Amber Spice — Restaurant in Maryland

SHOCKINGLY disappointing for the quality of food and the price. We had a craving for Indian food on our way back to DC from BWI, and decided to stop at Amber Spice since they had good reviews. We ordered the Lamb Curry, Chicken Tikka Masala, Regular Naan, and Rasmalai. Both the Lamb Curry and Chicken Tikka Masala were $17 each, the naan was $3, and rasmalai $6 - not great prices (esp. for quality of food) - this is what I expect to pay in DC, not in the suburbs.

I'll start with the lamb curry, since it was the most disappointing and disgusting part of the meal. The lamb curry cannot actually be called a curry. It was simply chunks of lamb bathing in about one inch or more of oil. Please see attached pictures for proof that I am not exaggerating. We decided to make the best of the situation and took out the lamb chunks out of their oil bath; however, it was still difficult to eat, because the taste of the oil absorbed by the lamb overwhelmed any hint of spice.

The chicken tikka masala should actually be called butter chicken. I know some Indian restaurants do interchange the two, but usually there is a disclaimer on the menu. There was no such disclaimer on Amber Spice's menu. For those that don't know the difference, chicken tikka masala has more of a kick, because it is cooked with more spices; whereas, butter chicken has a sweeter gravy/less spices. The dish we ordered was definitely sweeter/no spice, and tasted exactly like butter chicken. You can also tell from the picture that the color of the gravy is much more orange like butter chicken. That being said, if you are actually looking for butter chicken and not chicken tikka masala, then you won't be disappointed.

The rice, naan, and rasmalai were fine. Clearly other people have not had the experiences that we had, so maybe we were just unfortunate and got an extremely horrible batch of food. Regardless, we will never go back to this place. I regret having wasted that much money on...

I have eaten here about 50 times (not an exaggeration) over the past 4 years, and have brought many friends/family along for the ride. It is my favorite food. It is perfect if you’re eating alone, bringing a date, or a work group or colleague. They will be catering my wedding later this year.

I’ve seen some reviews claiming the quality/quantity of their food/service can change. First, the flavor from visit to visit is close, but it can vary a little sometimes. That said, I have never been disappointed in the quality. It’s always fresh, always delicious, and always perfectly cooked.

As I mentioned, we’ve ordered from them many many times, for years, and never had any noticeable variation in the quantity of food. The amount of food has been very consistent for the entrees we usually order, since the first time I visited.

As far as service, I have only ever had good/great experiences there. Food has always been prepared at a reasonable speed, and everyone there has been nice and professional every visit. I know they’ve had staffing issues due to COVID like so many others, and I know they do what they can to keep that from changing the customers’ experience, but maybe that is the reason some people have been dissatisfied recently.

If you live anywhere near here, or you’re just passing by, this is an absolutely necessary culinary experience. If you like Indian food, everything I’ve tried from here is spectacular. If you think you don’t like Indian food, you should try the butter chicken - it’s a great gateway drug to the rest of their menu.

I rarely write reviews, and only ever take the time when a place is really something special. I’m enjoying their chicken korma and rogan josh at the moment and...

Decided to stop by this place tonight on a whim. Hadn't had Indian cuisine in nearly 2 years since moving back home from Northern Virginia. I had a favorite spot in Chantilly that I frequented, leaving afraid to test another restaurant believing none can compare. Well I am glad to report, I could not have been more wrong! I could not have been anymore pleased in experience I have had tonight at Amber Spice. The food was undoubtedly magnificent, and the ownership and staff were extremely pleasant and personable. I sat at the bar (as I was alone on a solo date night without my husband) and the husband/wife ownership team kept me company by chatting with me for nearly 90 minutes. They even served me a handmade complementary traditional Indian soda beverage I had never had to pleasure of tasting...absolutely refreshing! And my meal...the Lamb Saagwala...was to die for. It left me with no other choice than to use the freshly-made complementary naan (with just the right combination of chewiness and crunch) to clear my plate and silverware of each and every drop of this spicy, curried spinach deliciousness. Amber Spice is now a definate staple in my book of hometown restaurants to visit frequently and share a meal with my new found friends. Thank you, Thank You, Thank YOU... for such an AMAZING...