When the iconic Flamingo Chinese Restaurant shut down last fall, it left a massive void on Marine Drive.
Locals were left wondering: Would it be demolished for condos? Or would another restaurant take the torch?
As of late December, we finally have the answer.
A new spot called Caravanserai has quietly moved in, bringing a completely different flavour profile to the neighbourhood.
This isn’t your typical Chinese restaurant.
Caravanserai specializes in Halal Central Asian cuisine, specifically focusing on Uyghur flavours and Halal Chinese-style stir-fries.
The menu is a celebration of bold spices and comfort food, featuring Hand-Pulled Laghman Noodles, traditional dumplings, and classic stir-fries.
Stepping inside, the space has been fully refreshed to reflect the new culture.
Gone is the old decor, replaced by a warm, ethnic aesthetic featuring intricate rugs hanging on the walls and distinctive pendant lighting.
The tables are dressed in cloths featuring traditional patterns, transporting you straight to Central Asia before you even look at the menu.
The kitchen is the heartbeat of the restaurant. If you order noodles, expect to hear the rhythmic banging of dough being hand-pulled fresh to order.
It’s a sign of 100% handmade authenticity.
Beyond the noodles, the menu features hearty dishes like Stuffed Cabbage, Diced Fried Noodles, Pilaf, and savoury Braised Noodles.
Early diners are already impressed.
The restaurant currently holds a strong 4.7-star rating on Google, with many praising the authenticity of the flavours.
However, a heads-up for the lunch rush: some reviews noted that the speed of service can be on the slower side as they find their footing.
Caravanserai joins a wave of exciting new openings in the city, including Crave Cheesesteaks, Nabi House, and 93 Coffee Waterfront.
For more new and upcoming food spots in Metro Vancouver, take a peek at our tracker here, and subscribe to our weekly newsletter here.
Address: 1652 SE Marine Dr, Vancouver, BC