CityMash.com - The Naam, a little eatery on West 4th in Kitsilano, is proof that healthy vegetarian food is not only delicious, but it can pack a restaurant!
This joint is full for every meal of the day with diners often lining up outside to try and snag one of the small wooden tables. But it’s worth the wait. Eventually you’ll make it inside and be feasting on their famous Sesame Fries with Miso Gravy, Scrambled Tofu vegan breakfast, a delicious Dragon Bowl or a slice of Noh Pie (with no sweet, no eggs, no dairy and no wheat but we promise it’s still tasty).
Whether you’ve never been to The Naam before or you’re a regular who goes all the time, here are five things to know about Vancouver’s favourite vegetarian joint:
They’re Open 24/7
The Naam is one of the few places in Vancouver serving a full food menu 24 hours a day every day of the year. The only day they close is Christmas Day. You might be thinking, why does a tiny vegetarian restaurant in Kitsilano need to be open at 3:00 AM? That’s because they’re busy every hour of the day! Whether you visit for breakfast, lunch, dinner or a midnight snack, expect to always find a restaurant full of fellow patrons at The Naam.
They Are Vancouver’s Oldest Natural Foods Restaurant
The Naam opened all the way back in 1968 making it Vancouver’s oldest natural foods restaurant. They have been serving wholesome, mostly local, vegetarian fare in Kitsilano for almost 50 years. Despite half a decade on the Vancouver food scene, The Naam still sticks to their roots. They are and have always been a small, family-run business that delivers a comfortable and cosy atmosphere with top quality food.
They Have Live Music
Every night, The Naam hosts live music from 7:00 – 10:00 PM. They support artists of all genres from blues and folk to hip hop and jazz. Don’t be surprised to find a crooner with a guitar set up on the tiny stage along one wall of the dining room if you head to The Naam in the evening.
They Support Local Art
In another artistic expression, The Naam also supports local visual artists by displaying their works on the walls of the restaurant. Local artists can get in touch with The Naam by clicking here to find out how to get their art displayed. The art shows change up every six weeks and are booked through to this summer.
You Can Buy Their Famous Sauces
The Naam is well known for many items on their menu, but probably none more so than their famous sauces that leave satisfied customers licking every last drop off the plate.
So we have good news: you can bring The Naam’s sauces home from their kitchen to yours. Every sauce they produce is vegan, GMO-free and bottled in Vancouver. Available flavours include Miso Gravy, Miso Gravy Hot Sauce, Coconut Curry Sauce, Thai Sauce, Blueberry Vinaigrette and Peanut Sauce. The sauces can be purcahsed directly from The Naam or at local food stores like Choices, Buy Low and Whole Foods. For The Naam sauce retailer closest to you, check out this list.
See you at The Naam! What’s your favourite dish on the menu?