the history of the spice trail

Rich + Magical

The Spice Trail, with roots over 4,000 years old, began in the Middle East where Arabic merchants traded spices like cinnamon and cassia. By 1000 BCE, spices such as pepper and cinnamon traveled from India and Indonesia to Egypt. At one point, a pound of nutmeg in Europe was worth more than gold. In the 15th century, European explorers, driven by the high demand for spices like nutmeg, cloves, and pepper, navigated new sea routes to Asia. “Spices were the silk and gold of the ancient world,” said historian John Keay. The trail stretches from the west coast of Japan, through the islands of Indonesia, around India to the lands of the Middle East – and from there, across the Mediterranean to Europe. It is a distance of over 15,000 kilometers and, even today, is not an easy journey. Today, these spices remain integral to global cuisines, enriching our dishes and connecting us to a rich history. The next time you add a pinch of cinnamon to your baking or a dash of pepper to your dinner, consider the rich history of these spices that bring flavour, warmth, and comfort to our homes.

 

Surrey World Culinary Stage

over 100 ethnic cuisines

Did you know that Surrey is home to over 100 different ethnic cuisines, making it one of the most dynamic culinary landscapes in Canada? With its diverse population and rich cultural tapestry, it is a modern-day reflection of the ancient spice trade. The city’s vibrant culinary scene, featuring the Surrey Spice Trail, showcases the profound impact of these historic spice routes. Here, you can savor dishes from Indian, Middle Eastern, and Southeast Asian cuisines, each bursting with the flavours of spices that once travelled those ancient paths. This blend of history, culture, and cuisine not only enriches Surrey’s food landscape but also connects its residents and visitors to a global heritage. Today we will taste the flavours of India, China, Thailand, Malaysia, and Afghanistan. If we were to make that journey it would take us over a distance of close to 8000 km. Instead, we will travel less than 40 km through the city that in 2023 was named by Food & Wine Magazine as one of 13 cities globally considered the World’s Next Great Food Cities alongside Venice, Italy, and Marseille, France (source).

 

Your Guide’s Story

the personal connection

Your guide on this culinary adventure will take you through just a small sampling of Surrey’s Spice Trail. This tour is more than just a tasting experience – it’s a personal journey that you are invited to share in. As you explore these incredible restaurants, you’ll be hearing stories of culinary discovery and we home that you will tell some of yours. Throughout the journey, you’ll learn insider tips on ordering, we’ll introduce you to some of the passionate people behind these restaurants.

Surrey is Diversity

The Diversity is Delicious

Surrey transformed from an agricultural area to a multicultural hub, driven by waves of immigration since the 1960s. “Diversity is our strength,” says Mayor Brenda Locke. Today, nearly half of Surrey’s residents are immigrants, contributing to its vibrant cultural tapestry. Startlingly, Surrey is projected to surpass Vancouver in population by 2041. Festivals like Diwali and Lunar New Year celebrate this diversity, fostering community unity. While not without the occasional clashes, the city’s rich blend of cultures, cuisines, and traditions creates a warm, inclusive atmosphere, making Surrey a testament to the power of multiculturalism in shaping a thriving community.

The new spice trail tour

Who’s on tour?

Your tour will take you through a variety of restaurants, each representing a different culture and cuisine. From the aromatic spices of Indian and Afghan kitchens to the vibrant flavours of Thai and Malaysian dishes, and the unique fusion of Indo-Chinese cuisine, each stop offers a taste of the world. You’ll experience the warmth of family-run establishments, the authenticity of traditional recipes, and the passion of chefs who bring their cultural heritage to life through food. This journey through Surrey’s diverse culinary landscape is a celebration of the city’s rich multicultural heritage and its status as a culinary destination recognized globally.

get on the trail first

join the invitation waitlist

This tour is designed to immerse you in the rich culinary and cultural tapestry of Surrey. Each stop not only offers a taste of the world but also a story that connects us to the broader narrative of human history, migration, and cultural exchange. As we savour these dishes, we celebrate the diversity and unity that spices have brought to our world, transforming Surrey into a culinary destination recognized globally.

Look for the launch of the tour in the first quarter of 2025. Get on the waitlist and be the first to get on the Surrey Spice Trail with Chew On This Tasty Tours.

get your invitation

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