Spice Aroma — Restaurant in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown

A Sanctuary of Spice and aroma: Some places just get it right. They don’t need a fawning press release or a self-important mission statement plastered on the wall. They just need a tandoor, a fistful of spices, and someone who gives a damn. My wife and I stumbled into one of those places, a joint that from the outside, could be anywhere. But inside, it’s a full-frontal assault on the senses, a joyous, unapologetic celebration of everything that makes food a god-tier cuisine. The first thing that hits you is the smell. Not some timid, Anglicized approximation of curry, but the real deal: a heady mix of ginger, garlic, and chilies, the smoky promise of the tandoor. It’s the kind of aroma that tells you you’re in for something honest. And then comes the food. The tandoori chicken, a dish so often relegated to the culinary dustbin of dry, neon-red mediocrity, was a revelation. This bird had lived a good life and died a noble death. The flesh, succulent and kissed with char, pulled away from the bone with a gentle nudge. Each bite was a testament to the magic of a properly wielded tandoor, a symphony of spice that danced on the palate without overwhelming it. But let’s talk about the mint sauce. I’ve waded through oceans of the stuff, most of it a cloying, sugary disgrace. This, however, this was heaven. A vibrant, herbaceous concoction that cut through the richness of the samosas with the precision of a surgeon’s scalpel. The samosas themselves were textbook – crisp, flaky pastry giving way to a spiced potato and pea filling that was both comforting and complex. Dunking one of those glorious triangles into that verdant sauce was a moment of pure, unadulterated bliss. Then came the heavy hitters. The prawn biryani, a fragrant mountain of perfectly cooked basmati, each grain a distinct entity, infused with the subtle sweetness of the prawns and a chorus of whole spices. This wasn’t some soulless, pre-mixed nonsense; this was a dish built with care, a testament to the slow, patient art of layering flavors. And the butter chicken. Oh, the butter chicken. A dish that in the wrong hands can be a one-note, creamy mess. Here, it was a masterpiece of balance. The chicken, tender, rich, complex, and utterly addictive. You could taste the ghost of chili in the background. It was a dish that coated the tongue and warmed the soul. Holding court over this temple of flavor was Soheil, a host who moved with a quiet grace, a man who understood that hospitality isn't about obsequiousness; it’s about making you feel like you’re in on a wonderful secret. He was accommodating, kind, and possessed the genuine warmth of someone who is proud of the food he serves. In a world full of culinary pretenders, this place is the real deal. It's a reminder that great food doesn't need to be tortured into submission or presented with tweezers. It just needs to be cooked with heart. And this place has heart in spades. Thank you for the food and warmth Soheil, we will come back to try the mango lassi on our next visit -...

This was by far the worst restaurant experience we've ever had. We were a group of 10, and had made a reservation in advance, with confirmation that the table would be ready in 40 minutes. However, upon arrival, we were made to wait for nearly an hour. Once we placed our order, they insisted we order more. After waiting for almost two hours and being starving, we reluctantly added more items just to have something to eat. Overall, this experience was extremely disappointing, and I would not recommend this restaurant to anyone.

When the food arrived, we weren't provided with proper plates; instead, the food was served on what appeared to be discarded plates. We had ordered paneer butter masala, chicken butter masala, chicken tikka masala, garlic and coriander naans, and chicken tikka fried rice. All the curries were overly sweet, and the rice was hard and difficult to chew. We all barely tasted the food and left it untouched. Our bill came to 110 Euros, and this was the result. Overall, the experience was extremely disappointing, and I would not recommend this...

The food was simply incredible! We started with the appetizers, which were bursting with flavor and set the perfect tone for the meal.

The highlight of the evening was the chicken korma. It was rich, aromatic, and packed with authentic Pakistani spices. The tender chicken combined with the creamy sauce was a match made in heaven. Every bite was a delightful explosion of flavors.

Not only was the food exceptional, but the service was also top-notch. The staff was attentive, friendly, and went above and beyond to ensure our dining experience was nothing short of perfection. Their warm hospitality truly made us feel welcome and taken care of.

I can confidently rate this restaurant with a perfect 10 out of 10 for their superb service and mouthwatering cuisine. If you're craving delicious Pakistani food prepared with love and attention to detail, this is the place to be. You won't be...