Secret Spices is on the Ramsgate Road at a 5 way junction which includes the B2052 and Helena Avenue. It is the site of the former Victoria Pub. There is limited street parking available just down the road and the Restaurant has a small car park. Bob and Phil would describe Secret Spices as a Modern indian restaurant - it is brightly lit and very open plan and very clean looking. Both Bob and Phil were surprised at how busy it was for a Thursday evening.
The (bottled Cobras) arrived promptly soon to be followed by the Pappadums. both Bob & Phil felt that they could have been a bit colder but were impressed with the freshness (they were still warm) of the Pappadums. Phil was a little disappointed at only having three dips (he does like his lime Pickle) and whilst Bob was not too sure about the flavour of they yoghurt based dip (it contained Tamarind we think).
Phil was very pleased with his Dhansak. The texture of the sauce was excellent with the flavour of the lentils coming through with hints of sweetness. Bob enjoyed his Butter Chicken but felt that it lacked a little depth of flavour.
Both Bob and Phil thought that the vegetables were excellent. Phil in particular found that the Sag Paneer's sweetness complemented his Dhansak and, unusually, they both thought they detected a hint of mint in the sauce. They both enjoyed the Bombay Aloo but Phil felt that the rice was a little bland. Bob, though, disagreed!
The service is, probably, the one area of disappointment for the evening. The conclusion that Bob and Phil reached was the Secret Spices was probably understaffed for the evening. It was busy but Bob had to ask for the menus and also indicate that they were ready to order - twice. To offset this, however, the ambiance was excellent - the restaurant was brightly lit and there were very nice touches with the cutlery and crockery as well as a neat little trick with the post curry napkins.
Area
|
Phil
|
Bob
|
Beer
|
8
|
8
|
Papadum
|
7
|
7
|
Curry
|
9
|
8
|
Rice & Vegetables
|
8
|
9
|
Service & Ambiance
|
8
|
8
|
In total a very creditable 80, placing Secret Spices just outside of the top 10 on our list.
Of the 4 places blogged in Thanet so far, Secret Spices comes out on top and it is easy to see why. With a little attention to service (and Bob and Phil are prepared to accept that it was unusually busy) it could take something exceptional to stop it from being the best Indian in Thanet.
Addendum 9 June:
Bob & Phil hadn't planned to but happened to be in Thanet with another delivery just about next door and they felt that it would be rude not to pop in again....
Different currys this time (Butter Chicken for Bob and Chicken Rogan for Phil) and different veggies (Chana Masala and Sag Aloo) but every bit as good as last time. It was quieter but there seemed to be more staff in and around and they were very attentive without being intrusive. Both Bob and Phil also thought that the Beer was colder too. Definitely the "Go To" Indian in Thanet.
