Empty lot at Main and 51st

Frontier was the staple fabric shop in Vancouver from the 70s to the early 2000s. People from around the world would come to the Punjabi Market to visit Frontier Cloth House and hand pick from their selection of wedding and special event attire. Over time, Frontier made a name for itself as a high end bridal boutique shop as well. Sadly, the lot now sits empty after the building sat abandoned for over a decade after the owners moved their business across the Fraser River to Surrey.

Between 48th and 51st Avenues

Look up at the street poles between 48th and 51st avenues to see artist Chase Grey’s banners honoring his Musqueam roots and the land they stand on. Depicted in the banners are Salmon, a keystone species which sustain life here, while eagles, rulers of the sky, are sacred to many Northwest Coast nations, symbolizing strength, wisdom, protection, and courage.

Between 48th and 51st Avenues

Alternating with Chase's banners are artist Jessie Sohpaul’s banners which celebrate Punjabi Market, the community and the people. Phulkari and asterisk patterns are a nod to the history of countless fabric and clothing stores in the market. The Gurmukhi script reads "Punjabi Bazaar" and it takes us back to our roots and literally puts our language at the front of the market.

South Vancouver

The first Vaisakhi Nagar Kirtan outside of India was held in Vancouver, in 1979, and it marked a significant cultural milestone for the Sikh community. This event, featuring vibrant processions, devotional singing, and communal meals, seva (selfless service), showcased Sikh heritage and unity, fostering cultural pride and awareness. The procession begins at Ross Street Gurdwara (8000 Ross St. Vancouver) and makes its way through Punjabi Market every April

6635 Main St, Vancouver

Harinder Singh Toor opened Punjab Food Center in 1981. It quickly became a cornerstone of Vancouver's Punjabi Market, offering authentic Indian ingredients and groceries. People would visit from all over Canada to purchase their spices, Indian snacks and haircare products because it was one of the few retailers offering Indian groceries, thus earning a loyal customer base. Most days, you’ll see Toor Uncle standing behind the counter, go in and say hi!

6623 Main St, Vancouver

Directly beside Punjab Food Center is Riwaaz, a highly-curated boutique that blends together the traditional and contemporary. Opened in 2005, Riwaaz offers fashion, home decor and thousands of pieces of colourful costume jewellery to match any outfit for any occasion. This retail boutique is a notable stop on your tour.

Behind Riwaaz: 6623 Main St, Vancouver

”Uprising Sonata” by artist Mohadese Movahed depicts three cypress trees next to each other, creating a unified, interconnected, and upward-reaching form. This design, rooted in Iranian culture, symbolizes resistance and endurance. The cypress tree’s long lifespan and resilience against harsh conditions mirror the Iranian people’s historical struggle against oppression. The moon’s serene glow provides hope and guidance, symbolizing the strength and light needed to navigate through dark times and challenges.

Behind Riwaaz: 6623 Main St, Vancouver

“The Golden Land” by artist Guntaj Deep Singh portrays Punjab, the land of five rivers and where during the harvest months, the earth is covered like a golden sheet. This mural depicts the auspicious moment of the year in a village in Punjab when the crops are ripe and ready for harvest. But this moment is not only the celebration of the fruits of the labor done on the crops, but much more is hidden.

Beside Himalaya Restaurant, 6587 Main St

“A Love Letter to Mithai” painted by artist Sandeep Johale letter Indian sweets, an integral part of South Asian culture. It pays homage to Himalaya Restaurant’s family tradition of sweet making. Set against a rich marigold background are two Indian archways framing two different tiers of mithai. They are flanked on either side by flowers composed of a jalebi-like mithai called Imarti. The colour palette is bold and bright, and the patterning moves from soft florals to geometric motifs.

6587 Main St, Vancouver

Opened in 1973 by Kewal Pabla on the corner of Main and 50th, Himalaya Restaurant began as a sweet shop, buffet and later, a banquet hall. Known for cholay bhaturay and their large array of Indian mithai (sweets)—all of which are made in-house—the restaurant has been a landmark for generations. Often referred to as "Pabla’s," it has hosted countless first dates and family gatherings. Despite modern relocations, its retro ambiance and loyal patrons keep it thriving.

Behind Himalaya Restaurant, 6587 Main St

“ਮੋਰ (Peacock)” is a mural by artist Sunroop Kaur which explores community, identity, and belonging, with the peacock serving as a metaphor for the South Asian diaspora. Cherry blossoms and mountains connect to Vancouver's landscape, anchoring the piece in the present. It celebrates cultural hybridization, honoring how the community, though uprooted, has established a new home.

6576 Main St, Vancouver

Next head over to Amrit Fashions where you’ll step back to the gulleys of an Indian bazaar— a treasure trove of everything you need to outfit yourself and home decor! During the summer months, you’ll often see tables set up on the sidewalk outside of their store with hundred of Rakhri’s to choose from.

6529 Main St, Vancouver

Guru Bazaar was once a staple in Vancouver’s South Asian retail scene, known for its extensive fabric collection. Renowned for sarees, bangles, wedding outfits, and more, it attracted shoppers from across the region. Owner Sunny Khurana began working at the shop with his father when he was just 10 years old. After 30 years in business, Guru Bazaar relocated to Surrey in 2013 due to high rent and gentrification. It was once located where today, you see Freshii and the future home of Fresh Slice Pizza.

Between 48th and 51st Avenues

In July 1993, Punjabi Market was officially recognized with bilingual signs in English and Punjabi–the first time Gurmukhi was used on street signs outside of India. The journey to have this designation wasn’t easy; in the 80’s a motion to rename the 3-block stretch to “Punjabi Market” was rejected by Vancouver City Council, and the proposal was met with racism from community members in the neighbourhood. In 1993, the designation was finally given, and you can still see the street signs in all the intersections today.

Beside Tim Hortons at Main and 49th

Jee Aayan Nu (a formal way of welcoming guests in Punjabi) is a mural by artist and Chair of the Punjabi Market Collective, Jag Nagra—welcoming and introducing passersby to Punjabi Market. The artwork features bright colours, Indian motifs and graphics paired with bilingual 3D text and is an ode to different aspects of Punjabi Market that have been a part of its history including spices, jewellery stores, textiles and marigolds.

Behind Tim Hortons at Main and 49th

“Interconnected” by Musqueam Artist Diamond Point depicts water flowing in a three-strand braid of hair, with salmon symbolizing abundance and wealth. The braid signifies the connection of the three host First Nations and their communities. This design highlights interconnectedness, relationships, and family. The Punjabi Market Collective emphasizes Musqueam artists to remind us that the area has always been Musqueam land.

Main and 49th

At Main and 49th, a new six-storey mixed-use building is under construction, which will fea ure retail space on the ground floor and rental housing above. The developer's decisions regarding commercial tenants will be pivotal, potentially transforming the cultural and economic landscape of the Punjabi Market and influencing the community's future.

6437 Main St, Vancouver

Persia Foods is a grocery store chain known for affordable prices and a wide range of international and ethnic food products.

215 E 49th Ave, Vancouver

If you’re craving Indian street food, look no further than Desi Rasoi on 49th Ave. After trying their Indian burgers, mouth-watering chaats or or their golgappe, you’ll have found your new favourite street food retaurant.

6502 Main Street, Vancouver

If you’re looking for a cozy spot to get your coffee fix, head over to Roots Cafe on the corner of Main and 49th. Established in 2012, it quickly became a community favorite for its delicious coffee, hearty breakfasts, and homemade pastries. Say hi to owner Ethel when you’re there.

Behind A-Class Fancy Jewellers, 6526 Main St

“Shahi Tukra” is a mural painted by husband and wife creatives Mustaali Raj and Minahil Bukhari. The artwork honors North Indian royalty with an illusionary 3D space, transporting viewers into that era. It abstracts traditional palace and jewelry motifs, evoking nostalgia and the warmth of Indian summers. The contemporary design celebrates the South Asian diaspora's contributions to Canada's cultural landscape, symbolized by an adorned archway representing the entry point of South Asian immigrants to the Punjabi Market area.

6540 Main St, Vancouver

Husband and wife duo, Ashok and Reena Dhingra, set up shop in Punjabi Market in 1999 with their fashion and textiles business. Over tfe years, they’ve expanded their offerings to feature ready-made outfits, jewelry, footwear and almost everything you need for Indian wedding events you’re attending. This expansive retail space is a must visit on your tour.

HC Jewelers, a prominent fixture in Punjabi Market, was founded by father-son duo Madan Lal and Mrignesh Nanda in 1985. Passed down through generations of skilled artisans, the business is now proudly run by the fifth generation, upholding their family’s tradition and heritage. Drop by to meet co-owner Seema Nanda and her son Gulzar Nanda—a co-founder and board member of the Punjabi Market Collective!

6576 Main St, Vancouver

Although the shop no longer is in business, here stands the address of the first Indian shop to open, laying the foundation for Punjabi Market. Shaan Sharees and Drapery was opened by Sucha Singh and Harbans Kaur Claire, who immigrated from England and saw a lack of Indian fabric stores in Vancouver. With the new Ross Street Gurdwara opening in South Vancouver, they found an ideal location for their shop. Tthe Claire family still lives in the neighborhood.

6576 Main St, Vancouver

SK Designs & Jewellers is a family run business, originally opened by the Late Balu Thakor in 1975 and now run by his son Jay Thakor. Specializing in high-end artificial and silver jewellery at an affordable price, we also handle white and yellow gold jewellery repairs.

Behind Hi-Class Jewellers: 6570 Main St

“Kohnioor, Where Are You?” is a mural painted by artist Jessie Sohpaul. It depicts the Kohinoor — one of the largest and most famous diamonds in the world, now in possession of the British through questionable means. This mural depicts the diamond at the center, with the side profile of two turbaned Sikh men facing away from the diamond. In the top left triangle, it says “Kohnioor” in English, and in the bottom right triangle, it’s written in stylized geometric Gurmukhi script.

6602 Main St, Vancouver

Pindi Gold Jewellers have been proudly serving Punjabi Market for over 20 years, offering a wide selection of 22K & 24K Gold Jewellery, White Gold Jewellery, Diamond Jewellery, Silver Jewellery and Gemstones. They specialize in South Asian jewellery and our inventory is updated regularly with exclusive jewellery from Singapore, Dubai, Turkey, India and Pakistan.

6636 Main St, Vancouver

Look two doors down from Pindi Gold Jewellers for Bombay Bazaar, and you’ll notice marigolds adorning the entrance. Despite its small size, this shop makes a big impact. It offers everything you need for wedding decor, from bangles and footwear to artificial marigolds, henna, and incense. A favorite among treasure hunters, be sure not to miss this store! A must visit if you’re looking for souveniers to take back for your loved ones!

In March 1990, husband and wife duo, Madan and Rajni Dhingra opened up Mona Cloth House, one of the biggest storefronts on Main Street. To this day, they serve a loyal and dedicated client base, specializing in Indian clothing for women. They offer goods like churidar suits, resham sarees, lehengas and patiala suits. Pop in and say hi to aunty and uncle!

6696 Main St, Vancouver

Located at the corner of Main and 51st, and established in 1993, Nanda Jewellers offers a wide selection of 18-22kt. Gold, Diamond, and Silver Jewellery. Specializing in South Asian jewellery, the Nanda family has over four generations of expertise in the jewellery business.

6810 Main St, Vancouver (Main and 51st)

Sunset Community Centre is a hub for community activities and cultural events. Offering programs for all ages, including recreational classes, arts and crafts, fitness sessions, and workshops, it fosters community spirit, promotes health, and celebrates the rich cultural heritage, enhancing local residents' quality of life.

Please note, most businesses are closed on Tuesdays!

Enjoy your self-guided tour, and tag us on Instagram @punjabimarketyvr to share your journey!