Something new is coming to Vancouver, and we’ve got all the details ahead of its launch.
Peya is a new restaurant gearing up to open in the city, and it’s serving a unique fusion of Indian and French cuisine. It’s brought to us by co-owners Ashwani Dabas and Kevin Day, the same team behind The Ellis.
Dished had the chance to speak with Dabas about the inspiration behind the new venture, the design of the space, and of course, the food.
The inspiration
“Peya was born out of a shared passion for Indian and French cuisine and a desire to create something truly unique,” said Dabas.
Dabas said that he and Kevin had worked together for years, building a deep mutual respect for each other’s culinary vision.
“Our collaboration started with a love for high-quality ingredients, bold flavours, and the artist of refined cooking. This natural synergy between us led to the idea for Peya: a place where both cultures could shine in harmony,” he added.
Dabas said that Peya is meant to be a celebration of tradition and innovation, rooted in the warmth of Indian hospitality and the precision of French gastronomy,
“Peya is more than just a concept — it’s the result of years of friendship, creativity, and a shared dream of redefining what Indian-French cuisine can be.”
Location and space
Dabas said that they put a lot of thought into making the space feel just right and reflect Peya’s culinary philosophy: where tradition meets modernity.
“The interiors draw inspiration from both French bistros and Indian heritage, blending warm, earthy tones with elegant Art Deco accents,” said Dabas.
One of the standout features of the restaurant is the open kitchen, which allows guests an inside look into the artistry that goes into each dish. Additionally, the restaurant features a cozy yet vibrant cocktail bar serving a selection of craft cocktails that Dabas said highlight Indian botanicals and French liqueurs.
However, an area that Dabas said was particularly special is the indoor veranda-inspired area, which he said was a nod to the traditional Indian veranda, where conversations flow and meals are shared.
Peya
“We wanted to capture that essence and bring it indoors, creating a space that feels open, inviting, and filled with natural light. It’s designed to encourage lingering, whether over a long meal, a quiet cup of chai, or an evening cocktail.
This attention to detail goes down right to the neighbourhood Peya is opening in, which Dabas said appreciates creativity, culture, and great food.
“We wanted Peya to be in a place that feels both welcoming and dynamic,” said Dabas. “Plus, the area’s mix of longtime residents and new faces creates the perfect audience for a concept like ours — one that’s rooted in tradition but always looking forward.”
What is Indian-French cuisine?
Perhaps the one thing we were most curious about was: what exactly is Indian-French cuisine? Dabas said it’s an “exploration of the intersection between the rich, layered spices of India and the meticulous techniques of French cooking.”
“It’s not just about fusion but about balance — where traditional Indian dishes are refined with French methods, and classic French recipes are reimagined with Indian ingredients,” he said.
Examples of dishes that the team is particularly excited about include the Tomato Rasam Mussels, plump fresh mussels bathed in a spiced tomato rasam broth, which bring together the tangy heat of South Indian flavours with the delicate brininess of the mussels.
Another standout is Peya’s Cornish Hen, which Dabas said is the restaurant’s take on a butter chicken.
“Succulent hen is marinated for 72 hours and served with a rich butter sauce, balanced by pickled shallots, microgreens, and a hint of chili oil and smoked cream for depth and complexity,” he explained.
When it comes to cocktails, Dabas mentioned drinks like the Sassi Lassi (a twist on the classic Indian lassi blending mescal with St-Germain, Alphonso mango, passion fruit, and yogurt) alongside the Saffron Sazerac (a bold take on a classic Sazerac with Paul John NIrvana, St. Remy Signature, Darjeeling, saffron, Creole bitters, absinthe, and mango ice.”
Peya
Peya opens its doors on Wednesday, March 19.
Peya
Address: 2101 E. Hastings St., Vancouver
Still hungry? Discover Dished Vancouver on TikTok