After dining at Nirwana Kelong for two consecutive nights, we decided to try Spice. What drew us to this restaurant was its website mention that the dishes are crafted by an Indian chef.
It was a pleasant evening with a lovely sea breeze, so we opted to walk from Nirwana Resort & Hotel to Spice. The walk was peaceful and quiet, offering a glimpse of their herb garden and even some green iguanas along the way.
Upon arriving, we were greeted by a standalone building that looked quite posh from the outside. The inviting atmosphere inside made a great first impression.
We ordered the Lamb Rogan Josh, Chicken Tikka Masala, and two Plain Naan. As big fans of Indian cuisine, we’ve had the chance to try it in many places, and the food at Spice certainly met our expectations. The flavors were spot on, and the portion sizes were just right—enough to leave us satisfied. Even the naan was delightful: warm, soft, and perfectly chewy.
The staff at Spice deserve special mention. They were attentive, polite, and friendly, ensuring our dining experience was seamless and enjoyable. Their hospitality added to the charm of the evening.
For those who enjoy dining with a sea breeze, Spice offers outdoor seating. The staff did warn us about mosquitoes, and since we didn’t have insect repellent, we chose to dine indoors.
Despite the current Google rating of 3.9 stars, we genuinely feel Spice deserves at least 4.2 to 4.5 stars. The food, ambiance, and service combined make it a standout dining experience that’s definitely...
Read moreIf you’re craving Indian food in Bintan, Spice Restaurant might catch your eye with its beachfront setting and promising menu — but don’t let appearances fool you. Our recent visit was nothing short of frustrating.
Let’s start with the “Chef’s Specialty” Paneer Tikka. At ~SGD 30-35, I expected something remotely close to the standard you’d get at even a mid-range spot in Singapore. Instead, what arrived was a rubbery chunk of paneer with barely any seasoning, tossed with raw vegetables and a splash of lemon. Chewing through it was a chore — it was bland, dry, and completely forgettable. For that price, it was daylight robbery.
Service? An even bigger letdown. We had to remind them multiple times just to get a menu. Our orders were taken only after a fair bit of waving and waiting, and the biggest comedy of errors? Staff came over to ask how the food was before it was even served. Seriously.
Spice left a bad taste in more ways than one. With overpriced, underwhelming food and sloppy service, you’re better off saving your appetite — and your money — for almost...
Read moreI'm giving 2 stars, just because of the good hospitality shown by the employees. Talking about the food I ordered, Tandoor (chicken, dry) - Terrible, rubbery, very dry, no tenderness, chicken had lost its temperature and texture. Chicken Tikka - Asked for spicy, yet it tasted bland, disappointed. Chapathi - Received one with all the flour still on it, asked for exchange. Received one with too much grease (maybe they tried to adjust), when asked about it, they replaced with a new one. If someone can't cook a basic staple food chapathi right, I donno what's the fate of the rest.
Summary: The restaurant is surviving only due to the fact that it's the only Indian food option available. Management, Please wake up! My total Bill was 1,000,000+ IDR (1...
Read more