Cafe Spice Namaste

Cafe Spice Namaste

Cafe Spice Namaste, by chef and proprietor Cyrus Todiwala

Although classically trained, Cyrus Todiwala is known for his innovative approach to Indian food. Alongside familiar dishes, he combines traditional techniques and flavourings with more unexpected ingredients to produce recipes such as ostrich tikka, and tandoori monkfish.
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Wednesday 26th March 2003

We had received an email from someone who had been quite - nay, extremely - disappointed with Cafe Spice.

They did not mention which restaurant they'd been to, but we were concerned to see that someone did not agree with our fairly high rating of the restaurant.

It was with this in mind that on my business trip I should re-visit Cafe Spice in Prescott Street. Normally, I would try to find somewhere new to eat at, so we can expand our range of restaurant reviews - it's a hard life! Although the place was busy, they found me a table without fuss.

I ordered a Cobra beer, and was surprised when it arrived because it was a very large bottle - I had expected a standard (330 ml) bottle. Never mind, I will drink it after all. It just struck me as a blatant exercise in selling.

I asked the waiter if they would object to me having two starters instead of a starter and main course. No problem, so I order my first starter, Bhel Poori. This is delicious, cool and tangy, it is ideal as an appetiser.

My second starter was a Potato (original) Dosa: A rice pancake stuffed with spiced potato served with coconut Chutney and vegetable curry sauce. To me, the definitive Dosa is served by the Diwana, near Euston station. The Dosa served at Cafe Spice is every bit as good.

I think I made an excellent decision in having a smaller starter instead of a main course which would have been too much for me. As it was, the helpings are generous, and by the time I'd finished, I was completely sated.

Finish with a filter coffee and was presented with a bill for £17.10 inc. 12.5% service charge.

My conclusion is that the attentive staff, buzzing atmosphere, quality of food and reasonable prices equate to good value for money and a pleasant dining experience. I can find nothing which resembles the cause for concern expressed in the email we received.

The author of that email has not as yet responded to my request for further information, but I am happy to publish this review re-stating our previous satisfaction with Cafe Spice Namaste at Prescott Street.

(Still) Recommended

Sandro

PS - See our original review...