Spice Cuisine

ALTHOUGH I’ve ordered plenty of takeaways from Spice Cuisine, I’ve never actually stepped over its threshold before. I was pleasantly surprised by what I found.

The extended restaurant was bright thanks to big windows which run across the front and, like so many of today’s curry houses, the decor was chic and modern.

It was a curry with a difference for us as it was the first time we had taken our son along, so I was very glad to see there was a good choice for youngsters on a specific children’s menu.

The staff were friendly and welcoming, showing us to our table and immediately producing a jug of water.

Although we were there quite early in the evening, the restaurant quickly filled up with customers with plenty more dropping in to pick up takeaways.

I was a little surprised to have to ask to order a drink. I was told the restaurant only sold soft drinks, which suited us fine, and later spotted some customers arriving with their own alcohol.

We started with poppadoms before I opted for the onion bhaji (£1.95) while my husband chose the chicken samosa (£2.25).

Our starters were tasty and were served with a generous helping of salad. The chicken samosas were particularly good with a crisp outer shell.

I ordered a chicken dhansak (£5.95), while my husband had the balti chicken tikka pathia (£6.95) and my son chose the children’s chicken korma (£4.50).

Between us we shared a boiled rice (£1.75), a pilau rice (£1.95), a large peshwari naan (£2.95) and a small plain naan (£1.95).

My chicken dhansak was perfectly nice with plenty of succulent chicken, although I found the sauce a little bland.

It was described in the menu as a fairly spicy dish, but there was little if any bite to it. This wasn’t a problem for me but may have been disappointing for those who like a hotter dish.

My husband said he enjoyed his pathia, although he felt the tomato sauce was a smidge rich.

My son tucked into his chicken korma with gusto.

The peshwari naan in particular was a hit with all three of us and the plain naan and rices were just right.

We followed it up with a Nouka, vanilla ice cream with chocolate sauce, (£3.50) and a coconut supreme (£2.95) which were both good.

We left with the impression that if you wanted a good curry at a very good price, you would be in safe hands at Spice Cuisine.

HOW IT RATED

Food 3
Service 5
Ambience 4
Value for money 4