Welcome to Spice N Ice Restaurant famous for Indian cuisine, a culinary gem nestled in the heart of Port Adelaide, Australia. This restaurant is a testament to the rich culinary heritage of Northern India, particularly Punjabi cuisine, known for its robust flavours, hearty dishes, and generous use of spices clarified butter, mustard oil and ghee. Let's explore below how Spice n Ice stands out as one of the best Indian restaurants available in Port Adelaide area to enjoy authentic Punjabi North Indian food.
Punjabi cuisine is a culinary tradition steeped in history, with influences from the Mughals, Persians, and even the British. It is characterized by its bold flavours, rich gravies other spices, and generous use of dairy products like ghee, butter, and cream. At Spice N Ice, you'll find an array of Punjabi dishes that are a testament to this rich culinary heritage, each one a symphony of flavours that will transport you to the heart of Punjab.
The Story Behind Spice N Ice
At the helm of Spice N Ice are brothers Ranjeet and Jagpal, who hail from the vibrant state of Punjab in India. Their passion for authentic, Punjabi food and cuisine is palpable, and they bring a unique twist to traditional recipes, infusing them with a dash of creativity and a whole lot of love. Their culinary prowess is deeply rooted in their home kitchen, where they learned the art of cooking from their mother. The brothers' love for their heritage and their desire to share it with the world is the driving force behind Spice N Ice.
Ranjeet and Jagpal's journey from Punjab to Port Adelaide is a story of passion, perseverance, and a deep love for their culinary heritage. They grew up in a household where food was a central part of life, where meals were a time for the family to come together, share stories, and enjoy the fruits of their mother's labor in the kitchen. This love for food and the sense of community it fostered is what inspired them to open Spice N Ice. Our dishes are heavily influenced from different parts of Punjab region and New Delhi. Read on to find out more...
Exploring the Menu
A. Chef's Corner
Ranjeet and Jagpal's menu is a culinary masterpiece, featuring unique dishes that are a testament to their innovative approach to traditional Punjabi cuisine, Northern Indian food. The Harra Bahara Kebab, a vibrant potato, green spinach and pea patty, is a must-try, as is the Goat Malai Curry, a creamy, rich dish thick gravy that melts in your mouth. The Duck Shank Curry and Bhuna Gosht are other standout Punjabi dishes, offering a symphony of flavours that are both comforting and exciting.
- Harra Bahara Kebab is a vegetarian delight, made with fresh spinach and peas, and spiced with a unique blend of herbs and spices.
- Goat Malai Curry, on the other hand, is a meat lover's dream. The goat is slow-cooked in a rich, creamy sauce, resulting in a dish that is tender, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying.
- Duck Shank Curry is another standout dish, featuring succulent duck cooked in a flavorful curry that is both spicy and sweet.
- Bhuna Gosht, a traditional Punjabi mutton dish, is a must-try for any meat lover.
- Butter Chicken, all time favourite - For all age groups is a tender chunks of boneless chicken in tomato and cream based sauce, flavoured with fenugreek.
B. Tantalizing Appetizers
The appetizer section of the menu is a tribute to the street food of North India. The Fire Balls, a spicy, tangy delight, and the Vegetable Samosa, a crispy pastry filled with a savoury mixture of spiced potatoes white rice and peas, are crowd favourites. The Paneer Chilli, Gobi or Veg Manchurian, Onion Bhaji, Mixed Vegetable Pakoras, and Tokri Mushrooms are other flavorful starters that set the tone for the feast that lies ahead.
Each appetizer is a culinary journey in itself.
- The Fire Balls, for instance, are a fiery delight, made with a spicy mixture of potatoes and peas, and served with a tangy tamarind chutney.
- The Vegetable Samosa, a staple of North Indian street food, is a crispy pastry filled with a savoury mixture of spiced potatoes and peas.
- The Paneer Chilli is a spicy, tangy dish made with cubes of paneer (Indian cottage cheese) tossed in a spicy chilli sauce.
- The Gobi or Veg Manchurian is a fusion dish, featuring cauliflower or mixed vegetables tossed in a tangy, spicy sauce.
- The Onion Bhaji, a traditional Indian snack, is a crispy, savoury delight made with thinly sliced onions and a flavorful chickpea flour batter.
- The Mixed Vegetable Pakoras are a crispy, savoury treat, made with a variety of vegetables dipped in a spiced gram flour batter and deep-fried to perfection.
- Tokri Mushrooms, a unique appetizer, feature mushrooms stuffed with a flavorful mixture of cheese and spices, and served in a crispy potato basket.
C. Authentic Tandoori Delights
The tandoor, a traditional clay oven, is an integral part of Punjabi cuisine. At Spice N Ice, the Tandoori Broccoli or Mushrooms, Tandoori Garlic Prawns, Lamb Cutlets, Seekh Kebab, Tandoori Chicken, and Chicken Tikka are two famous dishes all cooked in the tandoor, resulting in dishes that are smoky, juicy, and incredibly flavorful.
- Tandoori Broccoli or Mushrooms are a vegetarian delight, featuring fresh broccoli or mushrooms marinated in a flavorful mixture of yoghurt and spices, and then cooked in the tandoor.
- Tandoori Garlic Prawns are a seafood lover's dream, featuring succulent prawns marinated in a garlic-infused yoghurt mixture, and then cooked in the tandoor.
- Lamb Cutlets are a meat lover's delight, featuring tender lamb cutlets marinated in a flavorful mixture of yoghurt and spices, and then cooked in the tandoor.
- Seekh Kebab, a traditional Punjabi dish, features minced meat mixed with a variety of spices, shaped onto skewers, and then cooked in the tandoor.
- Tandoori Chicken, a classic Punjabi dish, features chicken marinated in a flavorful mixture of yoghurt and spices, and then cooked in the tandoor.
- And the Chicken Tikka, another Punjabi classic, features boneless pieces of chicken marinated in a flavorful mixture of yoghurt and spices, and then cooked in the tandoor.
D. Tempting Vegetarian Mains
Punjabi cuisine is not just about meat. The vegetarian dishes at Spice N Ice, popular dishes like the Paneer Tikka Masala, Saag Paneer, Paneer Butter Masala, Mushroom Matar Paneer, and Malai Kofta, are a testament to the diversity and richness of vegetarian fare in Punjabi cuisine. Each dish is prepared with fresh ingredients and a unique blend of spices, resulting in a symphony of flavours that is both comforting and exciting.
- Paneer Tikka Masala, for instance, features cubes of paneer (Indian cottage cheese) cooked in a flavorful tomato-based sauce.
- Saag Paneer is a traditional Punjabi dish, featuring paneer cooked in a creamy spinach sauce.
- Paneer Butter Masala, another Punjabi classic, features paneer cooked in a rich, creamy, tomato-based sauce.
- Mushroom Matar Paneer is a unique dish, featuring mushrooms and peas cooked with paneer in a flavorful sauce.
- And the Malai Kofta is a rich, indulgent dish, featuring balls of paneer and potato cooked in a creamy, spiced sauce.
- Last and certainly not the least - Dal Makhani: Enjoy overnight slow cooked lentils in rich creamy sauce finished with fenugreek leaves - An all time classic.
E. Flavorful Non-Vegetarian Mains
The non-vegetarian mains at Spice N Ice are a true representation of Punjabi cuisine. Dishes like Butter Chicken, Chicken Tikka Masala, Chicken Korma, Chicken Vindaloo, Goat Curry, Saag Chicken, and Saag Gosht are prepared with aromatic spices and rich gravies, offering a hearty and satisfying meal.
- Butter Chicken, a Punjabi classic, features tender pieces of chicken cooked in a rich, creamy, tomato-based sauce.
- Chicken Tikka Masala, another Punjabi classic, features boneless pieces of chicken cooked in a flavorful tomato-based sauce.
- Chicken Korma is a rich, indulgent dish, featuring chicken cooked in a creamy, spiced sauce.
- Chicken Vindaloo is a spicy, tangy dish, featuring chicken cooked in a vinegar-infused curry.
- Goat Curry is a hearty, satisfying dish, featuring goat meat cooked in a flavorful curry.
- Saag Chicken features chicken cooked in a creamy spinach sauce, while Saag Gosht features mutton cooked in the same sauce.
Delectable Sides, Rice, and Indian Breads
No Indian meal is complete without a selection of sides, rice, and bread that are incomplete without our desi ghee. At Spice N Ice, you can complement your meal with a refreshing Raita, crispy Pappadum, or a variety of chutneys. The rice options include Lamb or Chicken Biryani and Vegetable Biryani, each dish a flavorful feast in itself. And don't forget to try the assortment of Indian breads that are generally served with mains.
Raita is a refreshing yoghurt-based side dish, perfect for cooling down the palate. Pappadum is a crispy, buttery food savoury wafer, perfect for dipping into chutneys or enjoying on its own. The chutneys at Spice N Ice are a flavorful accompaniment to any meal, with options ranging from tangy tamarind to spicy mint. The biryanis are a flavorful feast in themselves, featuring basmati rice cooked with a variety of spices and either lamb, chicken, or vegetables. And the Indian bread, from fluffy naan to crispy roti topped with desi ghee, is the perfect accompaniment to any meal, perfect for scooping up sauces and gravies.
Indulgent Desserts and Specialty Coffees
End your meal on a sweet note with desserts like the Sizzling Brownie with Ice Cream, Gulab Jamun, and Kulfi. Each dessert is a delightful blend of sweetness and texture, providing the perfect end to your meal. Pair your dessert with one of Spice N Ice's speciality coffees for a truly indulgent experience.
The Sizzling Brownie with Ice Cream is a chocolate lover's dream, featuring a warm, gooey brownie served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Gulab Jamun is a traditional Indian dessert, made deep fried in a white butter, featuring soft, sweet balls deep fried in wheat flour and soaked in sugar syrup. Kulfi is a traditional Indian ice cream, made with condensed milk and flavored with a variety of ingredients like saffron, cardamom, and pistachio. And the speciality coffees at Spice N Ice are the perfect end to any meal, with options ranging from a classic espresso to a rich, creamy latte. All these desserts perfectly complement the above mentioned Punjabi dishes.
Immersing in the Ambience
Spice N Ice is not just about the food; it's about the experience. The restaurant exudes a welcoming and vibrant atmosphere, with decor that reflects the rich culture of Punjab. The music adds to the ambience and spicy food, creating a dining experience that is truly immersive. Spice N Ice also hosts special events and live music nights, adding to the restaurant's appeal.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Spice N Ice is more than just a restaurant; it's a culinary journey through the rich flavours and traditions of North Indian cuisine and Punjabi dishes. Whether you're a fan of spicy curries, flavorful tandoori dishes, spicy other food items, or sweet desserts, there's something for everyone at Spice N Ice. So if you are lover of true authentic Punjabi food. why wait? Embark on a culinary journey through the flavours of Northern India at Spice N Ice today.