We were in the west side of the city to enjoy a nice evening walking in Assiniboine Forest and afterwards realized we were really hungry! So we looked for nearby open restaurants and found Spice Circle East Indian Restaurant, which I'd never heard of or been to before. We decided to stop in for a couple of appetizers and a Thali platter.
The menu is a Manchurian Indian menu with approximately half vegetarian and half meat items. Meat items include chicken, lamb, goat and even to our surprise, shrimp biryani!
I got the goat thali, and found the curry to be delicate and well-seasoned, although we could have got the hot instead of the medium and still been okay. The same was true of my dinner partner's platter... delicate meat that fell apart at the slightest touch of a fork. The platter included rice, salad, yogurt, the selected meat curry and two vegetarian curries of the day. Today it was black lentil with kidney bean and a paneer. It also included a gulab jamun for dessert and a basket of naan bread. This platter was $14.99 and will likely fill up most diners, though if you are super hungry add on an appetizer like a samosa or pakora and you are sure to leave full!
We got drinks, pakora, samosas and the thali, which came to approximately $30 per diner for a full meal with everything you would want: veg, rice, bread, meat and flavorful vegetarian curries. The prices are good and fair for the food amount and quality.
I got a mango lassi, which was flavorful and nicely blended, and my dining partner had a pomegranate juice which she enjoyed. Next time I plan to try the appetizer platter and the chai tea and perhaps some of the a la carte menu items, which looked delicious too. If I changed anything about the menu, I would like to have the option to get mint chutney with the paneer pakora.
By far the surprising winner of the experience was the naan which was delicate and crispy, lovely bread. I would enjoy a menu item being just a wrap with naan and a curry filling for a lunch meal.
The restaurant has two seating spaces, a main one and then a private one, so it looks like a big party could be hosted here if someone were to book it. The outer venue has a collection of beautiful paintings from local artist R. Lana, and played soft music. The lighting was bright and clear and it was easy to hear my dining companion. I wouldn't describe it as an intimate venue if you wanted to bring a date here, but it is a good place for you to come with your family. Lots of space, and it would be easy to adjust how many people can sit at a table to accommodate a larger party. The decor has a retro diner feel to it.
Getting into the restaurant involves either stepping up a fairly high curb or following the entire strip mall from the slope, which would involve passing a garbage can which narrows the sidewalk. The door does not have an automatic door opening button. So for someone who is coming with a wheelchair or a large stroller, it would be good if you have a party member with you to get the door and possibly help you up the curb so you don't have to squeeze past the garbage can that is between the restaurant entrance and the strip mall sloped access point. The restaurant bathroom is a single wheelchair accessible room with a baby change table.
Spice Circle is open until 2am currently, and looks like they do a lot of takeout business. But I recommend stopping in if you are in the area, the staff are friendly and the presentation of the...
Read moreOur family of six dined at Spice Circle on a Friday evening, drawn by its reputation for authentic East Indian fare. The establishment itself is expansive, offering ample seating and an inviting ambience, though curiously underoccupied for a weekend night — a quietude that, in retrospect, lent itself to a more relaxed and intimate dining experience. We were warmly welcomed and graciously attended to by Suman, our hostess for the evening. Her service was exemplary — marked by kindness, attentiveness, and a helpful demeanor that enhanced the overall hospitality. She ensured our needs were met with efficiency and a genuine smile, elevating the tone of the evening. We began our meal with a selection of appetisers, which arrived promptly and proved to be quite impressive in flavour and presentation. Unfortunately, the accompanying mint chutney lacked the zest and freshness typically expected, falling short of complementing the otherwise delightful starters. For the main course, we ordered three distinct dishes, which, while not extraordinary, were competently prepared and satisfying. The real stars of the evening, however, were the assortment of Indian breads — the Laacha Paratha, Mozzarella Naan, and Tandoori Roti — each crafted with care and offering the perfect balance of texture and taste. These were a resounding success at the table. We concluded our meal with two traditional desserts, one of which — the Kheer (Rice Pudding) — was particularly noteworthy. Creamy, delicately spiced, and subtly sweet, it was a comforting and authentic end to the meal. The Chai, however, was merely serviceable and lacked the robust infusion of spices one typically anticipates in a traditional Indian tea. In sum, Spice Circle offers a pleasant and well-rounded dining experience. While there were minor missteps, the strengths — particularly in service, breads, and dessert — far outweighed the shortcomings. We would certainly recommend this establishment to those seeking a quiet, family-friendly venue for a taste of Indian cuisine...
Read moreRestaurant Review: Spice Circle
If you're craving delicious Indian cuisine, Spice Circle is a must-visit. This restaurant consistently delivers exquisite flavors and high-quality service that never disappoints.
Food: The menu boasts a variety of mouth-watering dishes, but some standout items include the Butter Chicken, Chicken Korma, Samosas, and Naan. The Butter Chicken, in particular, is a crowd favorite. The rich, creamy sauce perfectly complements the tender chicken, making it an irresistible choice for anyone who enjoys Indian food. The Chicken Korma is another excellent option, offering a milder but equally flavorful experience. Paired with freshly baked Naan and crispy Samosas, these dishes make for a truly satisfying meal.
Service: The quality of service at Spice Circle is top-notch. The staff is attentive, friendly, and always ensures that your dining experience is enjoyable. Whether you're a regular or a first-time visitor, you'll feel welcomed and well taken care of.
Ambiance: The restaurant's ambiance is warm and inviting, making it a great spot for both casual dining and special occasions. The decor reflects the rich cultural heritage of India, adding to the overall dining experience.
Spice Level: For those who prefer milder flavors, Spice Circle offers dishes that can be customized to your preferred spice level, from mild to medium spicy. This flexibility ensures that everyone can enjoy their meal just the way they like it.
In summary, Spice Circle is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to indulge in authentic Indian cuisine. With its delicious food, excellent service, and welcoming atmosphere, it's no wonder this restaurant keeps patrons coming back for more. Highly...
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