Spice Affair — Restaurant in Aspinwall

What’s this “SPICE AFFAIR” – Indian restaurant doing in the Aspinwall neighborhood of PITTSBURGH? An Indian restaurant is not a quintessential PITTSBURGH thing - at least not at first glance. There are no pierogies, haluski, or stuffed cabbage rolls. There’s certainly no STEEL MILLS in Aspinwall. But the goings-on at SPICE AFFAIR are every bit as HARD-WORKING as the previous generations of steel and ironworkers that labored up and down the Pittsburgh riverbanks. It's refreshing to see MULTIPLE GENERATIONS at work in the halls of this eatery. A duo of brothers bring strong ownership and energy to the establishment along with the immense experience of their father, a grandfather, who no doubt has passed along a thing or two. With a foundation of old-world recipes, carefully perfected and passed along for generations, as well as many newer unique dishes that are harder to find, it is quite clear that the food here is as much a business as a PASSION for these owner-operators. If you find yourself fortunate enough to walk through the doors of this intriguing establishment, you’ll immediately notice an appealing atmosphere with an abundance of seating options: indoor table or booth seats, tasteful bar-style seating usually airing the latest sporting events or music videos, or an airy and open outdoor space with a kingly view of the bustling Brilliant Ave. Greeted by a friendly and professional staff, in recent years that’s usually in the form of a highly esteemed gentleman by the name of Sandeep, you and your party will be in very good hands indeed. A plethora of options: Lunch, Dinner and Takeout are all offered Tuesday through Sunday. The LUNCH BUFFET is difficult to turn down. Served DAILY, six days a week, between 11:30AM-2:30PM, this modestly priced lunch buffet offers the immense convenience of being able to walk in and dig in, so not a moment is wasted on a precious LUNCH HOUR.

Limited word count does not do their meat, veg, and rice dishes any justice.

An array of flavor enhancements like spicy onion, pickled peppers, and even yogurts are all readily available for you to add finishing touches to your plate. NAAN – the bread is a standout – especially when it is topped with garlic or onion. PAKORA’s and SAMOSA’s – fried offerings, many filled with peas and potatoes will satisfy even the most staunchly starved bellies. COLD DRINK – a cold beverage is always available and refreshing, usually a creative brew of homemade concoctions like a spicy jalapeno mango juice or a cold rose tea adds a new dimension to the flavor experience. After you’ve tasted and fueled up on the many heartier offerings of the lunch buffet, it’s advisable to try a sweeter option for DESSERT. Rice pudding and other delectable dishes pair nicely with their HOT CHAI TEA which is offered daily. HERBAL and DELICIOUS, this from-scratch CHAI TEA would put any rival coffee shop out of business. Interestingly enough, the best part of the SPICE AFFAIR experience might not be the food, or the good conversation that you have within the walls of this restaurant but WHAT COMES NEXT… It is recommended that you finalize your experience with a spoonful of MUKHWAS as you walk towards the door. These colorful, candy-like snacks function as both a digestive aid as well as a breath freshener. As you chew on the MUKHWAS, you’ll notice the best part of the experience...the interesting dichotomy of being both quite FULL from your lunch or dinner, yet also ENERGIZED. Not weighed down with empty calories of bloat. Instead, you’ll likely feel UPLIFTED, as it becomes apparent that you’ve just enjoyed an array of functional options that have refreshed and recharged your mind and body, perhaps even your SPIRIT, calories already hard at work fueling you for the rest of the afternoon or evening. Most of the STEEL MILLS have long since left Pittsburgh behind, BUT, if you know where to find it, you can still find a REINCARNATION of a bygone era, a place reminiscent of a longstanding past when food was sacred, functional and quite...

Restaurant Review: A Culinary Journey Through India

Nestled in the heart of the city, spice affair is a gem that transports you straight to the vibrant streets of India with every bite. From the moment you step through the door, you are greeted with the warm, inviting aroma of authentic Indian spices and a decor that beautifully marries traditional and modern elements.

The menu is a treasure trove of Indian culinary delights, offering a wide array of dishes that cater to both vegetarian and non-vegetarian palates. Each dish is a masterpiece, showcasing the depth and diversity of Indian cuisine. The Chicken Tikka Masala was a revelation – tender, succulent pieces of chicken bathed in a rich, creamy tomato sauce that was bursting with flavor. The spices were perfectly balanced, providing just the right amount of heat without overpowering the dish.

The Biryani, a hallmark of Indian cuisine, was fragrant and flavorful, with each grain of rice cooked to perfection. It was a delightful medley of spices, herbs, and tender pieces of meat, making every mouthful a sensory delight. For vegetarians, the Paneer Butter Masala was a standout, with its velvety, smooth gravy and chunks of fresh paneer that melted in the mouth.

One of the highlights of spice affair is their dedication to authenticity. The chefs clearly have a deep understanding and respect for traditional Indian cooking techniques and flavors. The use of fresh, high-quality ingredients is evident in every dish, and the presentation is nothing short of artistic.

The service is impeccable, with attentive and knowledgeable staff who are more than happy to guide you through the menu and offer recommendations. Their passion for Indian cuisine shines through in their service, making the dining experience even more enjoyable.

To round off the meal, the dessert menu offers a sweet finale with options like Gulab Jamun and Mango Lassi. The Gulab Jamun, soft and syrupy, was the perfect end to a flavorful meal, while the Mango Lassi provided a refreshing and soothing contrast to the spicier dishes.

In conclusion, Spice Affair is more than just a restaurant – it’s a culinary journey through India. Whether you’re a seasoned fan of Indian cuisine or a first-time explorer, this restaurant promises an unforgettable dining experience. The combination of authentic flavors, exquisite presentation, and outstanding service makes Spice Affair a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the true...

I made a Google account just so I can praise this place. I am the chef at a steak house accross the river and I’d like to beleive I know good food.

2 years ago I ordered from here on DoorDash never having Indian food, this was my first time and it changed me. Since then I’ve been there dozens of times I get take out a couple times a month and everything is always so perfect.

This cuisine has opened my eyes. I truly beleive it’s the best in the world. I don’t know how I went so long without it. The vegetables the chick peas the braised and grilled meats the curry’s the rice the bread everything is so so special.

Each dish really feels like a grandmother spent hours over the stove making it with love. Seasoned just right cooked to perfection not too much or too little of anything. There’s a man I see every single time im there that always takes care of us. He is the absolute MVP always steers us in the right direction always makes us laugh and makes sure we really have a special time.

The gobi Manchurian is my favorite. The pakora chaat is to die for. Aloo & gobi curry amazing. Bhel poori out of this world. Butter chicken and vindaloo incredible. The byriani is godly. The salmon vindaloo is fire. The naan no matter what flavor you get is the most amazing bread you will ever have.

I’ve been waiting awhile to write this review. Honestly you guys opened my eyes to so much through your food, and that’s what cooking is all about. I hope everyone supports this buisness as much as possible because truly this place is full of love and it’s...