Masala maar ke

Don't get fooled by Northern Spice's mellow interiors, everything inside is hot, hot, hot!

Sometimes, the name of a restaurant can be the most confusing thing about it, especially when it's tongue-twisting, metaphorical or as exotic as the stuff it serves. But Northern Spice comes as a welcome change in a city notorious for food experiments gone wrong. True to what it's known as, the place fills your senses with royal spices of every kind and yet balances the act effortlessly with its soft cardamom flavoured curries. The Berco's and Domino's outlets in the same square do nothing to threaten this new kid on the block. "Our only competition is Coriander Leaf," declares manager Amar Advani. We emerge impressed with the confidence, and the Awadhi fare, too.

Food

A great meal starts with good service, and this fine diner lives up to it. Head waiter Balendra announces he'll be attending us for the night, and gets on with his job as we choose the assorted kebab platter for starters. Vegetarians would find the roasted fruit Tandoori Phaldhari Seekh and Khumbh Kali Mirch (both Rs 265) refreshingly different, while carnivores would dig the Lal Surkh Tangri and Kesari Murgh Tikka (Rs 345 each).
Want a bit of everything on the snacks menu? Go for the mixed platter where you can pick any four kebabs (veg Rs 425 and non-veg Rs 750). The Minted Tomato Shorba (Rs 175) proves a warm accomplice, but the mint, we feel, needs to be a little fresher.

The plates are promptly changed, your glass never left half, and the staff is exceptionally sweet. For the main course, we embarked on a Central Pakistan taste spree with the Mughul Khopra (Rs 375)u00a0a blend of piquant Kari gravy, creamed coconut and tender chicken chunks. Other interesting options on the table are traditional Balti Chicken (Rs 375) and Rara Gosht (Rs 425) for meat lovers, and Kumbh Palak (Rs 325) and Kadhai Makki Mushroom (Rs 325) for herbivores. The breads -u00a0Hari Mirch Ki Roti (Rs 40) and Garlic Naan
(Rs 65)u00a0deserve special mention.

Once you're done, perfumed wipes should make way for either the Kesari Kulfi Faluda or Sheer Khurma (Rs 175 each), though desserts are an area where they could do with some improvement.

Drinks

The Nizami den has a bar which is still awaiting its liquor license, so you'll have to make do with mocktails and canned beverages till then.

Ambience

The music here is mind-blowing for those who have a taste for desi lounge. Soothing folk-fusion with raw village vibes is what makes you want to ask DJ Harpreet where he picks his tracks, while the dim amber glow sends you into a blissful daze. The coasters talk about the spices and if you are more interested in your date, the candles will help stir some romance. The seats in the spacious lounge area may appear a tad high for its type, but the classy private diner on the first floor takes the cake. Corporates would love it.