Linda W.
Yelp
Gluten-Free Paradise at Spice Craft Indian Bistro!
For years, our go-to Indian restaurant has been Namaste, whether in Rose Hill or on King Street in Old Town. However, with our gluten-free daughter visiting, we decided to venture out and try Spice Craft Indian Bistro, which she had read about online for its extensive gluten-free menu. "Extensive" turned out to be an understatement -- nearly the entire menu is gluten-free, except for the traditional naan bread (though they do offer a delicious gluten-free alternative) and one other item I can't recall.
We took advantage of their fantastic $5 happy hour from 4:30 to 6:30, which included BOGO drinks and three outstanding food options:
* Bhel Puri: A cool, refreshing dish that was nothing short of epic! Puffed rice mixed with onion, tomato, cilantro, mint & tamarind chutney, nuts, lentils, and pineapple -- a delightful blend of textures and flavors.
* Spicy Chicken 65: Small pieces of chicken tossed with a spicy South Indian masala. The heat was just right, providing a perfect balance to the cooler Bhel Puri.
* Naan Flight with 3 sauces (we skipped this for now since it does contain gluten).
For our main courses, we chose the Lamb Vindaloo, Chicken Tikka Masala, and a vegan dish -- Quinoa Sun-Dried Tomato Kale Kofta with Turmeric & Coconut Sauce. Both the lamb and chicken dishes featured generous portions of protein and were hands down the best we've had in the area. The vegan dish was a new experience for us, but it was absolutely delicious -- a perfect balance of flavors that we will definitely be recommending to our vegetarian and vegan friends.
We sat outside on the quaint, small front patio, which added to the charming ambiance. The service was exceptional; our glasses were kept full of chilled water, and our server offered excellent recommendations. Everything was served hot, with mains served all at once, and the portions were ample. The servers were attentive but never intrusive.
The real standout, though, is the flavor and balance of the food. Each dish was cooked to perfection, and the prices were incredibly reasonable. We especially appreciated being asked about our preferred spice level for each dish -- a thoughtful touch that made our dining experience even more enjoyable.
This little bistro is quickly becoming our favorite, and we are already looking forward to going back and trying more of their menu. Spice Craft Indian Bistro is truly a gem, and a must-visit for anyone, especially those seeking fantastic gluten-free options. Highly recommended!