1498 The Spice Affair
Side Entrance, The Red Lion Hotel, Market Place, Spalding, PE11 1SU, 01775 769435
‘The food is lovingly prepared and beautifully delivered’
review by Mel Biggadike
This was my first visit to the restaurant and I’m kicking myself that I haven’t visited sooner.
Authentic Goan cuisine reflects a combination of Arabian, Portuguese and Indian tastes which aren’t available anywhere else in the area.
My friend Vicki and I tried the Wednesday night special which at only £11.95 per head gives a great taste of this unique cuisine for a price that won’t break the bank.
The deal includes papadums and pickles, a mixed starter which included Rai Tikka which is breast of chicken marinated in ground mustard and Goan spices, Malmali Kebab, a soft tender silky mince lamb kebab and onion bhaji.
We could choose any main dish from the A la Carte menu so we opted to share Murg Makanwalla (butter chicken) – Tandoori chicken off the bone cooked in a tomato and butter sauce and the signature dish of the region, Goan Fish Curry.
This was served with a choice of vegetable dish, rice and naan bread.
The food was a taste sensation.
Vicki isn’t a huge fan of Indian food but she said it was one of the best meals she’s ever had and I have to agree – the seasoning was perfect and the aromas and texture of the dishes made it a delight.
The food is lovingly prepared and beautifully delivered.
It was exciting with a simplicity that obscure the real effort and skills in the kitchen.
After we had finished our meal, owner, Goan born Loyd Luis explained he is passionate about introducing this unique cuisine to his customers.
Fresh ingredients are sourced locally and exotic spices are used to create unique traditional regional specialties.
The restaurant has consistently had the highest food hygiene rating of five.
Open for 18 months they have many regular visitors to the restaurant but Loyd said that lots of local people are still unaware that The Spice Affair is in the centre of town and is keen for people to know that they are conveniently located in The Red Lion Hotel in the Market Place.
I urge anyone who hasn’t yet visited Spice Affair to pay them a visit as soon as possible.
They serve a daily lunchtime special for just £5.95 with a mixed thali, which is Indian tapas, so you can sample a few of the delectable dishes to get a taste of Goan food.
If you haven’t booked your Christmas party yet the restaurant is offering a set menu for just £18.95 which will be available between December 1 and 30, which consists of a starter, a main, a side dish, rice and a dessert.
Go on, give your taste buds a treat.
