Traditional Cooking
Welcome to Jambo Grill, where flavors and cultures from four continents come together. Our family-run restaurant proudly showcases traditional cooking methods and ingredients from India, Africa, Persia, and Canada. Our signature Choma grilling technique and the use of a tandoor oven create succulent dishes like tandoori chicken, naan, and kebabs. Our expert chefs layer spices in our curries and fold samosas with precision, taking your taste buds on a culinary adventure. At Jambo Grill, every dish tells a story, and we can’t wait to share ours with you. Experience the world on a plate with us.
Our Story
With a family background in the hospitality and food service industry. Our passion for the culinary arts grew as a family after running successful retail businesses. Shifting towards community and our innate spice for life, an opportunity arose to invest in the reputable snack shop Good Morning Paanwalla and turn it into a fully licensed family restaurant. With a passion for always keeping things fresh and after many renovations, today Jambo Grill is the place to excite all your senses.
Proudly serving guests since 2005 when you visit you will find Mama Yasmin micromanaging the kitchen, Papa Nash welcoming and chatting with customers at the front of the house, and their son Jamil fixing and elevating their beloved space on the regular. With deep family support and experienced chefs and staff, traditional cooking techniques, and recipes that go back generations we are serving up authentic and love-filled dishes at Jambo Grill.
Jambo Grill also serves its own family regularly, 2 daughters Naushina and Shazia who offer emotional support, son-in-law Ben a skilled Red Seal Chef, daughter-in-law Sabrina breathing in some fresh air, not to mention 4 glorious grandchildren who one day may continue the Jambo legacy. This restaurant is all about family; theirs, yours, and ours.
Our Community
We at Jambo Grill are proud to be located in one of the earliest developed areas of Vancouver, Renfrew Collingwood, on the unceded traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. We recognize and honor the land, the people, and the ongoing struggles for sovereignty and self-determination. We are grateful to be able to operate our business on this land and strive to be good stewards of it.
Jambo Grill is a proud member of the Ismaili Community, a community celebrating 50 years of settlement in Canada. The community places a strong emphasis on pluralistic values and embracing the communities we live in and ethical business practices.
As part of the Ismaili Community, the owners of Jambo Grill are dedicated to upholding the values of the community and showcasing their cultural heritage through their food. The community is led by His Highness the Aga Khan, who is renowned for his philanthropic efforts and commitment to cultural preservation.
Jambo Grill takes pride in being an active participant in all its communities and is committed to serving delicious food with excellence in hospitality.
Halal Meat
At Jambo Grill, we use only the best ingredients in our dishes, including Halal meat. Halal meat involves treating animals humanely. Not only is Halal meat important for religious and ethical reasons, but it also has many health benefits. Halal meat is free from harmful hormones and additives, making it a healthier and safer option. At Jambo Grill, we are committed to using only the highest quality Halal meat in our dishes, ensuring that our customers can taste the difference. Come and experience the delicious and ethical world of Halal meat with us!
Our Brand
It all started as Good Morning Paanwala, but that was just the beginning of our wild safari journey! Then we merged with the name Jambo Grill and became Jambo Grill & Good Morning Paan. Finally, we transformed into the epic Jambo Grill Tandoor & Paan House. And did you know that Jambo in Swahili means “hello”? So, hello to bold flavors and unforgettable experiences at Jambo Grill!
But wait, there’s more! Take a closer look at our logo and menu designed by the owner’s son Jamil Mawani of Third Eye Pro and you’ll find some hidden gems. Our tribal font even has the map of Africa concealed like treasure within it – can you spot it? Our symbol is in the shape of a betel leaf, set ablaze like a tandoor oven, resting on a piece of naan. And when those betel leaves fall into the jar of sweet nectar, it’s like a party in your mouth! Bringing those rich and bold flavors from the East to the West, Jambo Grill is a true gem. So come on down, grab a bite, and join the fun!
The Original Good Morning Panwalla
Did you know that the legendary Good Morning Panwalla started its journey way back in 1939 in London, England? This family-owned snack house became famous for its mouth-watering paan varieties and scrumptious treats.
Good Morning Panwalla eventually found its new home in Vancouver, Canada! It quickly became the go-to place for South Asian and African foodies out there who were craving a tasty snack.
But wait, there’s more! Before Nash & Yasmin Mawani owned Jambo Grill, they were actually business neighbors with the owners of Good Morning Panwalla! They became good friends with the family, never realizing that years later they would take over this iconic brand.
The flagship Good Morning store was located on Kingsway Street, right next door to Raja Cinema. It was the perfect spot for moviegoers to grab some authentic Indian and African snacks and drinks. Ah, those were the good old days!
And even though times have changed, the new owners of Jambo Grill still honor the rich history of Good Morning Panwalla. In fact, they still serve Paan Masala as part of their current menu and pay homage to the brand in their logo.
One thing that hasn’t changed throughout Jambo Grill’s transformation is the original Good Morning Panwalla glass-etched logo on one of the restaurant pillars. Come check out Jambo Grill and pay tribute to the historic Good Morning Panwalla!
Jambo Grill Facts
- We seat nearly 100 people
- Our kitchen is nearly the same size of the front of our house!
- We employ nearly 30 staff!
- Jambo Grill has been open since 2005
- We are part of the Ismaili Community
- Our family was born in Uganda, East Africa and Gujrat, India with ancestors from Persia
- We have served 2 Prime Ministers, 2 Presidents, 1 astronaut and several actors and notable people in our community.
- We have catered for over 1000 people in one sitting
- Nana’s Kitchen is a family business
- Jambo Grill evolved from a historic snack shop called Good Morning Panwalla which was established in 1939.
Our Team, Our Family, Our Legacy.
Nashir Mawani
Did you know that the legendary Good Morning Panwalla started its journey way back in 1939 in London, England? This family-owned snack house became famous for its mouth-watering paan varieties and scrumptious treats.
Yasmin Mawani
Did you know that the legendary Good Morning Panwalla started its journey way back in 1939 in London, England? This family-owned snack house became famous for its mouth-watering paan varieties and scrumptious treats.
Jamil Mawani
Did you know that the legendary Good Morning Panwalla started its journey way back in 1939 in London, England? This family-owned snack house became famous for its mouth-watering paan varieties and scrumptious treats.
Nitesh Saluja
Did you know that the legendary Good Morning Panwalla started its journey way back in 1939 in London, England? This family-owned snack house became famous for its mouth-watering paan varieties and scrumptious treats.
Dante
Did you know that the legendary Good Morning Panwalla started its journey way back in 1939 in London, England? This family-owned snack house became famous for its mouth-watering paan varieties and scrumptious treats.
Chef
Did you know that the legendary Good Morning Panwalla started its journey way back in 1939 in London, England? This family-owned snack house became famous for its mouth-watering paan varieties and scrumptious treats.
Our Staff, Our Family.
Did you know that the legendary Good Morning Panwalla started its journey way back in 1939 in London, England? This family-owned snack house became famous for its mouth-watering paan varieties and scrumptious treats.
by 