A room built for the occasion
Seating for 120, private dining for up to 50, a heated covered patio and free parking.
25+Years at the stove
Our Story
A childhood dream from the foothills of the Himalayas
Our story begins with a boy's dream of becoming a chef. Chef Giriraj Rana grew up in a small village called Krishna Nagar in Himachal Pradesh, near the Himalayas in northern India, where watching his father and grandfather cook for customers lit a lifelong passion. Many ancient cooking secrets and techniques were passed down to him in those early years.
In 1996 he began his apprenticeship at the five-star Taj Mahal Hotel in Delhi, learning the original North-Indian style — in-house curry sauces, the precise mix of spices for each dish, and the art of cooking everything at exactly the right temperature. He was soon hired there as a professional chef.
In 2001, The Oberoi recruited him; he rose to head chef and earned Employee of the Year during his five years there.
— Giriraj Rana, Founder & Chef
The journey to Vancouver Island
From Delhi to Belmont Market
In 2007 the chef moved to Toronto, cooking in restaurants across the city for five years. In 2012 he relocated to Vancouver Island and spent seven years at Spice Hut Indian Cuisine in Ladysmith — always staying true to traditional technique and the most authentic, original taste in every dish.
Eventually he found a partner who shared the same dream, and together they opened Authentic Cuisine of India at Belmont Market in Langford. The kitchen serves genuine North-Indian food slow-cooked in a clay oven, with in-house sauces and original spices. Signature dishes like Dum Biryani are slow-cooked and available on certain days. A separate tandoor bakes the naan, and all meat is cooked in a dedicated tandoor and served fresh from oven to table.
We prioritise sustainability and source most of our meat and produce locally on the Island. Nothing is canned or processed; there are no artificial colours, flavours or non-authentic spices in our kitchen.
The experience
What makes a meal here different
25+ years of mastery
A head chef trained in Delhi's finest five-star kitchens.
In-house gravies
No artificial colourants or preservatives, ever.
Locally sourced
Most meat and produce sourced fresh on the Island.
Crafted by a master
A unique experience
Slow-cooked signatures
Dishes made in a tandoori clay oven using ancient methods.
Fresh, local ingredients
Prepared on-premises in our authentic kitchen.
Gluten-free & vegan friendly
Options to cater to every guest.
Our offerings
Room to celebrate
Private dining
Small parties of up to 50 guests.
Seating for 120
A beautiful, purpose-designed room.
Catering for all occasions
Bring our kitchen to your event.