The ultimate Indian buffet guide: Savour a wide array of flavours at City Spice
Craving an unforgettable Indian buffet experience in London? City Spice, located on the iconic Brick Lane, offers a vibrant and flavour-packed journey with award-winning dishes, vegan-friendly menus, and a focus on health and authenticity. It is like an all-you-can-eat experience but special, with small plates called ‘thalis’ that redefine what an Indian buffet can be.
City Spice, your Indian buffet feast
If you enjoy variety and bold spices, an Indian buffet is the perfect way to explore different dishes, and City Spice offers one of the best in town. Located on vibrant Brick Lane, City Spice has earned awards for its authentic Indian and Bengali cuisine. Their menu combines fine dining quality with inclusive options like vegan meals. City Spice’s “thali” plates work like a personal buffet, allowing you to taste several dishes at once, perfect for those who enjoy variety. In this mini-guide, we will share why City Spice is ideal for an Indian food feast, what their food is like, and how best to enjoy it. Prepare yourself for good flavour and amazing food.
Why choose an Indian buffet at City Spice
An Indian buffet is not just about eating, it takes you through a journey of different flavours. City Spice does this exceptionally well. This award-winning family restaurant, situated at 138 Brick Lane, London, E1 6RU, has accolades including Best Restaurant in London 2016 and BCA Chef of the Year 2022. Their thali plates are like a mini buffet, allowing you to sample different dishes, from creamy curries to fragrant rice, all on a single plate.
City Spice’s thali plates are not ordinary, reflecting their Bengali roots with dishes like the Bangladesh Special Thali featuring ‘shatkora dal’ or the Vegan Thali with ‘uribeeshi biran’. Each thali offers a fresh, flavourful experience using authentic spices and carefully prepared ingredients, making it perfect for families, groups, or anyone wanting to sample a variety of Indian food.
City Spice emphasises quality, selecting ingredients like turmeric, cumin and fresh vegetables for taste and health benefits. Turmeric supports digestion and reduces inflammation. Rupert Rowley, the chef behind the vegan menu, has created dishes that allow even meat-eaters to enjoy unique, delicious vegan options. Gluten-free options are also available to cater to different dietary needs.
City Spice feels busy yet family-oriented, with glass windows allowing you to view the lively Brick Lane. It is a casual spot for an uncomplicated lunch or a special dinner. Abdul Ahad, the owner, and his team ensure that each guest feels at home, making it one of the best Indian food experiences in London. For more information on London food, visit “Visit London” and City Spice’s menu page for thali choices.
The health benefits of City Spice’s buffet dishes
Indian cuisine contains many healthy ingredients, and the thalis from City Spice illustrate this well. Spices like turmeric, which contains ‘curcumin’, help ease inflammation and support overall health. Their ‘shatkora dal’, with lentils and citrusy ‘shatkora’ fruit, enriches your body with vitamin C and fibre for gut health.
Lentils and chickpeas feature in dishes like ‘Daal Begun Gatta‘ and ‘Chana Masala‘. One cup of cooked lentils contains 18g of protein and 7g of iron, while chickpeas offer 15g of protein and 12g of fibre per cup, making City Spice thalis ideal for vegans seeking high-protein meals.
Many of their dishes include vegetables, such as eggplant in ‘Daal Begun Gatta’ or spinach in ‘Uribeeshi Saag Gatta’, providing vitamins A, C and K, which are beneficial for eye and bone health. City Spice uses fresh, seasonal vegetables for optimal nutrition and taste.
Their cooking methods also support healthy eating. Grilled options, including vegan ‘tandoori’ dishes, use less oil while maintaining flavour, allowing guests to enjoy Indian food without guilt. The thalis include a balanced mix of protein, carbohydrates such as rice or healthier options like quinoa, and plenty of vegetables, making it a perfect choice for health-conscious diners on Brick Lane.
Exploring the Bangladesh special thali
At City Spice, the Bangladesh Special Thali is a buffet lover’s dream. It offers a selection of Bengali dishes, including uribeeshi biran, chicken rezala, shatkora dal, desi-fried fish, mix vegetable bhaji, pilau rice and paratha, providing a true celebration of Bengali flavours on one generous platter.
Each dish is prepared with care, such as ‘shatkora dal’ featuring citrusy shatkora fruit, rich in vitamin C and fibre. Lentil-based ‘uribeeshi biran’ provides plant protein, making it ideal for vegans. Chicken rezala is a creamy yet spicy curry, offering a comforting, bold flavour.
City Spice ensures each dish is simmered for hours so the flavours meld perfectly. The fluffy, buttery paratha and aromatic pilau rice with cardamom and cloves complement the curries beautifully, making this thali one of the highlights of their menu.
At home, you could use cauliflower rice as a low-carb substitute or add spinach to your dal for additional vitamins. The Bangladesh Special Thali is an excellent way to explore the unique flavours of Bangladeshi cuisine, especially for those interested in the food culture of the Sylhet region.
Chana masala: A hearty buffet staple
A popular dish at the City Spice buffet is ‘Chana Masala‘, a chickpea curry made in a spiced tomato sauce with cumin, coriander and garam masala, providing an assertive, comforting flavour.
Chickpeas are rich in protein and fibre, with one cup containing 15g of protein and 12g of fibre, promoting satiety and aiding digestion. The tomato sauce adds vitamin C and lycopene, which support heart health, while the cumin and coriander aid digestion.
This dish pairs well with soft naan or rice and is a favourite among diners on Brick Lane for its bold taste. It also complements lighter starters like City Spice’s Chana Chat. For added protein at home, you can pair it with lentils or quinoa, or add mashed tofu for a vegan protein boost. The Chana Chat, a chickpea salad with cucumber and tomatoes, is a fresh addition to the buffet and complements the Chana Masala perfectly.
Vegan thali: A plant-based buffet feast
The Shahi Sahakaria Vegan Thali at City Spice is a delicious and nutritious plant-based buffet option, featuring uribeeshi biran, Bombay aloo, Daal Begun Gatta, chapatti and rice, showcasing the quality of their vegan menu.
Each dish is nutritious, with uribeeshi biran providing 17g of protein per cup, and Bombay aloo offering carbohydrates and fibre from spiced potatoes. Daal Begun Gatta, made with lentils and eggplant, is rich in protein and nutrients beneficial for brain health.
Created by Michelin-starred chef Rupert Rowley, City Spice’s vegan menu has become highly popular, reflecting its appeal to health-conscious diners. The thali includes several dishes on one platter, seasoned to be flavourful yet balanced, making it suitable for both vegans and non-vegans.
At home, you can recreate this thali using less oil and fresh ingredients, adding greens like kale or spinach to the dal for extra vitamins. Whole wheat chapatti adds fibre, making the meal healthier and well-rounded.
City’s chana chat: A fresh buffet starter
Chana Chat is a fresh and tangy chickpea salad with cucumber, tomatoes and ‘chat masala’, providing a light and refreshing start to your meal at City Spice.
Chickpeas offer fibre, vitamins C and K and potassium, which are beneficial for heart and digestive health. The cumin and black salt in the ‘chat masala’ support digestion and metabolism, while the spices and fresh ingredients create a flavourful dish.
City Spice serves this starter with crispy poppadoms and vegan-friendly chutneys, including a mango and turmeric chutney, which is both sweet and tangy, pairing well with any thali. At home, you can bake the chickpeas for a low-fat option and use a light dressing with mint leaves for added freshness. It can also be served in gluten-free lettuce wraps, reflecting City Spice’s commitment to various dietary needs.
Tips for enjoying City Spice’s buffet experience
When enjoying City Spice’s thali buffet, try sampling one or two teaspoons of each dish to experience the variety without feeling overly full. Start with lighter options like Chana Chat before moving on to heartier dishes like Chana Masala or Daal Begun Gatta.
City Spice is known for its fresh, seasonal ingredients, and you can often see the chefs preparing meals in the open kitchen. The staff are friendly and willing to help you choose dishes suited to your dietary needs.
Mix and match your dishes for the best experience, pairing tangy dal with paratha or spicy chicken rezala with cooling raita. City Spice offers gluten-free and vegan options, clearly labelled on the menu, ensuring everyone can enjoy their meal comfortably.
If you plan to visit with a group, it is advisable to book in advance, as City Spice is a popular spot, especially at weekends. Take your time to enjoy the family-friendly atmosphere and the lively energy of Brick Lane while dining.
Discover City Spice’s Indian buffet today
City Spice on Brick Lane offers one of the best Indian buffet experiences in London. Their thali plates include a variety of delicious options, from the Bangladesh Special to the Shahi Sahakaria Vegan Thali, combining authentic Bengali flavours with healthy, fresh ingredients.
Each dish reflects their commitment to quality and flavour, whether it is the zesty ‘shatkora dal’, protein-rich ‘Chana Masala’ or the fresh ‘Chana Chat’. City Spice is perfect for those seeking a wholesome yet enjoyable dining experience in a welcoming, family-friendly setting.
Ready for your food journey? Visit City Spice at 138 Brick Lane, London, E1 6RU, and try their excellent thalis. You can follow City Spice London on Instagram for updates on new dishes and events, or book your table online to secure your spot. Whether you are a local, a tourist exploring Brick Lane or looking to share a meal with friends, City Spice promises an Indian buffet experience you will not forget.
