Every great restaurant has a story, but few are as rich and deeply rooted in family tradition as Baba Chicken. When you sit down to a meal at Baba Chicken Surrey, you are not just eating a standard takeout dinner—you are partaking in a culinary journey that spans over 60 years and crosses continents.
Let’s explore the incredible history of how a small roadside food stall in India grew to serve the Best Chicken in Surrey, British Columbia.
1962: The Humble Dhaba Beginnings
The story begins in 1962 in the bustling city of Ludhiana, Punjab. S. Himmat Singh, a man with a profound passion for cooking and hospitality, opened a modest dhaba. Known lovingly by his community as “Baba Ji,” he focused on serving hearty, authentic Punjabi food.
In those early days, there were no massive dining rooms or extensive marketing campaigns. The success of the dhaba relied entirely on word of mouth. Baba Ji’s dedication to using fresh, local ingredients and grinding his own spices paid off. The dhaba quickly became a local institution, famous for its rich flavors and generous portions.
1991: A Family Tradition of Innovation
As the business grew, so did the family’s involvement. Baba Ji’s son, Mr. Kanwaljit Singh, took an active role in the kitchen. He brought a wave of innovation to the beloved dhaba, introducing new items that would eventually become staples of the Baba Chicken menu.
Dishes like the famous Fish Fry and the inventive Spinach Corn Rolls were added during this era. In 1991, Mr. Kanwaljit Singh took a monumental step by transitioning the humble dhaba into the first official Baba Restaurant. He upgraded the dining experience while fiercely protecting the original recipes and the secret family spice blends.
Crossing Borders: Bringing the Taste to Surrey
The success of Baba Chicken in India—expanding successfully into Chandigarh—proved that the demand for uncompromising Punjabi food was massive. The third generation of the family, led by Mr. Avneet Singh, recognized that this culinary legacy deserved a global stage.
The decision to open Baba Chicken Surrey was driven by a desire to serve the large, vibrant South Asian diaspora in British Columbia, as well as introduce authentic Punjabi cuisine to a broader Canadian audience.
Uncompromising Authenticity
When expanding internationally, many restaurants dilute their flavors to appeal to a perceived “western palate.” Baba Chicken refused to make this compromise.
When you search for “butter chicken near me” and end up at Baba Chicken, you are getting the exact same bold spices, the same rich makhani sauce, and the same slow-cooked perfection that you would experience in Ludhiana. The chefs in Surrey are trained in the traditional methods, ensuring that the tandoor temperatures, the marination times, and the masala blends remain completely authentic.
From a small stall in Punjab to a premier dining destination in British Columbia, the journey of Baba Chicken is a testament to the power of great food. Taste history on a plate by exploring the menu at https://babachickenca.com/.