Spice Bazzar

Today, I had the unfortunate experience of dining at Spice Bazaar in Leicester, and it was nothing short of disappointing. Despite its accolades, the restaurant failed to deliver on multiple fronts, from the quality of the food to its authenticity.

We ordered the Chicken Rezalla, expecting a rich and flavorful dish. Instead, what we received was a far cry from any Rezalla (see the images of red colour shredded chicken masala)we had ever tasted. The dish lacked the depth and complexity that one would expect from a well-prepared Indian curry. Furthermore, the Jaipur Chicken, misspelled as “Joypur” on the menu, added to the overall feeling of inauthenticity. This typographical error might seem minor, but it speaks volumes about the restaurant’s attention to detail and commitment to authentic cuisine.

What was even more disappointing was the realization that Spice Bazaar, despite being an award-winning establishment, does not serve authentic Indian cuisine. Instead, it is run by a Bangladeshi team, and while Bangladeshi cuisine can be delightful, it is not what one expects when seeking authentic Indian flavours. Leicester, known for its diverse and high-quality culinary scene, deserves better.

The experience was a stark reminder that awards can often be subjective and do not always reflect the true quality of a restaurant. Spice Bazaar’s recognition in the market seems to be more about marketing than genuine culinary excellence. This is a prime example of how a market economy can sometimes fail to prioritise the customer’s true dining experience.

In conclusion, Spice Bazaar was a major letdown. For those seeking authentic and high-quality Indian food in Leicester, I would recommend looking elsewhere. The combination of poor food quality and the lack of authenticity makes this a restaurant I cannot endorse.

Response Thank you for your response to my review. I would like to address some points you mentioned, as there are some inaccuracies that I believe need clarification.

Firstly, while we did encounter a friendly staff member at the beginning of our meal, another staff member later displayed a rough attitude, which detracted from our overall experience. I did not mention this in my initial review as I hoped the restaurant would reflect on their service without specific prompts.

Secondly, at no point during our meal were we asked for our feedback on the food. The claim that we commended the food and service throughout our dining experience is misleading, as there was no such discussion. The only interaction beyond standard service was when someone asked us where we were from, specifically if we were from Bangladesh, which we found unprofessional.

I appreciate that the Joypur (Jaipur) dish is a popular choice and has been enjoyed by many, including notable figures. However, food preferences are subjective, and while it may suit many tastes, it did not meet our expectations.

I am open to providing more detailed feedback directly if it would be helpful. It's evident that your chefs have significant experience, and I believe that with some adjustments, your dishes could appeal to a broader range of diners.

Thank you again for your attention. I hope to see improvements and look forward to dining with you again in the future.