Spice Affair Indian Cuisine Canberra

Spice Affair Indian Cuisine Canberra stands as a distinguished culinary destination in the heart of Casey, Australian Capital Territory. Located at Shop 8/15 Kingsland Parade within the Casey Market Town, this restaurant is dedicated to delivering a curated exploration of India's rich regional food traditions. The venue's philosophy, described as "The Culinary Archive," emphasizes a commitment to over 5,000 years of culinary history, crafted fresh daily without the use of any preservatives. The kitchen is helmed by Chef Ramana, who brings deeply personal recipes to the menu, bridging centuries-old techniques with locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. The result is a menu that travels across the subcontinent, from the Chettinad kitchens of Tamil Nadu to the Mughal courts of the north, offering a dining experience that aims to be both familiar and entirely unexpected.

From the moment guests arrive, they are greeted by an atmosphere of warm Indian hospitality. The space is designed to be more than just a place to eat—it is conceived as a sensory sanctuary where patrons can have fun, relax, and feel genuinely welcomed. The restaurant holds a strong 4.7-star rating on Google Maps based on over 838 reviews, reflecting a consistent performance that has made it a favourite among locals. Google Maps reviewers frequently commend the establishment for its delicious food, with many calling it the best Indian food in Canberra. The service is repeatedly described as friendly, professional, and attentive, with staff offering great recommendations on dishes. These recurring themes in customer feedback highlight a business that prioritizes both culinary excellence and guest satisfaction.

Menu Highlights at Spice Affair Indian Cuisine Canberra

The menu at Spice Affair is a comprehensive journey through India's diverse regional cuisines. With over 40 regional dishes on offer, the restaurant caters to a wide range of palates. The menu is thoughtfully categorized, making navigation easy for diners, and includes clear indicators for gluten-free (GF) and vegan options, as well as a spiciness scale. Several dishes are flagged as Chef's Signatures, representing the pinnacle of the kitchen's craft.

Chef's Signature Dishes

The chef's specials section is a highlight, featuring creations that carry a personal touch. The Tawa Goat is Chef Ramana's signature from his home state of Andhra Pradesh. Priced at $27.90, this dish features tender pieces of baby goat meat slow-cooked on a tawa with generations of spice knowledge. Another standout is the Chicken Chettinad, priced at $23.90. This delicacy from the Chettinad region of Tamil Nadu uses boneless chicken cooked with dry red whole chilli, black pepper, and coconut milk, offering a legendary South Indian preparation. The Fish Masala Andhra Style ($25.90) is the chef's signature seafood preparation, while the Barah Kebab ($22.90) provides a classic Tandoor experience with lamb cutlets marinated in yogurt, ginger, and garlic, then cooked in a clay oven.

Appetisers and Small Plates

A wide array of appetisers sets the stage for the meal. Classic selections include Vegetable Samosas ($10.90), parcels of flaky pastry stuffed with potatoes and peas, and Aloo Tikki ($10.90), crisp fried potatoes with spices and light cheese. Street food favourites like Papdi Chaat ($11.90) and Samosa Chaat ($14.90) are also available, offering layers of texture with yogurt, tamarind, and chickpeas. From the tandoor, the Chicken Tikka ($12.90) and Seekh Kebab ($12.90) are popular choices, alongside the Tandoori Murg, available as a half ($13.90) or full ($24.90) chicken marinated and broiled in the traditional clay oven.

The Dining Experience at Spice Affair

The experience at Spice Affair is designed to accommodate a variety of dining preferences. The restaurant supports dine-in service and is well-suited for both casual meals and group gatherings. The interior is set up to create a relaxing environment where guests can enjoy their meal without rush. The restaurant's official description notes that it is a place to "have fun, relax and be welcomed," indicating a focus on creating a comfortable and enjoyable ambiance for all patrons. The service has been consistently highlighted in Google Maps reviews, with one reviewer noting the immediate impression of a "friendly and professional" team upon entry.

Group Dining and Banquet Menus

For gatherings of four or more people, Spice Affair offers curated banquet menus designed to showcase the breadth of its regional Indian repertoire. The 2 Course Meal - The Premium Classic is priced at $45.00 per person and includes a choice of two entrées and three main courses, served with basmati rice, plain naan, garlic naan, and pappadam. The 3 Course Meal - The Grand Feast is priced at $50.00 per person and adds a dessert course, with selections including Mango Kulfi, Pistachio Kulfi, or Gulab Jamun. An extra charge of $4.00 per person applies if goat is chosen as a main dish. The restaurant notes that banquet meal leftovers are not packed for takeaway. For parties larger than eight, guests are encouraged to contact the restaurant directly.

Takeaway and Home Dining

Understanding the need for flexibility, Spice Affair makes its complete dine-in menu available for takeaway. The restaurant emphasizes that the same fresh ingredients and preservative-free approach apply to all takeaway orders, which are boxed beautifully for home enjoyment. Customers can place orders by calling ahead, with takeaway services available during lunch hours (12pm–2pm, Wednesday to Sunday) and dinner hours (5pm–9pm, daily). Popular takeaway items include Butter Chicken ($22.90), Andhra Chicken ($24.90), Goat Chettinad ($27.90), Paneer Butter Masala ($21.90), and a range of biryanis.

Customer Reviews and Ratings

Spice Affair Indian Cuisine Canberra has earned a strong reputation among diners in the ACT, reflected in its 4.7-star rating on Google Maps based on over 838 reviews. The sheer volume of feedback provides valuable insight into what guests can expect. According to customer feedback on Google Maps, the restaurant is frequently described as serving some of the best and most delicious Indian food in Canberra. Reviewers often point to the high quality and taste of the dishes as the primary reason for their visits. The professionalism and friendliness of the staff are another commonly recurring theme, with many guests mentioning the welcoming atmosphere and excellent, attentive service. One Google Maps reviewer shared, "I fell in love with this restaurant immediately. Upon entering, you are greeted by friendly and professional service staff. The food is fantastic!" Another guest simply stated, "A wonderful dinner at Spice Affair. The staff was very friendly and attentive. Great recommendations for the dishes. We will definitely be back!" These sentiments highlight a business that excels not only in its complex, regional menu but also in the warmth of its hospitality.

Spice Affair in Casey Market Town

The restaurant is conveniently situated in Casey Market Town, a shopping complex in the suburb of Casey, ACT. The specific address is Shop 8/15 Kingsland Parade, Casey ACT 2913. As a ground-floor venue within a market town setting, it benefits from the adjacent amenities and foot traffic of the local shopping area. The location makes it an accessible dining option for residents of Casey and the wider Gungahlin region. The business listing notes that wheelchair-accessible entry is available, ensuring all guests can visit comfortably. Parking is available as part of the Casey Market Town complex.

Hours, Reservations, and Contact Information

Spice Affair operates on a split schedule to serve both lunch and dinner. Lunch is available from 12pm to 2pm, Wednesday through Sunday. Lunch service is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Dinner is served every day from 5pm to 9pm, with the kitchen closing at 8:45pm. Breakfast is not served. Reservations are strongly encouraged, especially for dinner service and group dining. Guests can make bookings directly through the restaurant's website, selecting a preferred date, session time (from 6:15pm onwards), and party size for up to 8 guests. The booking policy strictly prohibits BYO, and tables are held for 15 minutes past the reservation time. To place a takeaway order, make a reservation for a large party, or for general inquiries, guests can call the restaurant at +61 2 6170 3468.

Common Questions

Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about Spice Affair Indian Cuisine Canberra to help you plan your visit or order.