Cafe Spice

Cafe Spice is a beloved Indian restaurant and takeaway in Darlington known for its rich, authentic Indian and Bengali cuisine crafted with fresh ingredients and bold spices. The menu features classic curries, tandoori specialties, biryanis, and traditional favourites, all prepared with care to deliver bold flavours and satisfying meals. With a warm, inviting atmosphere and a passion for culinary excellence, it’s a favourite spot for both dine-in and takeaway lovers of Indian food.

Perfectly cooked and satisfying, our most wholesome Starters a classic favorite for any appetite.

Name & Detail	Price
Onion Bhaji	£4.25
Samosa	£4.25
Paneer Tikka	£5.50
Garlic Mushrooms on Puree	£4.75
Bhuna Prawn on Puree	£5.50
Chicken Chatt	£5.50
Chicken Pakura	£5.50
Sheek Kebab Starter	£5.50
Chicken Tikka Starter	£5.50
Lamb Tikka Starter	£5.95
Tandoori Wings	£5.50
Fmg	£5.50
Mixed Kebab	£6.50
Tikka King Prawns	£6.95
Lamb Chops New	£6.95
Pakoras New	£4.50
Keema Mottor on Puri	£5.50
King Prawn Bhaji (On Shell) New	£6.95
Crispy Momos New	£5.50
Dali Bora New	£4.50
Salmon Tikka New	£6.95
Tandoori Platter	£9.95
Mixed Platter	£8.95

Chicken tikka, yoghurt, almond. Spices, creamy with rich flavour. Contains: Milk, Tree Nuts.

Name & Detail	Price
Chicken Tikka Massala	£10.95
Lamb Tikka Massala	£11.95
Mixed Special Massala	£11.95
King Prawn Massala	£12.95
Paneer Massala	£10.95
Vegetable Massala	£9.95

Cafe Spice’s Tandoori Main Dishes are marinated in aromatic spices and cooked in a traditional clay oven for a smoky, authentic flavor. Popular options include Tandoori Chicken, Chicken Tikka, Lamb Tikka, and Mixed Grill selections.

Name & Detail	Price
Chicken Tikka Tandoori	£10.95
Lamb Tikka Tandoori	£12.95
Chicken Tikka Shaslick	£12.95
Lamb Tikka Shaslick	£13.95
Tikka King Prawns Tandoori	£14.95
Tandoori Mixed Grill	£14.95
Tandoori Wings	£10.95
Salmon Tikka	£14.95
Salmon Shaslick	£14.95

Each Biryani dish is served sizzling hot, offering a bold and satisfying taste of classic Indian cuisine.

Name & Detail	Price
Chicken Biryani	£10.95
Lamb Biryani	£12.50
King Prawn Biryani	£12.95
Chicken Tikka Biryani	£11.95
Lamb Tikka Biryani	£12.95
Mixed Biryani	£12.95
Paneer Biryani	£11.95
Vegetable Biryani	£10.50

Seasonal vegetable, gently spiced and cooked in a bhuna style.

Name & Detail	Price
Chana Palok Podina	£8.50
Saag Paneer	£8.50
Motter Paneer	£8.50
Chana Paneer	£8.50
Dall Samba	£8.50
Butter Paneer	£9.95
Dhall Makhaan	£9.95
Aloo Baingan Karahi	£9.95

Name & Detail	Price
Vegetable Curry	£5.95
Vegetable Bhaji	£5.95
Chana Saag	£5.95
Chana Bhaji	£5.95
Bindi Bhaji	£5.95
Aubergine Bhaji	£5.95
Mushroom Bhaji	£5.95
Saag Bhaji	£5.95
Saag Aloo	£5.95
Aloo Gobi	£5.95
Bombay Aloo	£5.95
Cauliflower Bhaji	£5.95
Tarka Dall	£5.95
Dall Samba	£5.95

Cafe Spice’s Condiments include a selection of freshly prepared sauces and sides to enhance your meal

Name & Detail	Price
Sweet Mint Yoghurt Sauce	£1.10
Onion Salad	£1.10
Mango Chutney	£1.10
Mixed Pickle	£1.10
Chilli Sauce	£1.10
Garlic Sauce	£1.10
Poppadom	£1.10
Assorted Pickle Tray	£3.50

Craving more delicious choices? Check out the full Pizza Stone and Grill menu prices now!

Name & Detail	Price
Kurma	from £8.50
Malayan (N)	from £8.50
Curry	from £8.50
Bhuna	from £8.50
Dupiaza	from £8.50
Rogan Josh	from £8.50
Madras	from £8.50
Vindaloo (Very Hot)	from £8.50
Sri Lanka	from £8.50
Jalfrezi	from £8.50
Balti	from £8.50
Jaipuri	from £8.50
Kashari	from £8.50
Saag	from £8.50
Chana	from £8.50
Garlic	from £8.50
Bombay	from £8.50
Singapuri	from £8.50
Pathia	from £8.50
Dansak	from £8.50

Cafe Spice’s Rice Dishes are freshly prepared and perfectly seasoned to complement your meal. Light, fluffy, and full of flavor, they make the perfect accompaniment to curries and tandoori dishes or can be enjoyed on their own.

Name & Detail	Price
Pilao Rice	£3.95
Boiled Rice	£3.95
Vegetable Pilao	£4.25
Mushroom Pilao	£4.25
Egg Pilao	£4.25
Onion Pilao	£4.25
Garlic Pilao	£4.25

Contains: Milk, Gluten.

Name & Detail	Price
Plain Nan	£3.25
Garlic Nan	£3.65
Keema Nan Mince Meat	£3.65
Peshwari Nan (N)	£3.65
Garlic and Coriander	£3.95
Keema and Garlic Nan	£3.95
Keema Garlic and Coriander Nan	£4.25

Cafe Spice Specialities showcase the chef’s signature creations, prepared with premium ingredients and expertly blended spices.

Name & Detail	Price
Chasni	from £9.50
Karai	from £9.50
South Indian Garlic	from £9.50
Moshori (Mild)	from £9.50
Jhal Jhul	from £9.50
Chicken Souther Curry	£10.95
Shatkora	£10.95
Chicken Handi	£12.95
Lamb Handi	£12.95
Palok Podina	£10.95
Macher Jhul Dish (Tilapia Fish)	£10.95

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Perfect for those looking to explore something distinctive and unique from the menu.

Name & Detail	Price
Murgh Khakri	£10.95
Gosth Achar	£10.95
Keema Mottor	£10.95
Chicken Chilli Massala	£10.95
Lamb Beguni	£10.95
Hariyali	£10.95
Chicken Tikka Special	£10.95
Chicken Tikka Nariole (Mild)	£10.95
Chicken and Keema Saag Special	£10.95
Chicken Butter	£10.95
Rajah Chingri Sagwalla	£11.95

Name & Detail	Price
Set Meal 1	£18.50
Set Meal 2	£19.95
Set Meal 3	£18.95
Meat Thali	£19.95
Veg Thali	£18.95
Family Favourite (Set Meal)	£34.95

Choice of meat with onions, peppers, with chips, salad, and sauce on a nan in a 9" foil box. Please mention if you don't want onions or peppers or chips.

Name & Detail	Price
Chicken Tikka Nankebab	£11.95
Lamb Tikka Nankebab	£12.95
Mixed Nankebab	£12.95
Tikka, Mushroom, and Garlic Nankebab	£12.95
Chicken Tikka Masala Nankebab	£13.95
Chicken Madras Nankebab	£13.95
Chicken Balti Nankebab	£13.95
Chicken Bhuna Nankebab	£13.95
Chicken Dupiaza Nankebab	£13.95
Chicken Jalfrezi Nankebab	£13.95

Name & Detail	Price
Tikka and Donner	£13.95
Sizzling Donner	£14.95
House Special	£15.95
Naga Badboy	£15.95

Name & Detail	Price
Chicken Tikka Wrap	£7.95
Lamb Tikka Wrap	£7.95
Sizzling Spiced Donner Wrap	£7.95
Sheek Kebab Wrap	£7.95
Mix Wrap	£7.95
Chicken Tikka and Donner Wrap	£7.95
Paneer Wrap	£7.95
Lentil Crunch Pakura Wrap	£7.95

Name & Detail	Price
Masala Paneer Tikka Fries	from £7.90
Chicken Tikka Fries	from £7.90
Spiced Keema Fries	from £7.90
Lamb Tikka Fries	from £8.50
Masala Doner Tikka Fries	from £8.50
Chicken Tikka and Doner Fries	from £8.50

Name & Detail	Price
Curry and Rice Meals	£5.95

Name & Detail	Price
Chips	£3.25
Spicy Chips	£4.25
Garlic Chips	£4.25
Cheesy Chips	£4.50
Tandoori Chips	£5.95

Perfectly balanced and deeply satisfying, they deliver the true taste of classic Indian cuisine

Name & Detail	Price
Chapati	£1.95
Plain Paratha	£2.95
Stuffed Paratha	£3.95
Puree	£1.50
Tandoori Roti	£2.95

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Cafe Spice’s English Dishes offer a selection of familiar, comforting meals alongside traditional Indian cuisine

Name & Detail	Price
Fried Chicken and Chips	£10.95
Plain Omelette and Chips	£10.95

Name & Detail	Price
Curry Classic	£19.95
Mixed Combo	£24.95
Donner and Chicken Tikka	£19.95
Big Bombay	£29.95

Name & Detail	Price
Salad Boxes	£7.95

Name & Detail	Price
Gulab Jamun	£4.50
Cheesecake	£4.50
Kulfi	£3.95
Chocolate Fudge Cake	£3.95
Ben & Jerry's Cookie Dough	from £3.95
Ben & Jerry's Chocolate Fudge Brownie	from £3.95

The best way to beat that thirst is to simply follow the lead of our most refreshing and chilled popular Drinks.

Name & Detail	Price
Coca-Cola Original Taste 330ml Can	£1.75
Diet Coke 330ml	£1.75
Fanta Orange 330ml Can	£1.75
Sprite Lemon Lime 330ml Can	£1.75
Coca-Cola Original Taste 1.25L Bottle	£3.95
Diet Coke Cola 1.25L Bottle	£3.95
Cobra Premium Beer 330ml	£4.95
Cobra Premium Beer 660ml	£7.95
Budweiser Lager Beer Bottle 330ml	£4.95
Magners The Original Irish Cider 568ml	£5.95
Corona 330ml	£4.95
House White Wine 75cl	£17.95
House Red Wine 75cl	£17.95
House Rose Wine 75cl	£17.95

Name & Detail	Price
Banquet Meal	£18.50

A spicy dish cooked very home style with finely chopped bulltet chillies and green peppers in a balti sauce.

Name & Detail	Price
Raf's Special Balti	£10.95
Keema Mattar	£9.95
Mushroom and Paneer Balti	£9.95
Balti Sag Aloo with Dhali	£9.95
Fish Balti	£10.95
Seafood Balti	£11.95

Popular Items at Cafe Spice

Cafe Spice Namaste is a cornerstone of the UK’s Indian dining scene, particularly celebrated for its focus on Goan and Parsee culinary traditions. Chef Cyrus Todiwala’s menu emphasizes sustainability and bold, authentic flavors, making it a destination for those seeking dishes rarely found in standard curry houses.

• The Beetroot & Coconut Samosa Chaat is widely chosen because it offers a unique twist on a signature street-food classic, served with vibrant chutneys and chickpea vermicelli.
• Signature dishes like the Parsee Lamb Dhaansaak remain popular among users who want a classic, traditional Sunday lunch experience featuring slow-cooked meat with pureed lentils.
• The Goan Prawn Curry is often preferred when a fragrant, coastal meal is desired, traditionally served with unpolished red rice for an authentic texture.
• Small plates such as the Five Cheese Chilli Toast are commonly selected for quick bites or as an indulgent starter, blending Bombay street style with a rich, molten cheese topping.

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Budget-Friendly Choices at Cafe Spice

While the menu features premium ingredients and refined techniques, there are several ways to experience the kitchen’s expertise at a more accessible price. Choosing from the extensive “Small Plates” section or opting for hearty vegetarian staples allows for a high-value meal without overspending.

Option Type	What to Expect	Smart Choice Example
Value snacks	Traditional spiced starters	Lamb Samosa
Light meals	Savoury regional pancakes	Masala Dosa
Saver deals	Comforting lentil-based mains	Tadka Daal
Everyday picks	Practical and flavourful sides	Caramelised Onion Rice

• Choosing a Masala Dosa instead of a full meat-based main helps control total cost while still providing a filling and iconic South Indian dining experience.
• Simple items like the Daal Makhani are often the most practical for everyday users looking for a rich, silky, and budget-friendly vegetarian meal.
• Standard sides such as the Kerala Paratha are usually the easiest choice for adding a high-quality, flaky bread to your order at a low cost.

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What to Order at Cafe Spice Based on Your Needs

The menu is designed for sharing and exploration, offering everything from delicate seafood to robust, spice-forward meat dishes.

• For solo meals: A Keralan Chicken Biryani provides a balanced portion of protein and steamed rice that is a complete meal on its own.
• For chicken lovers: The Roast Chicken Cafreal Zambeziana is commonly chosen for a lighter, herb-marinated experience served on pressed potatoes.
• For lamb lovers: Hearty options such as the Shank of Lamb Parsee Style are preferred for their deep, tomato-based sauce and tender, slow-roasted meat.
• For budget-conscious users: Selecting a few items from the “Vegetarian / Vegan” section, like the Potato Bhaji, helps manage spending.
• For quick takeaway: Naans and Small Plates like the Garlic Chilli & Ginger Prawn Balls are easier to carry and eat on the move.
• If you prefer a slightly spicier or stronger flavor, options like the Goan Pork Vindaloo may be more suitable as it follows the authentic, vinegary pickle style.
• If you are looking for a lighter option, the Green Papaya & Mango Salad is easier to manage and offers a refreshing, tart accompaniment to heavier dishes.

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What to Know Before Ordering from Cafe Spice

Understanding the regional influences and the kitchen’s commitment to specific ingredients can enhance your ordering experience.

• Portion sizes for the “Sharing Bowls” are substantial and are often designed to be paired with rice or bread for a full experience.
• The Tasting Menu often provides better value for those who want the total experience of a varied menu without having to choose individual dishes.
• Add-ons such as homemade Pickles and Chutneys can increase the total cost quickly but are essential for balancing the complex spice profiles.
• Some items, such as the Bebinca for dessert, may be more filling than expected due to its rich, multi-layered coconut and egg construction.
• Availability of certain ingredients, particularly for seafood specials, may vary to maintain the restaurant’s high sustainability standards.

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Is Cafe Spice Halal, Vegan, or Vegetarian Friendly?

Cafe Spice Namaste is highly inclusive, offering a significant range of plant-based dishes and clearly marked vegetarian options that celebrate Indian regional vegetables.

Category	Availability
Halal	Many meat items are Halal; confirm with the branch for specific dishes like the chicken or lamb
Vegetarian	Widely available, including Palak Paneer and multiple dosa options
Vegan	Strong selection available, such as the Saag Mutter and Okra Foogath

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Alternatives to Cafe Spice

If you are looking for a different style of Indian cuisine or a similar high-quality dining environment, these alternatives are well-regarded in the UK.

• Dishoom is commonly chosen by users looking for a similar nostalgic atmosphere focused on Bombay’s historic café culture.
• Gunpowder is often preferred for its focus on modern, bold, and small-plate Indian dining with a contemporary twist.
• Quilon is suitable for users who prefer a more formal, Michelin-starred focus on South-West coastal Indian cuisine.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

General FAQ’s

1. What type of cuisine do you serve?
We specialize in authentic Indian and Bangladeshi cuisine, offering a wide variety of curries, tandoori dishes, naans, rice, and traditional accompaniments.

2. Do you offer vegetarian and vegan options?
Yes, we have a wide selection of vegetarian dishes (marked 🥗) and can adapt some recipes to be vegan upon request.

3. Are your dishes spicy?
Our menu includes mild, medium, and hot dishes. Spice icons (🌶️) are used to indicate spiciness levels so you can choose according to your preference.

4. Do you provide gluten-free options?
Yes, many of our curries and rice dishes are naturally gluten-free. Please ask a member of staff for guidance when ordering.

5. Can I request customizations to dishes?
Absolutely! We can adjust spice levels, swap ingredients where possible, and accommodate dietary preferences.

6. Do you offer takeaway and delivery?
Yes, all items on our menu are available for both takeaway and delivery. You can order by phone or through our online ordering partners.

7. Are allergens listed on the menu?
Yes, all allergy information (such as dairy, nuts, gluten, crustaceans, etc.) is clearly indicated on the menu. Please inform us if you have any allergies before ordering.

8. Do you serve alcoholic drinks?
Yes, we offer a selection of wines, beers, and ciders along with soft drinks. Our drinks menu includes both bottled and draught options.

9. Do you cater for large groups or parties?
Yes, we can arrange set menus and group bookings for parties, family gatherings, or corporate events. Advance booking is recommended.

10. What are your opening hours?
Cafe Spice is usually open 7 days a week, including bank holidays. Opening hours may vary slightly, so please check with us directly or on our website for the latest timings.

Pricing FAQ’s

1. How much do starters and sides usually cost?
Starters and accompaniments generally range from £1.25 to £5.95, depending on the item.

2. What is the average price for a main curry dish?
Most curry dishes are priced around £6.95 to £9.95, with some chef specials slightly higher.

3. How much do Balti dishes cost?
Balti dishes are typically priced between £9.95 and £12.95, depending on the ingredients.

4. What are the prices for naan and bread items?
Naans, chapatis, and rotis range from £1.75 to £3.95, depending on fillings or toppings.

5. Do seafood dishes cost more than chicken or vegetable dishes?
Yes, seafood and king prawn dishes are usually priced higher, around £12.95 or above, compared to chicken or lamb dishes.

6. How much are drinks?
Soft drinks start from £1.50, beers and ciders from £2.95 to £3.95, and wines from £16.95 per bottle.

7. Do you have set menus or meal deals?
We occasionally offer meal deals, group specials, and set menus at discounted prices. Please check with us for current offers.

8. Are children’s portions available at a lower price?
Yes, we provide smaller portions for children, typically at a reduced cost compared to regular mains.

9. Do you charge extra for takeaways or delivery?
Takeaway prices are the same as dine-in. Delivery may have a small additional charge depending on distance.

10. Do prices include VAT?
Yes, all menu prices include VAT, so there are no hidden charges at checkout.