Explore Central Lonsdale and our “Persian Trail”
Located within a 10-block strip of Lonsdale Ave, this area has become the focus of a thriving Persian Community! A home to a variety of aroma capturing eateries, shopping opportunities and specialties to leave you with flavors and sounds like the Persian Gulf!
The Persian Community established themselves at the foot of the picturesque North Shore Mountains in the late 1980’s. Since then, this flourishing community made their mark with wonderful traditions and food experiences that are memorable to the new explorer. As you wander these blocks, you’ll hear Farsi being spoken and signs in the same language. The cafés and Persian shops will keep you going, as you venture from Keith Road to approximately 21st and Lonsdale. Take the time to sit at the Civic Plaza on 14th street and watch the hustle and bustle of a thriving and growing area. You’ll be able to snack on some Ayoub’s Dried Fruits and Nuts and see what many Persians visit the area specifically to feel a bit of “home”.
Wonderful Kabobs and curries, along with amazing breads and sweets will welcome you up the trail. Central Lonsdale’s Persian Trail options will surely not only delight your tastebuds, but your experience in Persian food & shopping is very like too what is served in the middle east!
PERSIAN RESTAURANTS:
Kolbeh Restaurant rate with a 5-star rating on Trip Advisor
Mehman Restaurant sharing favorites from the Persian Gulf
Yaas Grill a long time favorite on Lonsdale with mouth watering kabobs
Cazba located a short walk in on the East side of Lonsdale on 16th Street with affordable, large portion meals
Zeitoon will offer you Persian delights including fesenjoon (chicken & walnut sauce)
RUMI House will offer menu selections dating back 15 centuries.
Grab & Go Begirobab will allow you to pick up some amazing kabobs, reasonably priced and enjoy along the many parklets on Lonsdale Avenue.
Specialties:
Amir Bakery will draw you in with fresh bread smells wafting into the street. Taftoon, lavash, barbari, 100% whole wheat bread and 100% oat bread await you. Family operated for over 30 years on Lonsdale Ave and loved by so many!
Laleh Bakery is a Persian bakery with offers traditional cookies, cakes, pastries, nuts and seeds in bulk, including Persian foods. Venturing off the west side of Lonsdale and 14th Street is most definitely necessary!
Rex Bakery located on 16th Street the west side of Lonsdale Ave. You’ll find many Persian special housewares, as well as delicious specialty deserts and ice creams. How about a meal at Cazba and cross the street for some sweets to make your experience memorable!
Ayoubs Dried Fruits & Nuts, made by hand, in small batches and always fresh. Their first store began on Lonsdale and is now sought after at 5 locations across the lower mainland.
Persia Food Products has an amazing selection of fresh fruits and vegetables. Here you will not only find the fresh foods, but the specialties you’ll want to take home with you so you an try your own hand at cooking some favorites you’ve tried along the way!
@levelfood
Oh yes! More things to do!
Men from all over come to Kings Hair Salon. Known for the award-winning best cuts in town, Dariush has established himself as the “King” of cuts on 19th and Lonsdale. Providing both men and ladies 30 + years of professional styling. You’ll find so many hair salons and nail bars. Make a self-care day of it!
If Persian carpets are of interest…. just stroll on West 15th Street, you’ll find Shansi Carpet. Hossein Shenasi starting from the age of 12 in his hometown of Tabriz in Iran, he began weaving carpets for his uncle and then went on to learn family business. In Tehran bazaar he worked in famous Momtaz carpet store which mainly dealt in sale , cleaning, and repair of hand knotted carpets for more than twenty years .
As you stroll the street, pick up a copy of Paivand a Gateway to the Iranian Community. Ps. Its in Farsi
Festivals:
Norouz is March 20th is a huge New Years event and festival. Persians are off different faiths, but all celebrate this special day! Book at this time, and experience dancing, cultural festivities and music! The traditions are openly displayed at the many eateries and shops along the way. Check out 2022’s festivities on the North Shore!
Yalda is the winter solstice festival. Shows normally are located at the Centennial Theatre. Not to be missed!
Hotels:
One day is not enough to explore this region and most definitely not enough to try all the food options. Book in and stay in one of our beautiful hotels on the bottom of Lonsdale Avenue! If you’re wanting a good workout, lace your sneakers up you! You can head up the hill and treat yourself to some tasty surprises once you get up to the central Lonsdale area! But before you go, stop at MONOVA (Museum of North Vancouver) which also features our loved Persian community and their beginnings on Lonsdale Ave. You’ll be ready to explore!
At the end of your day, and with a most definitely a full belly, you can either take a leisurely walk down the hill or jump on one of the many transit busses taking you down the hill!
For further information, explore this wonderful brochure by local author, Nazmi Kamal.