Spice Route Indian Restaurant

Spice Route Indian Restaurant invites you on an extraordinary culinary journey, capturing the bold, aromatic, and time-honoured flavours of India right in the heart of Torrens, Australian Capital Territory. Situated at the convenient address of SHOP 3A/12-14 Torrens Pl, this contemporary dining destination has rapidly become a cherished local gem, celebrated for its extensive and meticulously crafted menu, inviting ambience, and unwavering commitment to authentic Indian gastronomic traditions. Every dish that leaves the kitchen is a testament to the team’s passion for using premium ingredients and traditional cooking techniques, ensuring that whether you choose to relax in the warm, modern dining room, grab a quick and satisfying takeaway, or enjoy the seamless convenience of contactless delivery, your meal arrives at the peak of freshness and flavour.

With a stellar reputation reflected in a 4.6-star rating on Google Maps, drawn from over 335 genuine reviews, Spice Route has solidified its standing as a trusted purveyor of exceptional Indian cuisine in the region. Diners consistently rave about the depth of flavour and the quality of the fare, with one enthusiastic patron highlighting that the 'Goat Sagwala and the Railway Curry are phenomenal.' This kind of devoted following is earned through a relentless focus on creating a memorable experience, from the very first bite of a sizzling tandoori entrée to the last indulgent spoonful of a rich, creamy curry. At Spice Route, every guest is welcomed into a world where vibrant spices and heartfelt hospitality meet.

Curated Culinary Offerings

The menu at Spice Route is a carefully curated anthology of regional Indian specialties, designed to please a wide spectrum of palates. It opens with a spectacular array of entrées, featuring timeless street food and tandoori delicacies. Guests can start with the crispy and flavourful Veg Samosa served with bright tamarind chutney, or the complexly textured Samosa Chaat, which transforms the classic pastry into a lively dish topped with chickpeas, yogurt, and tangy drizzles. The Palak Papdi Chaat offers a refreshing crunch, while the Paneer Tikka presents marinated cottage cheese and vegetables grilled to perfection on a sizzler platter.

Meat lovers are equally spoiled, with half and full serves of the Afghani Spiced Chicken, a tandoori spring chicken marinated in a luxurious blend of thickened cream, ground cashews, and green cardamom. The Chicken 65, a popular South Indian appetizer, brings a fiery, aromatic punch, and the Amritsari Fish Pakora features delicate Basa fillets marinated with ginger and garlic, then golden fried. The mixed entrée platters, available for two or three, offer the perfect introduction, combining Chicken Tikka, Seekh Kebab, Onion Bhaji, and Aloo Tikki for a festival of tastes and textures.

The Main Course Panorama

Building on the flavour foundation set by the entrées, the main course selection at Spice Route is its magnum opus, spanning chicken, lamb, beef, goat, seafood, and vegetarian creations. Each dish is a deep dive into India’s diverse culinary landscape. The iconic Butter Chicken, a global favourite requiring no introduction, is rendered with perfect balance and creamy, tomato-based richness. Beyond the classics, the kitchen shines with house specialities like the Dum Ka Murgh, a slow-cooked chicken dish infused with cashew, yogurt, and aromatic spices, and the Chicken Xacuti, a Goan masterpiece with ground poppy seeds, cumin, nutmeg, and tamarind.

For lamb aficionados, the Classic Railway Lamb Curry stands as a historical and flavourful tribute, with boneless meat and potatoes simmered in a rich, spiced curry and finished with broiled coriander seeds and dry red chillies. The Bhuna Lamb and Lamb Saagwala—a garlicky spinach-laced delight—offer intense, deeply developed flavours. Beef and goat dishes are prepared with the same reverence, including the homestyle Goat Curry Masala on-the-bone and the spicy, tangy Goat Vindaloo. Seafood lovers can escape to the coast with the Goan Fish Curry, a Kerala-style preparation of Basa fillet in a coconut milk infusion, or the luxurious Malabari Jhinga, featuring Australian king prawns in a tomato and onion sauce brightened with mustard seeds and curry leaves.

Vegetarian Delights and Luxurious Grains

The vegetarian selection is anything but an afterthought, presenting a stunning range of plant-based dishes that are as satisfying as they are vibrant. Stars of the menu include Paneer Makhani, where fresh cottage cheese is simmered in a creamy tomato-cashew sauce, and Palak Paneer, an aromatic purée of leafy spinach with soft cheese cubes. The Bagara Baingan features baby eggplant in a rich peanut, sesame, and coconut curry, while the beloved Dal Makhani slow-cooks black lentils and kidney beans into a buttery, creamy classic. Hearty options like Malai Kofta—vegetable and cottage cheese fritters finished in a creamy korma sauce—ensure that every guest, regardless of dietary preference, finds culinary opulence.

No Indian feast is complete without the perfect accompaniment of rice and bread. The biryani selection is a symphony of layered basmati rice and aromatic proteins, from the fragrant Chicken Biryani and Lamb Biryani to the exceptionally savoury Goat Biryani and Prawn Biryani, all served with cooling raita. From the tandoor, a full array of freshly baked breads emerges, including the ever-popular Garlic Naan, the indulgent Cheese & Garlic Naan, the crispy layered Lachha Paratha, and stuffed specialities like the sweet Kashmiri Naan with coconut and sultanas, and the richly spiced Keema Naan filled with minced lamb.

An Invitation to an Indo-Chinese Fusion

One of the most exciting dimensions of the Spice Route experience is its dedicated Indo-Chinese section, a beloved culinary fusion that captures the vibrant street food culture of India. This tantalizing menu features both dry and gravy versions of favourites like Chilli Chicken, Chilli Paneer, Gobi Manchurian (cauliflower), and Vegetable Manchurian. Each dish tosses marinated, crispy-fried main ingredients with spring onions, capsicum, and a perfect balance of soy, tomato, and chilli sauces, delivering an addictive blend of sweet, spicy, and sour notes. The Chicken Fried Rice and Vegetable Hakka Noodles provide a satisfying, wok-fired base for these intense flavours, making this fusion a thrilling departure from the traditional curry and tandoori fare, and a must-try for adventurous diners seeking something uniquely different.

Why Spice Route Becomes a Local Landmark

Choosing Spice Route for your next meal extends far beyond simply ordering food; it is an investment in an experience defined by genuine care and culinary mastery. The kitchen’s philosophy is rooted in using time-honoured recipes and high-quality ingredients, a commitment you can taste in every bite. The chefs expertly balance the complex interplay of spices to create dishes that are aromatic, deeply flavourful, and true to their regional origins, from the creamy coasts of Kerala to the tandoori heartlands of the North. This authenticity, combined with a warm and consistent quality, is what transforms first-time visitors into regulars.

The restaurant offers versatile dining options to fit any lifestyle. The modern dine-in space in Torrens provides a relaxed backdrop for family dinners, casual dates, or catching up with friends. For those on the move, the efficient takeaway service ensures you can enjoy restaurant-quality Indian food in the comfort of your home. Furthermore, the seamless contactless delivery option makes Spice Route a reliable and hassle-free solution for a delicious night in. This availability is supported by a welcoming team that prides itself on attentive, friendly service and a genuine desire to ensure every guest’s satisfaction, adding a personal touch to the entire experience. The notable 4.6-star rating from a large volume of reviewers is a direct result of this holistic dedication to excellence.

Our Welcoming Space and Torrens Location

Nestled within the local hub at SHOP 3A/12-14 Torrens Pl, Spice Route serves as an accessible and inviting culinary haven for the Torrens community and its surrounding neighbourhoods. The restaurant’s setting is defined by a clean, contemporary aesthetic that provides a comfortable yet vibrant atmosphere, making it equally suited for a fast business lunch or a leisurely evening meal. While the corner location offers a sense of retreat from the bustling day, its position within a recognizable shopping area ensures it is easy to find and smoothly integrated into your daily routine.

The physical space complements the menu's modern take on tradition, pairing warm lighting and simple, elegant decor with the irresistible aromas emanating from the kitchen. Guests will find that the dining area is thoughtfully arranged to accommodate various group sizes, with staff always on hand to thoughtfully attend to specific requests, including accommodating families with young children. This family-friendly approach and focus on comfort make the space as inviting as the food is flavourful, solidifying Spice Route’s presence as a key gathering place in the Australian Capital Territory's evolving food landscape.

Hours of Operation and Booking Details

Planning your visit to Spice Route Indian Restaurant is straightforward, though it is important to note the specific service hours to ensure your culinary journey is perfectly timed. The restaurant observes a daily schedule with a break between lunch and the evening service, opening its doors for pickup orders at 17:00 and remaining open until 21:00. For those who prefer the convenience of delivery, the kitchen is dedicated to serving your delivery orders from 17:00 to 20:30. Please be aware that the restaurant is marked as closed before these evening hours and on certain days, so we always recommend checking the latest operational status or contacting the restaurant directly at +61 2 6210 8749 to confirm atypically scheduled holidays or special event timings. This phone line serves as the direct route to make instant inquiries, reserve a table to avoid disappointment, and confirm your order details.

Securing a table is highly encouraged, especially during the peak dining window, to guarantee your spot and allow the team to prepare for your arrival with the attentive service they are known for. Your booking ensures that whether you are planning an intimate dinner for two or a lively group gathering, the team can accommodate you seamlessly. For direct booking, menu questions, and the most immediate service, the provided phone number connects you straight to the staff at the restaurant in Torrens, who are ready to assist you in curating your ideal Spice Route experience. Follow the alluring scent of exotic spices to Torrens Place and discover your new destination for exceptional Indian cuisine.