10 Must-Try Dishes at City Spice
City Spice, located in Brick Lane, is a beloved restaurant. It serves delicious Indian dishes with a modern twist. Whether you’re new or a food expert, their varied menu has something for everyone. City Spice offers dishes like slow-braised lamb curries and smoky tandoori grills. They showcase the finest regional and seasonal ingredients.
In this blog, we’ll explore 10 must-try dishes that locals and tourists rave about. Get ready to enjoy bold, rich flavors and discover the best of Indian cuisine right here on Brick Lane.
1. Lamb Rogan Josh
Region: Kashmir
Ingredients: Lamb, Kashmiri chilli, yogurt, onion, garlic, ginger, garam masala, ghee
Flavour profile: Deep, warming, with a hint of smokiness, and a mild level of spice.
Lamb Rogan Josh is one of the most iconic dishes from Kashmiri cuisine. Chefs cook this slow-braised lamb curry in ghee according to traditional methods. It’s famous for its rich red color. This color comes from Kashmiri chillies. They add color but not the heat of regular chillies. At City Spice, we marinate the meat overnight. Then, we simmer it for hours. This way, it gets greatest flavor and tenderness.
Why try it at City Spice:
Chef Niaz Can makes his Rogan Josh with a family recipe passed down to him. It’s one of the best examples of slow-cooked meat on Brick Lane.
Best with: Pilau rice or garlic naan
2. Chicken Tikka Masala
Region: UK (Anglo-Indian origin)
Ingredients: Tandoori chicken, tomato cream sauce, fenugreek, cream
Flavour profile: Mild, creamy, savoury, aromatic
Possibly the UK’s most famous curry, Chicken Tikka Masala is the ultimate comfort food. At City Spice, boneless chicken is first grilled in the tandoor, then simmered in a velvety sauce made from tomatoes, cream, and hand-ground spices. The key is balance—rich but not heavy, spiced but not fiery.
Why try it at City Spice:
It’s one of their top-selling dishes and a must for anyone trying Indian food for the first time.
Best with: Butter naan and mango lassi.
3. Roopchanda Fish
Region: Bengal
Ingredients: Pomfret fish, mustard oil, green chilli, turmeric, garlic
Flavour profile: Zesty, earthy, slightly spicy
Roopchanda is a silver pomfret fish popular in Bangladeshi and Bengali cuisine. At City Spice, the fish is marinated in mustard oil and turmeric before being roasted in the tandoor. This dish isn’t just about taste—it’s about texture. The skin crisps up beautifully while the inside stays tender and flaky.
Why try it at City Spice:
It’s rare to find Roopchanda in London, and City Spice sources it fresh from trusted suppliers.
Best with: Plain rice and lemon wedges.
4. Chicken Rezala
Region: Bengal (Kolkata’s Nawabi cuisine)
Ingredients: Chicken, yogurt, cashew paste, kewra water, cardamom
Flavour profile: Mild, nutty, floral, creamy
Rezala is a royal dish once served in the courts of Bengal. Unlike the usual red curries, Rezala is a white curry made from yogurt, cream, and ground cashews. It’s lightly spiced and has an almost perfume-like elegance thanks to kewra (pandan) water.
Why try it at City Spice:
It’s a rare dish you usually only find in Bengali homes or fancy restaurants.
Best with: Chapati or paratha.
5. Shatkora Daal
Region: Sylhet, Bangladesh
Ingredients: Yellow lentils, Shatkora fruit, garlic, mustard seeds
Flavour profile: Citrusy, earthy, comforting
Shatkora is a wild citrus fruit native to Sylhet, giving this daal a zesty edge that’s completely different from regular lentil dishes. The lentils are slow-cooked for creaminess, then finished with a tempering of garlic, dried chilli, and mustard seeds.
Why try it at City Spice:
It’s part of their chef-curated vegan menu and highlights Sylheti flavours beautifully.
Best with: Plain rice or jeera rice.
6.Paneer Tikka
Region: North India
Ingredients: Paneer cubes, yogurt marinade, bell peppers, spices
Flavour profile: Smoky, slightly tangy, mild
This vegetarian favorite has cubes of paneer cheese. The chef marinates them in yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, and spices. Then, the chef grills them in the clay oven. The char on the paneer and caramelised vegetables make it a standout starter.
Why try it at City Spice:
It’s made fresh to order with premium paneer and cooked on open flame in the tandoor.
Best with: Mint chutney or side salad.
7. Brinjal Bhaji
Region: Pan-Indian
Ingredients: Aubergine, onion, tomato, cumin, mustard seeds
Flavour profile: Savoury, soft, spiced but not hot
This is a dry curry of aubergine cooked until silky, with sautéed onions, tomatoes, and garlic. It’s light but full of umami from the slow-cooked aubergine.
Why try it at City Spice:
It’s vegan, gluten-free, and deeply satisfying—perfect for lighter meals or as a side dish.
Best with: Roti or as part of a thali.
8. Shahi Sahakari (Vegan Thali)
Region: House special (inspired by royal Indian kitchens)
Includes: Vegan uribeeshi biran, bombay aloo, begun daal gatta, salad, chapati, rice
Flavour profile: Varied—spicy, tangy, earthy
“Shahi” means royal—and this platter lives up to the name. You’ll get a selection of 3–4 vegan curries with rice, flatbreads, and chutney. It’s a feast that introduces you to many flavours in one sitting.
Why try it at City Spice:
It’s one of Brick Lane’s only fully vegan thalis, crafted with love by the chef himself.
Best with: Just as it is! No extras needed.
9. Butter Chicken
Region: Delhi
Ingredients: Chicken tikka, tomato-butter sauce, cream, kasuri methi
Flavour profile: Creamy, mildly sweet, rich
Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani) is a rich curry. It features tandoori-grilled chicken cooked in a creamy tomato and butter sauce. The dish is rich and smooth, without overwhelming spice.
Why try it at City Spice:
It’s the perfect entry-level curry and a true comfort food.
Best with: Butter naan or lachha paratha
10. Chicken or Lamb Jalfrezi
Region: Anglo-Indian kitchens
Ingredients: Meat, onions, peppers, tomatoes, green chilli
Flavour profile: Spicy, tangy, stir-fried
Jalfrezi is a stir-fried curry that keeps the vegetables crisp and the sauce bold. It’s made to order, so the flavours are fresh and vibrant. You can adjust the spice level to your taste—medium or extra hot.
Why try it at City Spice:
Their Jalfrezi is known for deep flavour without oiliness—a step above your average takeaway.
Best with: Plain naan and a cold Kingfisher beer.
Conclusion
Why You Should Choose City Spice: A Feast for the Senses
City Spice is a culinary gem. It takes you on a vibrant journey through India’s rich food heritage. Enjoy authentic and flavor-packed dishes. Chefs craft every meal with love and tradition. Savor our signature curries like Lamb Rogan Josh. Don’t miss our special dish, Roopchanda Fish. Each dish features the freshest ingredients. City Spice has amazing dishes. Enjoy comforting Butter Chicken or try the adventurous Shahi Sahakari vegan thali. So, next time you’re in Brick Lane, make sure to visit and discover why these 10 dishes should be on your must-try list.
FAQ
Is City Spice suitable for vegetarians and vegans?
Yes! They offer a dedicated vegan menu with unique items like Shahi Sahakari and Brinjal Bhaji.
Does City Spice serve halal meat?
Absolutely—all meats served are halal-certified.
Can I book a table online?
Yes, visit cityspice.co or call ahead to reserve.
