Spice Inn

This is an old-​school traditional curry house that looks as though it got stuck in the 70s. The décor actually probably hasn’t changed since then. Don’t go expecting any fancy flourishes or fusion dishes — the menus are in plastic wallets and have a good selection of all your classic curry faves (chicken jalfrezi me up!).
I went with my two cousins who live nearby, and their mum who’d come to check on them. We had a slightly weird experience where the resto was practically empty but they seated us in the far corner, away from the door and windows and it was quite dimly lit on the far side of the room. We wouldn’t have thought twice about it, had it not been that all the (white) groups that came in behind us were all noticeably seated on the more brightly lit side of the room where you come in (and as far from our table as poss). Were they worried people would be put off their food by seeing the table of asians eating naan with their fingers?! Maybe it was all just random, but I wasn’t really sure what to make of it…
The service manages to both stand on top of you yet also take an age to respond when you ask for anything. But the food came out eventually — nothing special but tasty enough, and not swimming in oil either which pushes it up the curryhouse rankings for me.
So despite the best efforts of the starey waiters I can see myself coming back here when I’m craving a low-​key indian, mostly because it’s so local for me — I wouldn’t recommend making an effort to travel here nor going on a special occasion though!

I have not been to this restaurant for many years preferring the India gate, however I was disappointed with my last visit there and thought I would try the Spice Inn once again. I was very pleased to find the food was excellent and the price very reasonable. The only downside is the interior décor is a bit clinical.

I’ve been here twice now, once for date night and the other for a family meal. The first time I was pleasantly surprised with the quality of service and food as well as the prices which were the real reasons we came back the second time. The first time we ordered poppadoms, the meat starter, 2 curries, saag paneer, a naan, a rice, and a bottle of the house red all for only 30 pounds. The poppadoms were nice and came with lime pickle, a fruit sauce, onions, and a yogurt sauce. The curries were great too as they cook the meat before they are put in the curry sauce and the vegetables are still crisp instead of soggy and overcooked. The pilau rice is mutlicoloured and seasoned rather than the boring steamed basmati rice and the naans were big but a bit greasy on top from the butter or oil. I also always order saag paneer and while this one was nice, I think I prefer them without the coconut milk.
The next time we came here there were 4 of us and we ordered poppadoms, 4 curries, 3 rice, 2 naans, saag paneer, 4 Cobra beers, and a bottle of the house red wine and it was only 55 pounds. Once again the quality for the price is amazing and I wouldn’t travel to brick lane again now that we have found this place. The lamb curry was very spicy and I think the chicken curries are the best because the colour and flavour is great on it’s own as well as in the sauce. The only thing that I thought was strange this time was the waiters all standing behind us and starring as they waited for us to finish, and it wasn’t close to closing time. Also I would have given 5 stars but the ladies’ bathroom wasn’t as clean as I would have liked and the décor of the restaurant is a bit lacking. There is a refrigerator in the front that looks like it should have ice cream in it but it’s just some marinating meat and the bar area looks like it’s straight out of the 1970s, just a bit tacky. Overall I like the food and the price and when I go for a curry ambiance isn’t the top priority.

Upon arrvial to Spice Inn we were greeted, with air freshner smells due to the fact it is Indian so they do want the place to smell good after the curry aromas. Customer service was good.
Decour was interesting had elephant, octupus, human, god picture’s around the wall. carpeted floors, round table’s and also narrow tables. They need a heater, in that restaurant I swear I had my jacket on the whole time. The restaurant had a homely feel to it which was lovely because you could see families that were out for dinner.
The food! my mouth waters while reminsing. Warm Nan bread with the sauce’s were delicious. Plus the popedom were good.
Now I love my onion banji’s but I was not impressed with this one, it was flat WHY! They are suppose to be in a ball like shape.
They were hard WHY! They are suppose to be soft.
Due to that dispoinment, I tried something that I have not eaten before, Chicken Briyani with vegetable currey Oh my days! that meal was serious. Ths tickled my taste buds fillled my belly what more can a girl ask for! And all for £6 (wasted £2 something for rock flat banjis never again)
Customer service was good.
The restaurant in Stratford! so that means it has everthing, transport and eveything else wise.