To celebrate 15 years of the Cambridge Curry Community, I decided to pop out and review a restaurant that has managed to escape me since it opened in 2022.

Having visited most Indian restaurants in Cambridgeshire, I was keen to finally try one of the last remaining on my list to maintain my self-proclaimed “curry king” status 👑🤣

And that restaurant is the House Of Spice in Haslingfield.

Upon entering, it looks and feels like a purpose built venue but it was actually taken over from The Old Rose several years ago. Despite this, the restaurant has been absolutely transformed into a spacious and modern dining experience with lots of light, booths, and a rather striking faux cherry blossom that greets you as you walk in. There is a ramp for wheelchair access and a bar at the entrance that serves Cobra Beer on tap.

We started off with some papadums while we studied the menu. Prices hovered around the mid-ranged territory, with a chicken tikka vindaloo hitting £13 (before rice). There is a great selection available, with an impressive sizes specials menu for people looking for something a little different. 

The papadums arrived accompanied by a delightful and generous chutney tray, boasting five distinct pots. The portions were notably large, easily providing ample servings for our entire table of four adults (and 3 children).

The onion salad was finely chopped with a mix of onion, cucumber, tomato, and herbs. It was absolutely perfect.

Their lime pickle was a standout, featuring juicy chunks slathered in a smooth and easily spreadable sauce. The accompanying yoghurt offered a refreshing flavour with a vibrant freshness to boot, making the overall chutney tray a real winner.

Mogul Nawazi

My son opted for a brilliant looking Mogul Nawazi from their specials menu. It consists of marinated chicken (with an option for lamb) that is cooked with chillies, garlic, mushrooms, green peppers, potatoes and tomatoes. It didn’t have quite as much sauce as a curry, giving it a texture similar to tawa. The spices added a mild flavour with a very subtle hint of spiciness.

Chicken tikka vindaloo

It will come as no surprise to most of you frequent readers that I ordered my favourite dish – the chicken tikka vindaloo. When it is a time for celebrating the Cambridge Curry Community, nothing else will do! 🤣

The vindaloo arrived with a saag aloo and pilau rice. Combined on the plate, it was a work of art that confidently demanded appreciation. It was one of the most beautiful curries I have seen in a long time, with the vindaloo sauce coming with a deep fiery red colour which was complimented by the saag aloo’s earthy green spinach. It was simply stunning, especially with the charcoal plates that added a touch of class.

The chicken was cut up into thick chunks and pulled off the balance of being tender while also substantial. Upon tasting, the flavour was surprisingly somewhat absent. Maybe I was expecting too much from a dish of such visual extravagance?

Chicken tikka masala and chicken korma

While I didn’t sample the chicken tikka masala or the chicken korma myself, both were met with enthusiasm by my guests. Visually, they appeared to be classic renditions of these popular dishes. True to form, the chicken was cut into substantial pieces, and both boasted a generous amount of sauce. My guests’ feedback was resoundingly positive, with descriptions ranging from “delicious” to “very good.”

Professionalism in the face of chaos

The service was truly exceptional from the moment we arrived until we left. The staff struck a perfect chord, being both genuinely warm and welcoming while maintaining a high level of attentive professionalism. Their patience was also remarkable when faced with our three rather enthusiastic (and messy!) toddlers – apologies again if you’re reading this! 🫣

Curry with style

The House Of Spice redefines the classic curry experience with its contemporary style and stunning presentation. From the thoughtfully renovated interior, offering both comfort and accessibility, to the extensive and exciting menu full of well-executed dishes, each more beautiful than the last. There is something for everyone, making the House Of Spice a great destination for any occasion.

Thanks for reading