5 spots to try at the Victoria Public Market

The Victoria Public Market is a vibrant community hub located in the historic Hudson building downtown. Although many of its vendors were affected during the pandemic and have closed these past years, many new vendors have opened their doors and are eager to welcome you to try their food.

Visitors can find everything at the market: from salads, meats, pasta, sushi, Indian food, and much more. The market also hosts special events, cooking classes, and live entertainment, making it not just a place to dine in, but a lively space for the community to gather.

The market is home to a variety of food vendors, each offering a unique culinary experience. Here are 5 spots you’ll find inside the market that we have tried and recommend:

Shashwat Indian Cuisine

The restaurant focuses on offering traditional Indian cuisine as well as street food and Indo-Chinese dishes, using fresh and high-quality ingredients to create a wide variety of dishes that cater to different tastes and preferences. 

The menu at Shashwat is huge, including:

• Curries: Both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options like butter chicken, lamb curry, goat curry, and various lentil-based dals.

• Tandoori dishes: Marinated meats and vegetables cooked in a traditional clay oven.

• Appetizers: Popular dishes like samosas and pakoras.

• Breads: A selection of Indian breads such as naan, garlic naan, and roti.

The restaurant offers both dine-in and take-out options. Their combos are a great option to try out first, at very reasonable prices.

If you're looking for a place to enjoy authentic Indian food in Victoria, Shashwat Indian Cuisine is a great choice! 

Oota Ya Sushi 

Oota Ya Sushi is a Japanese pop-up restaurant in the market, right in Coho Commissary. They offer fresh, high-quality sushi and authentic Japanese dishes, such as Masu Sushi; a round oshi sushi, usually made of fresh salmon. This dish is wrapped in bamboo leaves with shiso leaves and sticky sushi rice. 

Its menu also includes sashimi, miso soup, oshi sushi, and rolls. The lunch sets are a great option if you’re looking to try it out for the first time.

Please note that the hours are very limited and it’s always best to pre-order.

Whether you’re looking for a quick sushi lunch or a different Japanese experience, it’s a great spot to enjoy fresh and flavourful sushi.

La Pasta 

Known for its freshly made pasta, La Pasta offers a casual dining experience, focusing on high-quality, house-made pasta served fast. The menu includes appetizers, salads, pizza, and of course, pasta. They also offer seasonal and limited time menu items from time to time, and they are usually great. Some of our favourites are the gnocchi made with butternut squash, sage brown butter, and sliced almond, and the spaghetti carbonara, made with Italian bacon, farm fresh egg yolk, garlic, and grana padano. 

Aside from their delicious offerings, they have also been doing classes on how to make pasta from scratch. They just did one late August and we are hoping the next one is soon. We will keep you posted.

Cafe Malabar

Café Malabar just opened in June 2023 and it has already won Best South or Southeast Asian Restaurant in the 2024 YAM magazine’s Best Restaurant Awards. The restaurant focuses on authentic Kerala-style cuisine. This region is famous for its use of aromatic spices and diverse range of dishes. Café Malabar offers a unique dining experience, focusing on traditional flavours from South India that are less commonly found in other Indian restaurants in the area.

The menu is very big. The restaurant recommends sharing dishes, starting with a selection of ‘Snacks + Bites’, counting about one dish per guest, moving on to mains, including ‘Hoppers + Breads’ to dip into curries.

If you are unsure on what to order, try out the Kerala Tasting Board. It includes:

• Egg puffs or vegetable cutlets

• Fried chicken or fried fish

• Selection of any two curries

• Ghee rice and matta rice

• Appam and porotta

• Two cups of sulaimani

• Condiments: Garlic dip, house ketchup, onion salad, homemade mango pickle, and mango chamanthi

Whether you’re familiar with Kerala cuisine or looking to try something new, Café Malabar provides a unique culinary experience in Victoria.

Roast Meat & Sandwich Shop 

This Victoria classic spot has been well-known in the city for years. Roast specializes in slow-roasted meats, including beef, pork, and chicken, served in sandwiches, salads or as meals. The roast beef sandwich is a favourite and their chimichurri sauce is very popular. 

In addition to their regular menu items, Roast frequently offers specials that highlight seasonal ingredients or unique meat preparations. These specials keep the menu exciting for regulars and first-time visitors.

You can also grab a full rotisserie chicken, a few sides, and you’re good for a great family dinner.

Victoria Public Market
#6 1701 Douglas St.
11am-6pm Monday-Saturday 
11am-5pm Sundays