Exploring curry houses on Brick Lane: The Best Indian restaurant in Brick Lane – A complete guide to City Spice in London
Situated in the heart of Brick Lane, one of London’s most vibrant curry houses on Brick Lane, City Spice has earned its reputation as a must-visit destination for lovers of Bangladeshi and Indian cuisine. Located at 138 Brick Lane, this iconic restaurant offers a rich blend of tradition and innovation, and it is wrapped in warm hospitality. With a legacy spanning 28 years and a revival led by owner Abdul Ahad since 2015, City Spice has become a landmark of authentic flavor, winning accolades like best Indian restaurant in London 2024.
Many visitors who explore curry houses on Brick Lane discover that City Spice is part of the best Brick Lane curry houses you can experience during your food walk. Those seeking the best Indian food in Brick Lane will find City Spice a worthy stop among the best curry houses Brick Lane has to offer.
Whether you’re a local looking for a cozy dinner spot, a traveler tasting your way through London, or a business professional planning a private event, City Spice delivers an unforgettable experience. From award-winning thali platters to a trailblazing vegan menu, this guide explores why City Spice stands tall as Brick Lane’s finest.
Curry houses on Brick Lane: A glimpse into history and culture
Brick Lane has long been shaped by the diverse communities that settled here, from the Huguenots to the Bangladeshis, transforming it into the beating heart of London’s curry culture. City Spice honors this heritage by combining Mughal and Bangladeshi culinary influences. After its 2015 transformation, the restaurant’s ambiance and menu were elevated, drawing acclaim from the BBC and The Guardian for authenticity and charm.
Those exploring curry houses on Brick Lane often rank City Spice high when they compare Indian restaurant in Brick Lane options for their meals. Many claim it offers the Brick Lane best curry for visitors wanting a true taste of East London.
Under the leadership of culinary visionary Chef Niaz Caan, City Spice has thrived. His innovative approach earned him BCA Chef of the Year 2022, and his dishes fuse age-old techniques with modern flair. City Spice regularly caters to a wide range of diners, including tourists, locals, and prestigious corporate clients like Deloitte, with private event spaces that can accommodate up to 105 guests.
For travelers on a mission to find the best Indian food in Brick Lane, the search often includes stops at various curry houses on Brick Lane, and City Spice stands out among the best Brick Lane curry houses they encounter.
More than just a restaurant, City Spice supports the community by donating £1 per meal to the Food for a Better Future Foundation. In 2019 alone, the restaurant hosted 2,650 students, often offering generous university society discounts, cementing its role as a vital part of Brick Lane’s culture. The decor, a blend of elegance and warmth with crisp white tablecloths and deep red accents, enhances the experience. City Spice is not only preserving Brick Lane’s culinary soul but actively redefining it for a new generation.
Standout dishes and vegan delights
City Spice’s menu is a feast for the senses. Favorites like Butter chicken and Black pepper lamb showcase deep, aromatic flavors, while the Creamy chicken tikka masala remains a beloved classic. The lamb, tender and perfectly spiced, highlights Chef Niaz’s skill at balancing tradition with creativity.
A leader in Brick Lane’s vegan movement, City Spice offers a fully dedicated plant-based menu. The Shahi Sahakari Thali, featuring dishes such as Uribeeshi biran and Daal begun gatta, bursts with flavor and color, ensuring that vegan diners never feel left out.
For £21, guests can indulge in award-winning thali platters like the Bangladesh Special Thali, packed with delights such as shatkora dal. The kitchen’s dedication to fresh British produce and subcontinental spices results in vibrant, authentic flavors. Dishes like prawn chana makani and tandoori lamb chops offer an elevated experience.
Visitors often add City Spice to their list of best curry houses Brick Lane London offers when they explore each Indian restaurant in Brick Lane for its unique take on classics. Many note that it is among the best curry houses Brick Lane can provide for an authentic experience.
The dessert menu is equally indulgent, featuring Gulab jamun and Mango kulfi. Drinks like the Mirchi martini and curated wines round off the perfect meal.
Customer stories and reviews
Guests consistently praise City Spice for its heartfelt service and exceptional food. One family highlighted how their children were entertained by views of bustling Brick Lane through the restaurant’s large windows. Staff members like Nasim and Shamim are regularly applauded for their friendly, attentive service.
Reviewers on OpenTable frequently rank City Spice as one of the best and authentic Indian restaurants in London, noting the thali plates and cozy ambiance. A visiting couple from Minneapolis lauded the “rich, authentic flavors” and warm atmosphere, making it ideal for everything from date nights to celebrations.
Those who search for Brick Lane best curry often leave reviews praising City Spice as one of the best Brick Lane curry houses for quality and flavor. Travelers keen on experiencing the best curry houses Brick Lane London offers often add City Spice to their curated dining map.
With corporate clients like the Bank of England and thousands of students choosing City Spice each year, the restaurant’s reach spans every demographic. Guests particularly value its consistent quality, with favorites like butter chicken and lamb dishes attracting repeat customers, even on the busiest nights.
From street food to fine dining
Brick Lane has transformed over the years, evolving from street stalls to a full-fledged culinary destination, and City Spice embraces this shift. The restaurant offers affordable £13 three-course meals and more premium options like the exquisite black pepper lamb, making it perfect for both casual diners and those seeking something special.
Starters like onion bhajis and samosas served with tangy chutneys are a nod to the area’s street food roots. They are simple and nostalgic, yet prepared with finesse. This balance makes City Spice uniquely blend a fine dining Indian restaurant with casual charm.
City Spice’s BYO policy and off-peak deals mean that great food doesn’t come at a premium. It is ideal for families, students, or anyone who wants a full-flavored experience without breaking the bank.
A traveler’s guide to Brick Lane
Situated in Tower Hamlets, Brick Lane is easily accessible from Aldgate East or Liverpool Street stations. City Spice, located at 138 Brick Lane, is just a short walk from both. After your meal, explore local street art, markets, and vintage shops, or visit cultural hubs like the Truman Brewery or Gilbert & George Centre.
Travelers are often greeted personally by owner Abdul Ahad, adding a warm touch to the experience. For groups, it is best to book via OpenTable to avoid missing out. Bring your own wine, request the vegan menu, and arrive early to beat the crowds.
Why City Spice
City Spice is more than a place to eat, it is an experience that captures the spirit of Brick Lane. From its award-winning dishes to its welcoming team and central location, it offers an unrivaled blend of tradition and innovation. Whether you are a lifelong Londoner or a first-time visitor, City Spice is a must-stop on your Brick Lane journey.
For those building a tour of the best curry houses on Brick Lane, City Spice remains a highlight when seeking the Brick Lane best curry. Those in search of the best Indian food in Brick Lane often conclude their day at City Spice, among the top best curry houses Brick Lane London proudly showcases.
