Restaurant, Payal Centre, Surrey BC, image by Desire Amouzou
Pretty much anywhere in Surrey, BC. In fact we might have to save space for an article on the various places you can secure some. But for now, do yourself a favour and get out to the Payal Business Centre, a home to so many sweet shops with a rich assortment of Gulab Jamun. It’s not the only location by any means, but it’s a good start. One amazing spot in the centre well known in our community has to be Maharaja Sweets & Restaurant. Really, you need to go if you haven’t already!
You can purchase it packaged, but it truly is best enjoyed freshly made.
In the end, whatever treat you grace your home with, perhaps all of them, we hope you are able to share them with the ones you love!
Desiré Kokuvi Amouzou,
Surrey604
Located in the heart of Newton is Fab Burgers Inc., the home of Surrey’s “monster burgers.” What is a monster burger you may ask? Well, it’s about as intimidating as it sounds.
Fab Burger Inc. has six monster burgers on their menu, and one of their most famous ones is the Fab Meaty Muncher which comes with breaded crispy chicken, a beef patty, chicken bacon, cheddar cheese, purple slaw, pickles, tomatoes, an onion ring, and their signature FAB sauce. It’s piled high and requires some maneuvering to be able to take a bite.
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If that’s still a little too small for you, you can order their Sweet Temptation Burger which comes with three patties of your choice of chicken or beef (yes you heard right, three patties), topped with lettuce, sauteed onions, tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and finished with barbeque sauce. It’s the biggest burger on their menu and definitely deserves the name “monster burger.”
But don’t worry, they also serve regular-sized burgers for those who don’t have a monster appetite. The Flamin’ Nacho Burger is a fan favourite and has a beef patty topped with fresh salsa, onions, jalapenos, sour cream, guacamole, nacho chips, and topped with cheddar cheese.
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If burgers aren’t your thing, Fab Burger Inc. also sells other foods like Chicken and Waffles and BBQ Lamb Chops which are marinated with their in-house blend of seasonings and sauces and served with fries, coleslaw, and a drink.
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So whether you’re craving a monster burger, or just want something on the smaller side to eat, Fab Burger Inc. has it all. Be sure to visit the next time you’re craving a good burger.
Fab Burger Inc.
Address: 7320 King George Blvd #108
You can only drink so much Starbucks before you get sick of it. That’s why we’ve made this list of the best coffee shops in Surrey so you can switch it up. Whether it’s because of the great atmosphere or unique drinks, these are the best places to get coffee in Surrey.
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If you’re a student in Surrey then you need to visit Coffee Monster. It is the best place to get some late-night studying done. Every table has access to an outlet and it’s open until 10 pm. Plus, they have some delicious drinks like their Spanish Latte which you can order hot or iced.
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Bandra Cafe is one of the first Indian-style cafes in the Greater Vancouver area and has some exceptional drinks and eats to show for it. Bandra Cafe tries to copy the vibe of the area in Bombay with the same name by creating a similar atmosphere by having “dark wooden chairs and white table tops” and also by selling “dishes like salli chicken, kheema pan and mawa cake.” This is definitely a very unique cafe that you need to visit.
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If you’re looking for one of the trendiest cafes in Surrey, then West Village Cafe is the spot for you. With a very clean and minimalistic interior and some fancy food to eat, this might be the fanciest café in Surrey. Not only does West Village Cafe serve your coffee shop classics like lattes and pastries, but they also serve alcoholic drinks and food like tacos, a chimichurri salmon and vegetable bowl, local craft beer on tap, and more! If you’re feeling extra fancy you should head in for one of their Bailey’s coffees.
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Espresso Cafe is located in the heart of Newton and has a very homely atmosphere to it. From the fireplace to the home-style baked goods, there is so much to love about Espresso Cafe. We’d recommend ordering one of their filo spinach feta pastries which are delicious. They have an always expanding menu and plenty of specialty drinks on rotation so be sure to visit Espresso Cafe.
The GrassRoots Cafe is a student-owned and operated café located on the Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) Surrey campus. They serve “alcoholic beverages and KPU brewed beer on tap, delicious food, snacks, coffee drinks and healthy alternative options such as vegan and gluten-free meals.” They also host a bunch of different activities like slam poetry, movie marathons, and more! Plus, if you’re a KPU student you can get a 5% discount.
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When a café has been around since 1949, then you know it has to be good. Prairie Cafe offers some classic vintage breakfast and coffee. They do classic American breakfast as well as Asian dishes like chicken Teriyaki, wonton soup, and chicken pan-fried noodles. If you’re looking for a blast from the past then you need to visit Prairie Cafe.
Located directly under the famous Old Surrey Restaurant is Salsa and Guacamole, Surrey’s new Mexican restaurant.
If you’re looking for some authentic Mexican delights in a chic and modern atmosphere, then this is the place for you. We’d recommend trying their chilaquiles, which is a recreation of the owner Paola Hein’s grandmother’s recipe. They’re corn tortilla chips dipped in either red or green salsa with melted Tex-Mex cheese and sour cream on top.
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You also can’t go wrong with ordering one of their tortas, which is a sandwich made of a Portuguese bun with the option of chicken or beef and sour cream, cheese, guacamole, mustard and beans. It also comes with a small side of their tortilla soup.
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If you’re not feeling like eating a huge meal, you can opt to just go for drinks at their “Cantina.” Like any good Mexican restaurant, they have an assortment of tequila, but they also have some more interesting creations. We really like Jo’s Margarita which comes with just a touch of tajin. They also make delicious carajillos which are coffee-based drinks mixed with liquor 43 and a splash of milk (the milk is optional).
But no night of Mexican food is complete without an order of churros, and Salsa and Guacamole does some of the best in Surrey. You can have your churros filled with either Nutella or dulce de leche. While it’s not the most traditional take on churros, you have to admit it’s delicious.
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Salsa and Guacamole got its start as a business selling salsa and guacamole (as the name suggests). But now they’ve expanded to include a wide range of foods, and promise to keep adding to their menu.
You won’t be disappointed by this new local Surrey restaurant, (we promise) so be sure to try it soon.
Salsa and Guacamole
Address: 13483 72 ave, Surrey
Car-Free Day is coming to Surrey Saturday, June 11. This event will turn 137 street into a car-free paradise with tons of local merchants, musicians, and family-friendly activities.
Stores that are located alongside 137 street will open up patios onto the street, while there will also be plenty of other vendors and food trucks like Gary’s Kettle Corn, Tornadopotato, Wakwak Burgers, Japadog, JJ’s Hot Cobs, Taco’N Todo, The Little Snowflake Factory, Lemon Heaven, and Roasted Revolution.
This year’s event will host performances by Ashleigh Ball, daysormay, Meltt, NADUH, The Jins, Peak, Á’a:líya, Tess Anderson, DESTINEAK, Vancouver Street Dance Festival, City Entertainment, Robin Reddy Show, Mom Bop, Matt Hen, and more!
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There will also be family fun activities like balloon twisting, jugglers, and face painting alongside some more grown-up activities like a beer garden.
Car-Free Day is organized by Translink and aims to educate people on the future of transportation. As the name suggests, people are encouraged to take transit, bike, walk, car-share, car-pool, or use other methods of electric transportation. There are bike racks on the sidewalk to park your bike but there will be no street parking for those who choose to car-share or car-pool.
Car-Free Day takes place Saturday, June 11 from noon until 8 pm.
Summer is quickly approaching, and that means patio season is almost upon us. But don’t worry, you don’t need to head over to Vancouver to enjoy some great restaurant patios, Surrey has plenty of great places. So here’s our list of the best patios in Surrey for the summer.
Sal y Limón
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Taco Tuesday anyone? Sal y Limón serves up all of your favorite Mexican foods like tacos, tortas, chimichangas, quesadillas, and burritos. They have a large outdoor patio for you to bring your whole family or friend group out.
Clove — The Art of Dining
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If you’re looking for some fine dining in Surrey that also has a patio, look no further than Clove. They take “inspiration from India’s ancient cooking methods” and incorporate it with a “modern flare.” If you want to treat yourself, then this is the place for you.
The Sunflower Cafe
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The Sunflower Cafe is one of those places that has been there forever but is still a hidden gem. At first, there doesn’t appear to be a patio but if you head on out through the back door you’ll enter this beautiful little garden area with some seating. Grab a coffee, one of their pastries, and enjoy the beautiful summer weather.
Crescent Coffee House
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If you’re looking to switch things up instead of visiting Sunflower Cafe you can head over to Crescent Coffee House. They serve your typical cafe eats alongside hot and cold coffee beverages. Their patio isn’t as nice as Sunflower Cafe but they do have plenty more drink options like their iced beach berry teas.
The Roadhouse Grille
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The Roadhouse Grille is an old-school restaurant known for its homestyle cooking. They’ve been in the neighbourhood since 1997 so you know the food has to be good. This is the type of place where you need to try their specialty King George Burger that comes with mozzarella cheese, bacon, mushrooms, lettuce, tomato, red onion and a pickle all served on your choice of bun. Their patio also has a glass roof so you don’t have to worry about the weather either.
Hooked Fish Bar
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With a patio right alongside the water, Hooked Fish Bar is a very popular destination for patio-lovers. They serve delicious seafood like fish tacos and mussels. Be sure to book a reservation in advance because this spot fills up quickly on the weekend when it’s nice out.
Dominion Bar + Kitchen
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Dominion is known for its “New Canadian” dishes and drinks, which can be best described as elevated pub food. We’d recommend ordering a couple of appetizers like their calamari or Korean fried cauliflower with a couple of drinks to share among your friends. They’re also open for brunch so if you’re looking for a patio-breakfast date then this is the place.
My Shanti
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If you’ve ever wanted to dine in a garden, then My Shanti should be your next patio destination. Their patio is filled with plants and is the perfect spot to hit up with your friends. So the next time you’re craving some Indian cuisine, be sure to visit My Shanti.
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