|
This review is kindly contributed by Adam Gould.
It was a blustery sunday afternoon when we eagerly ventured into that modest exponent of fine Indian cuisine, the Spice Balti. Situated in the rather unsalubrious Brook Street, this is not the type of place to which one can wander following a night out without a certain amount of physical exertion, and yet, thanks to a loyal following, the place remains one of Chester's most popular Indian eateries.
Upon entering we were greeted warmly and immediately furnished with complimentary poppadoms. Angela opted for the buffet, with myself foresaking that particular offering in favour of a chicken tikka pathia, naan and pilau rice. At £6, the 'all you can eat' truly was a bargain, featuring as it did no less than five meat dishes as well as two vegetable curries and copious rice and naans. My pathia arrived within around ten minutes of ordering and was truly excellent, eclipsing the interpretations of the Bombay Palace, the Asia Fusion and the Step In India of this Indo-Persian staple. Tender, exceptionally flavoursome chicken bathed in a rich, sweet, hot sauce, this truly ranks amongst one of the finest pathias I think i've ever had, and the dishes offered on the buffet were no less exceptional.
The bill, when it arrived, amounted to less than £20 for two of us, and we both left feeling stuffed to the point of bloatedness. Having been a regular patron of the Spice Balti for some years, I judge it to be consistently the best Indian restaurant in the whole of Chester. The food is always excellent, the prices very reasonable and the staff very obliging. Furthermore, they also operate a home delivery service on request, although this seems to be a well kept secret. Often was the time in my younger days when I and my drinking compadres made the seemingly epic journey down to the Spice Balti at all hours of the morning, even braving the anxiety inducing grimness of a post-sunset Brook Street. It really is that good.
A less generous view is taken by Ian Burns.
We visited Spice Balti on a Saturday evening, encouraged by Adam's review, above. We sampled samosas (a dainty portion) and prawn puri (quite the opposite). Like Adam, I went for an Indo-Persian favourite, the chicken dhansak. I was encouraged that pineapple was not - as it so often is - included. Sadly what I got tasted nothing like what I was looking forward to. There was no discernible sign of lentils and the sauce seemed to me to be just the basic massala, as if the chef had forgotten to add the 'dhansak kit'.
The restaurant was empty except for one other couple. Tables featured ashtrays, possibly the only time we have seen this in a restaurant for a year or more. Service was swift and our waiter was attentive, though had about him something of the undertaker. We found the surroundings bright, yet at the same time dismal. We left without finishing either of our main courses.
|
