Food & Drink
Meet Me at Whalley’s Corner – Part 4: Di Reggae Cafe
In this installment of the continuing series about the community in City Central, take a step into the tropics. Located in the heart of Surrey, right at historic Whalley’s Corner, Di Reggae Café is a hidden gem in the bustle of the city. Open the door to the Caribbean right in your back yard and meet Richie Hussett of Di Reggae Café.
Richie, who was born in Jamaica, has had an entrepreneurial spirit for as long as he can remember. As a young man, he dreamed of owning a business, one that would both serve people and bring them together. A passion for cooking and a deep love for family fostered his desire to open a restaurant where people from all walks of life could feel at home. His dream became a reality when, in 2011, he opened the doors of Di Reggae Café (originally known as Binghis) in Whalley Corners in the heart of Surrey City Centre.
His unique menu of Caribbean dishes has provided Surrey’s Jamaican and island community a place where they can savour food from back home. As well, he has created a space where all people can come in to experience the flavours of “the islands”. Di Reggae has grown into much more than an eatery — it is a place where family and friends can enjoy great food and live entertainment — or, as Richie says, “Di Reggae Café embraces the roots, culture and ethnicity of our Jamaican background, our delicious Caribbean cuisine and remembrances of good ol’ Jamaican times.”
A look around at the colourful furniture, grass umbrellas and bright posters brings a feeling of easy, laid back days on a tropical island. As we chat, Richie points out the most popular items on the menu — Oxtail – a dish of tender pieces of meat simmered with potatoes, carrots and sweet peppers, Curry Goat – a mild West Indian curry, and of course, the traditional Jerk Chicken for that distinctive Jamaican spiciness. “Our Seafood Fridays are a big hit with our customers.” Richie says, “We serve the authentic Jamaican dish, Ackee and Saltfish. The ackee (the national fruit of Jamaica) is simmered in a pan with boneless salted cod bits, onions and sweet peppers and served with a choice of rice & peas or “cooked food” (Boiled green banana, Jamaican yellow yam and dumpling)” Of course,” he says, smiling “we also have Chicken Fingers and Fries, because all kids love them!”
Di Reggae features a small stage for live bands and music from blues to jazz to reggae, and room for dancing. Richie comments, “A lot of our customers in the evenings are couples out for date night. And our open mic nights are a favourite with our regulars.”
Asked about the challenges he faces, Richie talks about the typical issues that businesses, especially restauranteurs see everyday. “Rising prices, competition and staffing problems are the kinds of difficulties we as business owners all come up against from time to time.” Richie says, “I’m the sort of person that is determined to make my own wayway — and I’ve seen some hard times for sure. But my faith helps me to keep going, and I have the support of my family and loved ones.” He admits that there have been times when he has worked at part time jobs to help when things got rough. “There have been stretches where I was working all day every day and most nights, too.” He says, “For me, it’s what I do — this place is my dream, I want it to succeed.”
Richie talks about the hurdles that come from operating in a densely populated area that is experiencing rapid growth. He credits the Whalley Community Improvement Association for promoting the area and spearheading many proactive initiatives. “The very first meeting of the association happened right here in this restaurant,” he says. “And because of this association, we have a greater police presence — officers regularly walk the beat, or ride through on their bikes or drive by in their patrol cars. We also have an increase in street maintenance including keeping the empty lots clear of tall grass and weeds. As a result, the community feels safer. The association is making a difference and that certainly helps.”
Richie enthusiastically shares some of his ideas and plans for Di Reggae. “I would like to bring in more bands and artists, maybe add in some motivational speakers. Right now, we are renovating the back of the restaurant to include an outdoor eating area. We anticipate that our patio will open sometime this year. Our extended food licence has been approved and we are busy developing the space.” He smiles as he adds, “Ultimately, I want Di Reggae to be a destination restaurant — the place you come to when you want some great Caribbean food and lively entertainment shared with friends and family.”
Di Reggae also offers take out meals, private parties and outside catering as well as their dine-in menu — and of course, great food, excellent customer service and a friendly, fun atmosphere. As it says on eatery’s website, “Di Reggae Café represents roots, culture, diversity, heart, home & family” where everything is always irie. Come join us for a cool island time and engage in a delightful ting!”
Visit Di Reggae’s website for more information.
Tucked away on the edge of the Strawberry Hill Shopping Centre is Bandra Cafe, one of the best places for brunch in Surrey. It offers unique menu items that are not only full of flavour but are pretty just to look at. If you’re looking for something different than your basic pancake breakfast, this is the place for you.
Bandra Cafe serves Bombay-style cuisine that is chock full of flavour and spice. On our visit, we ordered the Bandra Benny and it did not disappoint. Just like your standard eggs Benedict it came with poached eggs, bacon, and hollandaise sauce, but was served on top of chili-cheese toast. It gave it the perfect kick that you wouldn’t normally find in an eggs Benedict, setting Bandra Cafe apart from all the other brunch spots in the city. On the side, there were crispy potato wedges and some sliced avocado.
Bandra Benny (Marco Ovies / Surrey604)
We also ordered their dalgona coffee, which we had never tried before. It came with whipped coffee on top of steamed milk. Our waiter politely helped us out and instructed us that we needed to stir the drink (we had just gone right in for the sip and it left us with a coffee mustache that wasn’t noticeable until we got home). The drink both looked impressive and tasted great.
Dalgona coffee (Marco Ovies / Surrey604)
But Bandra Cafe doesn’t just do eggs Benedict. They also serve kanda poha (a popular Bombay breakfast with flattened rice, onions, peanuts, herbs, and spices, topped with coconut and sev), Kheema Par Eedu Skillet (kheema, potato salli, fried eggs, and pav bread, described on the menu as the “Bombay breakfast of champions”), and even a vegan platter (avocado, grilled tofu, vegetables, and salad with tahini almond dressing). You can also order small bites and drinks to share if you’re coming to visit later in the evening with friends.
The cafe itself is very modern looking with a plant wall at the entrance with a neon sign that reads “Good Brews, Good Bites.” The service was excellent and we’re excited to go back again to try the rest of their menu.
Bandra Cafe is open Monday to Thursday from 11am to 10pm, and Friday to Sunday from 11am to 11pm.
Bandra Cafe
Address: 7310 #110 120th St.
There are so many different sushi spots in Surrey that sometimes it can be hard to choose. That’s why we’ve created a list of the best sushi restaurants in Surrey to satisfy your next sushi craving.
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MaguroGuy has an excellent assortment of sushi and delicious Japanese dishes. We’d recommend visiting for their lunch special Udon Set which comes with a dynamite roll, tuna, salmon, and ebi nigiri, tempura, Seafood udon (small), and a green salad.
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What makes Sushi Mori so special? Well for starters there is a tree in the middle of the restaurant. They also make some great sushi and have plenty of specialty rolls to try like their Spicy Sunflower Roll which has crab meat, cucumber, avocado, and prawn tempura covered with spicy salmon and topped with tempura flakes, shredded red beet, spicy mayo, and aioli sauce.
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Kami Sushi is the best place to grab a filling and affordable lunch. The best thing to order is one of their lunch combinations that are available from 11:30 to 3:30 pm. We love their combo B which comes with four pieces of sushi, three pieces of their Reno roll, four pieces of the spicy love roll, and tempura udon for $19.95. You get a great assortment of food for a great price.
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Sushi California has a great assortment of different rolls, potentially the largest selection in all of Surrey. They have over 67 different rolls you can choose from, and that’s not even including nigiri or any of the other things on their menu. The only other sushi spot that could compete is the next one on our list.
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Psi Sushi & Roll is another Surrey favourite that has plenty on their menu. They also have some very unique rolls like their Flying Unicorn Roll which has crabmeat and cream cheese and is deep fried with melted mozzarella cheese.
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If you’re searching for your next picnic meal look no further than Sushi Street. They offer these sushi boxes that can feed one to four people that are perfect to take with you. We’d recommend trying Street Box #2 which can feed up to four people and has a Crazy Roll, Dragon roll, Dynamite roll, Philadelphia roll, Chicken wings, Edamame, vegetable sticks, and five kinds of special sauce.
If you’re looking for the next great sushi spot, look no further than Sushi Street. Located close to the King George Skytrain Station, this place should be your go-to for sushi takeout.
Sushi Street specializes in only takeout and offers quick and delicious Japanese cuisine. They specialize in bento boxes, sushi combos, and ready-to-eat foods that you can just grab and go. But probably the coolest thing they offer is their sushi boxes.
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You heard right, sushi in a box. They offer two different boxes that can feed anywhere from 1 to 4 people. Their Street Box 1 which can feed one to two people has a crazy roll, Philadelphia roll, dynamite roll, chicken wings, edamame, vegetable sticks, and four kinds of special sauce.
If you’re looking for more food you can get the Street Box 2 which feeds three to four people and has a crazy roll, dragon roll, dynamite roll, Philadelphia roll, chicken wings, edamame, vegetable sticks, and five kinds of special sauce. This is the perfect meal to grab on your way to a picnic over at Holland Park across the street.
But don’t worry, you can also order individual rolls if you’re just eating for one. They also serve inari which is sushi rice packed into a tofu pouch topped with all sorts of sushi ingredients. We’d recommend ordering the Inari Unagi or the Inari Spicy Salmon.
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While Sushi Street does specialize in takeout, they do have some seats inside to sit down and enjoy your food. But regardless of whetheryou eat in or take out, we promise you’ll love the food. Be sure to visit this new Surrey hidden gem soon!
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.
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