We arrived at Spice Hut just before 7 pm on a Monday evening. The restaurant was completely empty however due to it being early in the week, and the positive reviews we read online, we didn’t let this put us off. More people dining and ordering takeout started to come in during our meal.
Spice Hut was recommended to us by friends and locals, and overall it was a very positive experience and we would definitely return again. It is a family-owned business with 12 locations across British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan.
The restaurant has free parking and Wi-Fi for guests. Although slightly outdated appearance wise, the dining area is spacious, with many tables and a small patio available in the summer.
Menu
Most of the menu is gluten-free, and there are many vegan and vegetarian options. The restaurant also offers imported Indian beers and wines.
Their menu is extensive offering a range of different dishes and spice level options available, so there is something to suit everyone.
Most dishes range from $20 to $25 however rice is not included with curry dishes, so we ordered a small side of basmati rice for $6, which was enough for two people. We wanted to sample a variety of flavors, so we ordered three dishes: Butter Chicken (medium-hot), Chicken Masala (mild), and Tandoori Prawn Tikka. For sides, we ordered basmati rice, garlic naan, and roti. This was a generous amount of food for two people, leaving us with leftovers. The food arrived quickly, within about 15 minutes.
Butter Chicken (Medium-Hot)
This dish featured boneless chicken breast cooked in a tomato-based sauce with butter, cream, and spices. The chicken was tender, and the sauce had a balanced level of spice. Our server recommended a medium-hot instead of hot, and we were glad we took their suggestion as the heat level was just right. The dish was garnished with cilantro and the portion size was generous.
Chicken Masala (Mild)
We opted for a mild spice level for the chicken masala and although there was no heat, the onion, tomato, garlic and garam masala flavors were still delicious. The flavor of this dish was tangier and the colour was more orange than the butter chicken, and both portion sizes were generous.
Tandoori Prawn Tikka
The yogurt and spice marinated prawns were well-cooked and had a slight char. The red dipping sauce had a rich, curry-like flavor and the mint sauce was also enjoyable, but the red was the star of the show. The dish was served with rice and the prawns looked just as good as they did in the menu photo. The salad was simple but provided a fresh element to the meal.
Basmati Rice
The basmati rice was fluffy and lightly seasoned with saffron. It was well-prepared and complemented the dishes.
Garlic Naan and Roti
We tried both the garlic naan and roti. The garlic naan was soft, fluffy, and had a good garlic flavor with fresh cilantro which paired well with the curries. The roti, made from whole wheat, had a firmer texture. It was not the crispy, sweet roti canai found in Malaysian cuisine but was exactly as described on the menu. It was useful for scooping up sauces. Either naan or roti is a great addition to the meal.
Final Thoughts
Spice Hut provided a great dining experience with quality food and attentive service. The menu offers a variety of options, catering to different dietary needs. The portions were generous, and the pricing was reasonable. While it lacked in atmosphere because of the quiet season, it was a comfortable dining space and I will definitely return to try another curry or a biryani dish. Very satisfying and absolutely worth visiting.
