Published: Thursday, 3rd March, 2011 5:00pm
The Spice is more than nice!
SET two floors above the hustle and bustle of Reading town centre this restaurant takes quality Indian food to new heights. Reading Spice is housed on the second floor a grand three-storey period terrace on Station Road a stone's throw from Reading Station.
Run by Amit Soni, it specialises in north Indian Cuisine - blending traditional and modern flavours to an authentic effect.
It sits above its sister restaurant Shanpan - a Thai and Chinese outfit.
As we pass the dark brown wood carvings at the front door we are immediately met by charming manager Krishan Kumar (nicknamed KK) who ushers my brother Christian and I into the room with its soft beige coloured walls and wooden carvings. The tables are immaculately set with beige and cream table cloths and pretty flowers.
My starter is the restaurant's trademark drunken king prawn dish, two prawns marinated in white wine and crushed pepper blended with ginger, garlic and spring onions. Its sweet aroma hits me even before the plate arrives and although the prawns are a little difficult to prise open they are delicious.
Christian goes for the assorted non veg starter with a tender selection of seekh kebabs, chicken tikka and lamb chops, complementing each other with their distinct tastes.
For my main course I plump for the Lamb Picoata served with special fried rice. The well cooked meat is marinated with ginger and garlic and secret Indian spices. It has a subtle spicy flavour with a long lasting tang and is complemented by a smooth mint sauce side dish.
Meanwhile Christian tucks into Karahi chicken - the meat covered in a rich and zesty onion and tomato gravy. He accompanies it with Mirchi Baingan ka Salan - cool baby aubergines served on a slender dish with green chillies and a peanut flavoured yogurt sauce adding extra kick.
Our respective deserts are Kulfi - homemade ice cream served on a stick with splashes of rose flavoured sauce and Gajar Ka Halwa - a warm carrot cake sprinkled with nuts and raisins. Both offer a cool and refreshing end to a fiery meal.
The restaurant, which seats 50 people, also offers an express lunch menu priced at £6.95 per person for one starter and one main course.
There ia also a Sunday buffet from noon-3pm with diners choosing a starter, main course and desert for £7.95 per person.
So whether it be a business lunch, birthday bash or romantic dinner, Reading Spice is sure to cater for your needs.
MAXWELL , KUSI-OBODUM
