Spice Spree Indian Restaurant and Takeaway — Restaurant in Canterbury

Visit Spice recently to take my mum to a belated Mother’s Day dinner as we were both away. She was keen to try Spice. We arrived on a Easter Friday evening, I’m in 2 minds whether it should be super busy or extremely quiet, in this case it was the latter. Once we sat down, I really took in the decor. It wasn’t impressive by any means, it looks like it was quickly and cheaply put together. The carpets were the typical cheap rental flat feeling, very thin and hard feeling. The table just had a basic approach, with a white sheet, typical place, knives and forks etc, and fake flowers. None of the 25 white sheets laid at different angles which you typically find in most Indian restaurants, which I find both impractical yet really admirable and part of the experience. Music was off and only turned on 10 minutes before left (around 915pm at this point). Very cold and bare atmosphere. Nothing really Indian. Service was also fine, nothing to really mention except when we were eating the mains we were asked by 3 different waiters if our food was okay. I appreciate the gesture, but 3 is quite interrupting. This job for be just for our waiter, not all waiters. Food was acceptable, neither good nor bad. However, one comment we made when we ordered the garlic prawn starter was that we received a very small plate with some cooked onions in spices and 2 prawns. I thought this was a bit odd, when i commented to one of the waitress and asked where the rest of the prawns are, she said that’s how it is, I mentioned for nearly £8 I’d expect more than just 2 prawns. She said I was mistaken and then started the price was actually under £4, I apologised and took my comments back and said that’s understandable at this price. However, when the bill came, the bill reflected the prawn starter @ £7.95. I then spoke to another waitress (at this point I’m not sure who is our waitress) and she told me the other waitress is mistaken and the price of £7.95 is correct. I said this wasn’t acceptable as we received 2 prawns only and was told conflicting information. She said the prawns come with other things like onions, which I agreed, and continued to mentioned how these things form the entire dish and that’s part of it. My complaint isn’t the price, it’s the fact we received 2 prawns. She asked me what I wanted to do about it, I suggested a price correction to what the other waitress said and she went away. A few minutes later she said she spoke to her manager and reiterated that’s how the dish is made and the price is £7.95, I explained to her that the food was fine, I wasn’t complaining about the quality but the quantity, 2 prawns is very poor. She asked me again what I wanted, and I explained to her again if she would amend the price to what the other waitress said, 2 minutes later she came back and asked me if I could show her a menu of another local business that serves the same dish cheaper. I explained to her this wasn’t a price/quality issue, just the fact I only had 2 prawns. She showed me a menu of a local takeaway and explained how they are the same price as Spice, I agreed and said they are the same price, not cheaper, but I’d hope they would serve more than 2 prawns. I don’t mind paying for what I’m getting, but I’m not sure what I’m getting for the price - a couple of cooked onions and 2 prawns. She asked me again what I wanted done and at this point I’d had enough, it was a calm conversation throughout but I’ve now lost interest and just want to leave. There’s only a certain amount of times someone can ask you what you want and continue to ignore you or make an alternative suggestion. The waitress went to the kitchen, then the bar with what appears to be the manager, returns to our table and informs me they have removed the prawns from the bill. Whilst I’m paying I can see the manager (or the new person at the bar) just looking over our way. Once paid, we just left. I wouldn’t return based on the above. There are better Indian...

I have had the pleasure of dining at Spice Shree on several occasions, and I must commend the restaurant for its exceptionally friendly and accommodating staff. The team consistently upholds a high standard of hospitality, ensuring that guests feel welcome and well-cared for throughout their visit. Moreover, the restaurant's commitment to maintaining impeccable hygiene standards is evident and greatly appreciated.

While I have found the overall dining experience to be enjoyable, I must admit that the flavor profile of the food does not entirely align with my personal preference for authentic Indian cuisine. The dishes, while well-prepared, seem to incorporate a blend of Indian and British flavors, which may not appeal to those seeking a more traditional Indian taste. Furthermore, the curries, in particular, seem to lean towards a Bangladeshi flavor profile, which may not resonate with patrons expecting a more diverse representation of Indian regional cuisines.

Regrettably, the restaurant's location on North Gate Street presents a notable challenge, as finding suitable parking in the area can be a real ordeal. This aspect of the dining experience has detracted from an otherwise positive impression of the establishment, and I believe that the restaurant could greatly benefit from addressing this issue to enhance the overall convenience for its patrons.

In conclusion, Spice Shree has much to offer in terms of its warm and attentive service, as well as its commitment to hygiene and cleanliness. However, a greater emphasis on delivering a more authentic and diverse range of Indian flavors, alongside efforts to mitigate the parking challenges associated with its location, would undoubtedly elevate the dining...

Went in on a quiet Sunday night while nearby for work. Only one other table in, nice and clean and a nice welcome. Cobra draught wasn't available but not the end of the world. So had a few bottles instead. Then waited patiently for the menu but nothing came. Waited and waiting then got someone's attention.. when I did they looked down at the table and slid across the paper takeaway menu that was right under my nose the whole time !

It may just be my personal opinion.. but it choosing my food from some glossy bit of paper that normally comes in my junk mail just was weird and not right? Fine for a collection at half 11 on a Saturday night, but not sat down being waited on in a nice restaurant?

Service was ok and food was lovely, so don't let my review put anyone off eating there or getting a takeaway.

But it's the first restaurant of any food type that I've ever had to choose my food of some junk mail! Even having no menu and an app instead 'circa covid times' would have been better

Sorry if that sounds petty? Just a little part of the whole eating out experience that was missing tonight

Also toilets were bloody freezing ! So good job I only had to go once! But that had no effect...