There’s a new spot in Vancouver’s South Granville neighbourhood that just opened, and it’s pretty intriguing: Bar Asra.
It opened its doors on April 15th and is calling itself a “globally inspired restaurant and cocktail bar.”
And if the address (1480 W 11th Ave) sounds familiar, it’s because it takes over the space of the owners’ previous venture, Sirka Gourmet Indian Kitchen.
Think of it as a total refresh, moving from specific Indian cuisine to something more experimental and worldwide.
Behind it are chefs Kanwardeep Ahluwalia and Baldeep Singh.
These guys aren’t new to the game – Chef Kanwardeep has experience from working with big names like Fairmont and Marriott hotels, and together they run other popular spots like Purani Dilli Kitchen and Bar in Surrey, Notch Up Caterers, and Sirka Gourmet Takeout.
With Bar Asra, they’re aiming to push some boundaries and play with cool, maybe even underused, ingredients inspired by their travels and roots.
So, what’s actually on this “experimental” menu?
Think dishes like ahi tuna crudo but with jasmine rice truffle (fancy!), a punchy take on Thai Nam Khao salad using local seafood, and murtabak (kinda like a stuffed pancake/crepe) jazzed up with jalapeño and cheese.
They’ve also got a lamb quiche wrapped in a Ceylon paratha shell – that sounds seriously interesting, mixing Ottoman and Indian subcontinent vibes.
And for dessert? A signature honey butter toast with fresh strawberries.
Can’t really go wrong there.
Chef Kanwardeep says they want it to feel personal and celebrate connections between cultures.
Looks like the drinks are following suit, led by Bar Manager Mathew Locke.
They’re doing twists like a Porto Spritz (a white port and tonic highball) and something called Tokyo Silk made with calpico and nigori sake.
Inside, expect a modern, nature-y look with lots of plants, comfy booths, and spots to hang at the bar or bigger tables.
Definitely seems like Bar Asra is bringing something different to the South Granville scene.
Will you be checking out their experimental eats and global cocktails? Let us know!
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: 1480 W 11th Ave, Vancouver, BC V6K 2L7