SPICE UP RESTAURANT 渝悦·木桶鱼 — Restaurant in Albert-Eden

We had the pleasure of dining at Spice Up Restaurant on Manukau Road in Epsom recently — and what an unexpected gem this place turned out to be!

From the moment we walked in, we were greeted warmly and seated promptly. The atmosphere was casual yet clean and comfortable, with a homely feel that instantly made us feel relaxed. The menu had a good variety, with plenty of options to suit different tastes and spice preferences — but what truly stood out was the fish dish we ordered, which was hands down the best we've had in a long time. Perfectly cooked, packed with flavour, and beautifully presented. The spices were well-balanced — not too overpowering — and the texture of the fish was just right: flaky, moist, and fresh.

We also tried a few other dishes, and honestly, everything we tasted was delicious. You can tell the kitchen puts love and care into each meal. The portions were generous, and the ingredients tasted fresh and authentic. Every bite felt like a comfort meal done right.

On top of the food, the service was excellent. Staff were friendly, attentive without being intrusive, and genuinely seemed to care about how we were enjoying our meal. They checked in at just the right moments and were happy to explain a couple of dishes we hadn’t tried before. It made the whole experience feel even more welcoming.

Another huge plus — the pricing was very reasonable. For the quality of the food and the overall experience, we were really impressed with the value for money. It’s rare to find a spot where you can eat this well, be treated this well, and not feel like your wallet took a hit afterwards.

All in all, we left happy, satisfied, and already talking about what to try on our next visit. We will definitely be back again, and highly recommend Spice Up Restaurant to anyone looking for great food, warm service, and a fantastic dining...

I have to say that the signature bucket fish is indeed delicious. The fish is tender and melts in your mouth. Since we can't handle spicy food, we chose the medicinal herb broth, which has a mild herbal flavor. For those who enjoy spice, you can opt for the spicy version! The plum-flavored pork ribs definitely have a hint of plum taste; they are sweet and sour, but the meat is a bit tough. The Yuyue white meat is sliced thinly and paired with cucumber, creating a delightful combination of softness and crunch that you can never get tired of. What impressed me the most tonight was the white rice. The long-grain rice with just the right amount of moisture made me want to eat several bowls. Overall, it's definitely worth a visit. The only downside is that even the non-spicy dishes have a bit of a numbing pepper flavor, so those who can't handle spice should be mentally prepared! Highly...

Judging by the number of tables ordering the bucket fish, it's clearly a must-try specialty. We ventured beyond the signature dish and ordered an array of delicious options, including Tofu with Mushrooms, Cucumber Salad, Fried Beans, Drypot cauliflower, and saliva Chicken (口水鸡). Every dish was bursting with flavor. The bucket fish soup was so good that I packed the leftovers to take home, as we had ordered too much food for just three people. It tasted just as amazing the next day! The service was excellent, and the food, combined with the restaurant’s welcoming vibe. Highly recommend this spot for a satisfying meal! 😊 I selected Food: 5/5 , Service : 5/5 and Atmosphere: 5/5 but it shows 0/5 on the reviews. I'm not sure...