Spice Bazzar — Restaurant in England

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...

Arrived Sunday for the first time on recommendation. No warm greeting, small restaurant and tables too crammed next to each other even though floor upstairs was empty full of tables and unoccupied -Drink spilt on my husband, table and floor, which I might add I cleaned the floor myself, table cloth changed almost immediately manager I think looked more embarrassed than apologetic, said thats okay mistakes happen.Really ! Not good enough.. We were not offered to move! Popperdoms offered I thought was complimentary was not advised was chargeable when the bill came nothing was taken off the price or even offered complimentary It was almost like we were not wanted there and was catered vastly for the non ethnic Pictures on the walls (the manager posing with so many of his guests no ethnicity) suggested a communal experience but far from it. Very disappointed indeed. **RESPONSE BELOW FROM OWNER Foul and offensive? Do you know the meaning of that when you have accused my son of the incident rather than excepting your waiter made a mistake hence your blatant comment….I am absolutely livid of your response- Might I add I have a couple who was a witness willing to defend my comment your waiter approaching us with the tray had not even placed the tray on the table and the bottle collapsed !!??- You know the truth and now I know and everyone knows you will say anything to restore your reputation even at the cost of your customer- definitely not for us your establishment we paid u my hard earned money of £76 for a baseless comment from you, as for asking about the meal it was not asking us about our experience which was equally important and as for complimentary your far from Understanding or respecting consumers feedback and experience…. Shame on you!!!

Spice Bazzar (owner) 24 minutes ago Thank you for the review Firstly we cater for all we find the word catering for the English very offensive and foul Secondly it was your son whom was at fault for dropping the drink from the waiters service tray Thirdly we do not offer complimentary at our restaurant and never have During your dining we always asked between courses how was the email and the response was very good This review in question has flabbergasted us and not only that we find this...

I like the review written by spark dialogue, he or she really know their stuff and I am guessing that they are Bangladeshi or Indian or possibly Pakistani because they speak with authority it is very well written and sums up what's wrong with the place very well. The so-called award winning lamb Jaipur which they spell wrongly I have had only the once because it was so lacking in spices. It tastes slightly of red chili powder slightly garlicky but tastes absolutely nothing like an authentic traditional lamb curry. This place is not an Indian restaurant and they shouldn't be advertising themselves as an authentic Indian restaurant. The food is Anglo Bangladeshi and a very bad example of it to boot . I don't think there's a single dish on the menu that is actually authentic Indian or authentic Bangladeshi or authentic Pakistani. I started eating Indian food in 1965 and I've been cooking it on and off since 1970 so I do have a few years experience. I am trying to state what's wrong with the food, basically the chefs have no idea how to cook properly. Or if they do know how to cook they are not doing it There is no blending of spices and ingredients where The end product is a kind of Flavour explosion and is far greater than the sum of all the individual parts or components or ingredients. Do the chefs ever eat their own food and if so what do they think of it compared with say how their wives or sisters or aunties etc cook at home. There is no subtlety or blending if you want it spicy but you end up with a dish full of red chili powder. I will never visit the place again, there are so many better places in Leicester. How did they win any awards. That really puzzles me did they employ another chef especially for the competition or did they get their wifes' to do the cooking, beats me a complete enigma. There's a restaurant next door to them that vastly better I cannot say how much better it is. It would be like comparing a skateboard with the Rolls-Royce Or MacDonald's with a top Parisienne restaurant. Avoid avoid avoid at all costs you have been warned you have...