Eat In Or Take Out
Just a block up from Kits Beach, Planet Veg is a popular spot to pick up food for a healthy picnic. The cute counter-service restaurant also has space for about two dozen people inside, including stools at the window-front bar, and a handful of people can group around a few tables right on the bustling Cornwall sidewalk. On the inside, there’s a serene vibe despite the crowds that can come at dinnertime. The small room is done up in earthy tones and features several pieces of Indian art on the walls, which adds a touch of the exotic. Dim lighting and soft Indian music enhance the relaxing feeling.

Fantastic Fusion Fare
Planet Veg bills its fare as “fusion Indo-Western vegetarian fast food.” That translates into a unique menu that includes Indian rotis, rice pots, curries and “Vancouver’s best veggie burger.” There are many vegan and wheat-free options and the majority of the dishes are low fat. Popular additions to beach potlucks include veggie pakoras and samosa, which are baked, not fried. Other menu items include veggie pita pockets, quesadillas, soups, salads and Indian-style sandwiches. All of the sauces and chutneys that accompany the meals are homemade daily from decades-old family recipes. You can finish off your meal with a traditional Indian dessert or an ice-cream cone or gelato. Another palate-cleansing option following all the spice and sauce is a glass of freshly squeezed juice. Despite the high quality of the meals, Planet Veg offers one of the best deals in the city.

Locals Love It
It’s obvious that a lot of love has gone into the family-run Kitsilano mainstay and the community has returned the affection, which can be measured simply by how busy the place can get! Planet Veg, which open in the mid-1990s, has received numerous awards from local media and even got a Zagat nod. Planet Veg also invests in the community by donating to local charities and events, such as the Writers and Readers Festival.