Himalaya was opened in 1973 by Kewal Pabla as a place where Vancouverites could sample Pabla’s exotic, East Indian food and sweets. Part sweet shop, part buffet. and, as of 1986, part banquet hall, the building has been in the Pabla family for three generations.

So what exactly do you order at Himalaya Restaurant? Well, they're known for their cholay bhaturay, home-style parathas, gajjar da achaar, or pickled carrots, and their chaat. Each (chaat) papdi is traditionally made one piece at a time. They've also offered a buffet since the eighties.

But aside from the food, it's perhaps the customer stories and experiences that are most memorable. It was common for people to bring their loved ones here as the first stop when they would arrive in Vancouver, after a long flight from India. Before heading home, they would come to Himalaya.

Often referred to as simply “Pabla’s”, many first dates took place here as well. “Let's meet at Pabla’s,” is all that needed to be said. No Google maps was necessary, [because] everyone knew exactly where to go.

And many of those first encounters in the eighties and nineties had storybook endings, leading to marriage. Some of those happily married couples now bring their children and grandchildren back to Himalaya to share their stories with the owners.

With the mass movement of businesses relocating to Surrey, Himalaya has also considered shutting their doors for good. But their customers simply will not let that happen. Customers say it would be devastating and heartbreaking to see Himalaya go because so many of them have such fond memories associated with the restaurant. With this in mind, the owners have deliberately maintained a retro ambiance inside the restaurant with tables that are from the eighties and have never been changed. It has become a monumental landmark of the area.

Despite the changes to the neighbourhood, Himalaya is still standing strong. A second location, in Richmond, has been running since around 2005 as well.

The Pabla family is so intertwined in the fabric of the Punjabi Market that, in 1986, Kewal Pabla built a house for his family just around the corner from the market — where 22 family members all lived together. The house is still there today.

So, head on inside and pick up a couple of gulab jamans. Your taste buds will thank you.

And while you're eating, or watching your friends eat while you wait, we'd like to share a social justice story with you as well.