spicy masala kitchen — Restaurant in Philadelphia

I am in town from Utah, and I had three nights to eat out, explore the food scene, and try different restaurants. I’m usually really good about trying famous foods from the region when I travel.

The first night, I tried Spicy Masala not because I was really craving Indian food. In fact, the only reason, I chose Spicy Masala was because it was still open when I got into town, it was close to where I was staying, and mainly bc the Chinese place I originally wanted to go is next door but only accepts Venmo.

But yall, stumbling upon Spicy Masala ended up being one of my absolute favorite things that happened to me all trip!!!

The first night, I got the Mango Chicken. It sounded benign and safe to try as someone who likes Indian food, but is also a complete baby when it comes to spice.

It was SO GOOD. It had chunks of mango and cubed chicken with a creamy sauce that made for a PERFECT sweet and savory combo. I was ENCHANTED.

I thought about that mango chicken dish so much the next day that I went back that very same night. I got the Butter Chicken dish that time, just to change it up a little bit… it was DELICIOUS.

Tonight was my last night in Philadelphia. All day I was so convinced I wanted a Philly Cheese Steak. I had talked about it to my friends and family that “damn it, that sounds gross, but I’m gonna try it while I’m here.”

But again, all day I was just craving more Indian food🤷🏼‍♀️

It started POURING rain on my journey home from the Met, and I capitulated to give my stomach what it so desired. So tonight I got the Coconut Chicken.

Chicken was moist, the sauce was creamy, and that little hint of coconut… OH BOYY. This was my favorite of the three I tried. I am sitting here in bliss.

I was going to take a picture to post on this review, plus I lowkey wanted to save some for breakfast in the morning since I fly out home early, but I immediately sat down to watch my favorite TV show, told my friend she couldn’t poach any from me tonight, and then proceeded to eat whole tub. :))) I did throw in a picture of some garlic naan (a must try, I’m gonna dream about this naan tonight ya’ll it was so tasty), but I didn’t think get a picture of it fresh!

I also have to ado into this review that the boys working are an absolute hoot. The guy at the front teased me good naturedly for being back so soon, but they were all sweet and were excited that someone could love their food so much enough to come back three nights in a row. They work hustling and working hard to get all the to go orders out, but they were still really kind and took the time to chat with me. It was all extremely endearing.

Anywho, I will definitely be back one day to Philly to come to my new favorite...

Adore this spot for take out. It’s a bit small for dine in and often a lot of delivery drivers are sitting around to pick up the orders so I don’t want to take up space for them so I always take to go.

Very friendly and welcoming staff. I am making my way through the menu and most of the dishes are two portions. Their naan breads are so fresh and tasty. I’m addicted to the chaat papri, and have to get it every single time because it is always my favorite and is always perfect comfort food. I love all of their lamb dishes. The chicken biryani kind of lacks balance, it is very light on chicken portion, which some may not expect, especially for the price. Their custom dipping sauces are really delicious. The restaurant is clean, organized, and really efficient. I have ordered small and large orders, varying times a day, and they do a great job at being fast. The owner has even shared an extra naan or sauce with me and given samples for me to try. Truly love this spot and happy to have southern Indian food...

So I have been eating at different Indian restaurants throughout Philla and DE county. Today I tried this one and to my surprise my food was good. I give the chicken curry an 8 out of 10. The spice was perfect, the sauce was really good, rich with flavor and seasoning... but had a little too much tomato taste to it. I also had the samosa chaat which I rate a 9 out of 10. The samosa chaat was one of the best I have had in Philly! Flavorful, chick peas were soft and the chutneys were delicious. Last but not least the laccha paratha. I would rate this a 6 out of 10. It was a bit doughy and not enough butter. I have had this bread in several restaurants and the best paratha is buttered with a little crunch to the edges. Overall, I would definitely go back. The food was good, the place was very clean and the customer service was nice and accommodating. Great job! I wish I knew how to post pictures of my food. It definitely looked appetizing and smelled so good! I look forward to trying...