Great Indian Food in the Kootenay Rockies: Spice Hut

Here in the British Columbia Rockies we have a serious dearth of good ethnic food. Sure, there are your usual small town Chinese restaurants but they seldom serve anything resembling real Chinese food . . . “smorgs” don’t count!

Well imagine by surprise (and elation) when I heard rumours that a genuinely good Indian restaurant had opened up in Cranbrook.

Far be it from me to pass on a restaurant getting rave reviews. And so I found myself at the Spice Hut for a Sunday date night with the Husband.

The Spice Hut is located in the small and lacking in foot traffic, Cranbrook mall. More specifically, it’s in the site formerly occupied by a family restaurant.

I recognized the space but on the whole I could tell the new Spice Hut people had tried to infuse the room with a different feel.

No sooner had we sat down when we were presented with a menu by a young waitress dressed in a traditional Punjabi shalwar kameez.

This is  probably a good time to mention that the service was absolutely outstanding. Friendly and helpful but reserved enough that you didn’t feel like the waitress was hovering. Additionally, the owner came out and greeted us halfway through our meal.

It’s the little things people.

The menu was surprisingly varied, with an emphasis on tandoori specialties and flavourful curries.

I ordered the fish tandoori tikka and the Husband chose a lamb curry with a side of naan.

While we waited for our entrees we couldn’t help but notice how spotless the kitchen was (we could see it from our table). I love nothing more than a kitchen I can see from my table. Mostly, because it assures me there’s nothing untoward about the cooking facilities.

When my dish arrived I was incredibly excited to see the generous portions and the juicy tenderness of the fish.

As I said to the owner, kudos to the chef on a perfectly cooked piece of fish!!!!

I have high standards when it comes to food but I can honestly say that I would not hesitate to recommend the tandoori fish tikka; it was absolutely wonderful!!!

The Husband’s dish, although less photogenic, was equally as delicious.

Overall, the lamb was perfectly tender, just spicy enough (you get a choice as to whether you want it mild or hot), and coated in a lovely sauce.

Unfortunately, the curry dishes don’t come with rice or naan but either one can be added for $1.99.

Speaking of the naan . . . wow!

They must have a fantastic tandoori oven in the back because it was fresh, buttery, and slightly charred.

Basically naan perfection. And may I add, superior in every way to the horrific excuse for naan we were served at Vij’s.

The price was fair (our two entrees, naan, and two drinks came to $35), service fantastic, and food delicious; I absolutely would not hesitate to recommend Spice Hut.

In fact, I plan to return and return often.

Question: Are you a fan of Indian food? What’s your favourite dish? I tend to look tandoori based dishes because you get all the flavour in a lighter alternative!

Tagged as: Restaurant Reviews, Rocky Mountains