Shirley Spice

Excellent food, well presented. A busy & popular place. Service not 100% but definate revisit for the food.

If you’ve read any of my other reviews, I’m definitely at risk of repeating myself here. In essence, there are an awful lot of restaurants neighbouring Shirley Spice, and in particular, a lot of excellent Indian curry houses: the Darjeeling and Ashiana are just two. So where does Shirley Spice fit in in the grand scheme of Stratford Road Indian restaurants? Well, although I have extolled the virtues of the other two, I may have to give the crown to Shirley Spice. The food is competitively priced, and is simply fantastic tasting, whether you get it to eat in or to take away. I’ve spoken a couple of times to who I assume must be the manager (just generally, not to make a complaint or anything of the sort) and he’s always extremely friendly and courteous, asking how the meal is etc., as are the rest of the staff. If you’re in the area, and have just one night to sample a curry, I’d say go for Shirley Spice.

In a restaurant, no matter how good the service or how clean/​tidy it is or how good the prices are, if the foods good then you remember it; unless you’re a food inspector. Therefore Shirley Spice is possibly one of the best Indian restaurants I’ve been to in Shirley, and as an Indian I know what good Indian food tastes like. Here, the food tastes more or less like a proper curry. Even though I’ve got a sweet tooth, spicy food is lovely too. My personal favourites are the Korma or Madras with Pilau rice and Peshwari nan bread. The atmosphere is nice for a casual meal and/​or family night out.
The restaurant doesn’t get too busy either so there’s usually enough room. The bar quenches your thirst at a slightly costly price. Experience has taught it’s better to go in the evening than for lunch as the youths come here in the day which can be off putting and possibly a little intimidating.
You must be wondering about the menu and prices? I’m won’t post the whole menu so here’s a rough breakdown. The decently proportione dishes are all typical are traditional. Starters and deserts range from three to five pounds, mains cost approximately ten pounds.