15,000 veggie burgers free at Surrey Vaisakhi Parade, and other food stories
Published 9:00 am Sunday, April 5, 2026
Food stalls are a highlight of Surrey’s annual Vaisakhi Parade (Khalsa Day nagar kirtan), where extensive vegetarian food offerings will be served free in Newton on Saturday, April 18.
Starting near Gurdwara Dashmesh Darbar Temple (12885 85 Ave.), families, community groups and businesses set up free food stalls to share meals and snacks with visitors in a tradition that reflects the Sikh values of seva (selfless service) and langar (community kitchen).
Last year Nanak Foods gave away close to 15,000 veggie burgers made with patties they create for A&W restaurants.
“We couldn’t keep up, so many people wanted them, and I think we actually broke a record because no restaurant would be able to serve that many in eight hours,” said Raj Arneja, community engagement and philanthropy director with the Surrey-based food company.
“This year we’re serving paneer pakoras as our savory appetizer, and also mango rasmalai, one of the top desserts in Canada for us, a little dessert patty with sauce. The flavour appeals to everyone, all ethnic backgrounds, everybody seems to love it.”
Nanak Foods sets up in a parking lot at 128 Street and 76 Avenue, in space shared by Fruiticana and Gagan Foods.
“The lineup that starts outside the tent, the amount of people squeezing in trying to get food, it’s incredible, unbelievable, and it lasts for six or seven hours like that,” Arneja noted.
Raj Thandi, food and culture storyteller on pinkchailiving.com, shares her thoughts about Vaisakhi on Discover Surrey’s website.
Thandi says that for her, the most important part about attending Vaisakhi parade, or nagar kirtan, is reconnecting with the community and faith, “seeing everyone out and enjoying and celebrating the birth of the Khalsa, which is a big part of our religion but also the community.”
All the food stalls are part of the celebration, the longtime Surrey resident noted.
“Historically, people may have been coming from very far away, walking long distances to be a part of these kind of processions,” Thandi said. “So, the idea was that along the parade route, people would provide food and drink for those that were walking with the Guru Granth Sahib or with the main procession of floats.”
She says parade-goers shouldn’t be shy to try different things and ask questions.
“The food is there for you to consume, what you can consume at the parade,” Thandi said. “Because you see all these beautiful foods which are traditional and seasonal, there are just so many options. I would say (the parade) is one of the best opportunities to experience true Punjabi food. Even though there are so many restaurants locally, you really experience a lot of unique and home-style dishes at the Vaisakhi Parade.”
Quizzed about her food favourites, Thandi detailed a few.
“My absolute favourite dish served around this time of year, and is often at the parade, is something called kadhi chawal, a yellow chickpea yogurt-based gravy dish, often served with rice,” she said.
“Also, I am a huge sucker for all fried breads — puris and bhatura are always going to stop me. Then a classic, classic is going to be pakoras, a savoury deep-fried fritter, and what’s not to love about that? Everybody can see that you get a lot of well-known items, but the things I really love are often home-style classics and spring kind of seasonal classics.”
Those giving out food at the parade must submit an application to Fraser Health, event organizers urge. Details are found on SurreyVaisakhiParade.com.