The Spice Merchant — Restaurant in Northern Ireland

The restaurant had a warm and inviting atmosphere. The tables were nicely spaced, allowing for comfortable conversation. The walls were decorated with colorful tapestries depicting Indian scenes, adding a touch of cultural flair.

Service:

Our server was attentive and knowledgeable about the menu. They patiently explained the different Paneer dishes and was happy to accommodate our request for a specially prepared Indo-Chinese Manchurian starter.

Food:

Paneer Kadahi: I opted for the Paneer kadahi, a classic dish featuring cubes of soft paneer cheese simmered in a rich tomato,onion & butter gravy. The paneer was perfectly cooked, with a delightful texture that was both melt-in-your-mouth and slightly firm. The kadahi curry was bursting with flavor, a harmonious blend of all spices. It was served with a cheese chilli garlic naan, the perfect accompaniments for soaking up the delicious curry. Indo-Chinese Manchurian: We also tried the specially made on our request Indo-Chinese Manchurian. This dish featured a medley of colorful vegetables, including cauliflower, carrots, and green peppers, all coated in a light and flavorful sauce. The sauce had a delightful tanginess that was balanced with a Umami Taste.

Overall Impression:

This restaurant was a delightful discovery. The food was flavorful and beautifully presented, and the service was excellent. The willingness of the staff to accommodate our request for a special dish further enhanced the experience. I would highly recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for a delicious and authentic Indian dining experience...

I have previously rated this place as 5 stars as the food and setting have always been excellent, but in these times there a more primary concerns.

I took my family to the spice merchant on the first day of "eat out to help out"

I found an extremely busy and tightly packed restaurant, with no reduced seating, tables where both side by side and back to back. With patrons sitting within 1m of other parties at times. And when negotiating in and out of the tables.. forced to go closer once again.

Waiting staff leaned in way to close, and i observed the standard menus being lifted from one table and brought to the next without even a cursory wipe. there was no menu hygiene.

We only stayed as we assume the tables either side of us would not be seated.. but as our food was brought out. they where.

The only observation of covid protocols was a one way system of in and out... this unfortunately also drove all takeaway patrons past the sit in tables

I did not see any compromise of the business for health precautions which is both worrying and alarming.

There will be debates from people that this was "fine" or that covid isn't that big of a deal

But the information in this review is an observable fact if you care about the health of yourself and your community i would stay clear unless they make some real changes particularly in seating distance and menu hygiene

I...

Such a hassle over chips 😭

Ordered takeaway through the business's own website. The menu itself isn't clear on whether mains come with a side - common sense told me no and ordered sides anyway.

Ordered the popcorn chicken for younger family member at £10.50 which the menu clearly states it comes with chips. When the order arrived - no chips. Phoned the restaurant to ask what happened - to be told multiple times I ordered the wrong one and the website was wrong so he couldn't do anything.

After telling the staff member that no one would pay that price only for a box of popcorn chicken was I told the next time I ordered I was to be given free food. Mentioned this wasn't good enough due to price paid and the false advertising on the website, (I have a screenshot from the site) I personally wouldn't order again but would let family know for future orders, he changed saying he could give me the chips.

Long story short - In the end I got the chips I ordered but will think twice before ordering again. Food was amazing but if the youngest wants popcorn chicken I'll...