The Best International Delights in Downtown Kamloops

(10 min. read)

Are you looking to taste food that originated from across the world? Are you stuck in Kamloops because of COVID and can’t travel? For a mid-sized city, Kamloops has a lot to offer when it comes to authentic food. There is a variety of restaurants that let you experience out-of-this-world dishes. Unfortunately, there’s limited space in your stomach and not enough time to visit them all. Whether you’re visiting Kamloops or are a Kamloopsian (local), I’ve created a list of the best authentic restaurants in the city that should be on your bucket list. 

This list entails restaurants that have captured the authenticity of their country through the dining experience and of course, the food. The original meaning of traditions has been lost because most have been faked or staged for tourists. However, there are opportunities to experience another culture’s world, and food is the perfect way to open up perspectives and helps create conversation. With the unforeseen future of travelling to different countries due to COVID-19, locals are exploring what their own city has to offer. Luckily, Kamloops has a variety of incredible restaurants that recreate their sense of place and the other. I’ve researched, pursued, and tasted three popular and hidden gem restaurants in downtown Kamloops. These restaurants are: 

• Tongdak Korean Fried Chicken
• The Coconut
• Jacobs Noodle & Cutlet

From take-out, family diners, to hole-in-the-wall restaurants, Kamloops offers a plethora of restaurants to choose from.

Upper Left: Spicy Fried Chicken, Upper Right: Gan-Jang Fried Chicken

Tongdak Korean Fried Chicken

The smell of fried chicken leaves every meat-eaters mouth-watering. The Westernized fried chicken made by the core companies KFC and Popeyes may be great to eat in the moment, but your stomach isn’t happy with you afterwards. It’s hard to find guilt-free fried chicken without the grease and fat in Kamloops until recently. Tongdak Fried Chicken is a new restaurant that captures the Korean recipe of fried chicken. With a perfectly crispy outside and a juicy inside, their chicken leaves you wanting more. Not only is the chicken delicious, but the fries (may I dare say) are the best in town. Locals in town who have previously lived in Korea say that one of the many things they miss is the fried chicken and this take-out restaurant  ‘scratches that itch’ and serves the best dishes that take them back to when they lived in Korea. Don’t let the location fool you; the take out diner is in a food court downtown Kamloops on Victoria Street. The quality of the food and service makes up for the location.

“This place is a pleasant surprise. I lived in Korea for a year and I have always craved Korean fried chicken. Korean fried chicken is super crispy, juicy on the inside and somehow they are able to soften the cartilage. This place’s recipe is good. Quite the authentic experience. Definitely recommend it.” – Google Review by Richard C

Tongdak Fried Chicken is located at 104-340 Victoria Street and their number is (778) 471-6200

Order online here

The Coconut – Finest South Indian Cuisine

There are many options of Indian food in Kamloops but the one that stands out is The Coconut located downtown. They were once located in the food court on Victoria Street and have recently opened up their doors at a new location on Seymour Street on September 16th, 2020. With a wide selection of delicious South Indian food, this place will surely not disappoint any foody who wants a taste of India. As soon as you walk in the doors, you are hit with the aromas of spice and curry, getting you excited about your upcoming meal. The ambiance is very welcoming and charming and the food service is extremely fast if you are on the go or in need to eat asap! All of their spices are made in house to help recreate the authentic taste of South India. 

“I visited for lunch with a friend.We were delighted by the authentic South Indian main course.The spices and flavors were extremely impressive. I’d love to visit again.I’d recommend it as a nice place to go with friends, family, or a partner. Do try their famous Dosas.” – Google Review by Nitha T

Their new location is at 561 Seymour Street and their number is (250) 377-1160

Left: South Indian Coffee, Right: The Special Coconut Dosa

Doso’s are a crepe-like dish made with lentils and rice as the batter and served with sambar and chutney. The Coconut Special Dosa is filled with coconut, potato, masala, tomatoes, cilantro, and their specialty spice powder. The South Indian coffee was deliciously creamy and sweet; a perfect pair with the Dosa. 

Find out more about this restaurant here.

Jacobs Noodle & Cutlet 

If you’re looking for noodles and deep-fried delicacies, Jacob’s Noodle & Cutlet is the place to be! This restaurant is located in a beautiful building on 3rd street with a trendy open concept and a large window facing downtown. The food is very reasonably priced and the portions are satisfying. The Spicy Nabe Ramyun is a must-try soup dish, and is known to be traditional comfort food in Japan. Nabe means “hot pot” in Japanese and is a popular winter food in Japan. This dish is different from a regular bowl of ramen because it’s served on a hot plate that cooks the dish at your table. A typical recipe has fish, meat, and vegetables boiled with noodles. Jacob’s served this dish with prawn tempura, egg, broccoli, onion, carrots, and ramen noodles. It was the perfect dish to warm the soul on a cold fall day! Japan is full of hole-in-the-wall restaurants and Jacob’s has the same vibe as if you were in Japan.

“So far, this is one of my favorite restaurant’s in Kamloops. It has good food, good workers, good atmosphere, and above all it is located inside one of the coolest buildings in Kamloops’s downtown. You can tell this building has seen a lot of years, and was built properly to do so. The art is in the architecture.” – Google Review by Leathem J

You can find the trendy restaurant at 260 4th Ave and their number is (778) 471-3597

Learn more here 

Map of Restaurants in Downtown Kamloops

Downtown Map of Kamloops

Kamloops is full of restaurants that need your help during the pandemic. What better way than to indulge in delicious dishes and explore the different types of food from around the world right in your home. Please call ahead before visiting restaurants to ensure they’re open and what their enhanced safety protocols are. Find out BC’s COVID guidelines here. Below is a quick video of my experience with these restaurants. Enjoy!

An Authentic Food Adventure Video