The Merchants of Spice

The Merchants of Spice

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+44 1603 660128+ Add website
Hours
Mon
17:00 - 22:00
Tue
17:00 - 22:00
Wed
17:00 - 22:00
Thu
17:00 - 22:00
Fri
17:00 - 22:00
Sat
17:00 - 22:00
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What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Ratings and reviews
4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles

RATINGS
Food
4.5 of 5 bubbles
Service
4.4 of 5 bubbles
Value
4.1 of 5 bubbles
Atmosphere
4.3 of 5 bubbles
Details
Someone from this business manages this listing.
Learn More
PRICE RANGE
£20.00 – £50.00
CUISINES
Indian, Asian, Balti, Bangladeshi
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
meals, features
Does this restaurant primarily serve Healthy cuisine?
PRICE RANGE
£20.00 – £50.00
CUISINES
Indian, Asian, Balti, Bangladeshi
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, After-hours
FEATURES
Takeout, Reservations, Seating, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service
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4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles904 reviews
Excellent
562
Very good
200
Average
63
Poor
43
Terrible
36

Angelique W
Tasburgh15 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2024 family
We visited Merchants of Spice for a family member’s 21st birthday on a Monday, and despite being a weekday, the atmosphere was warm and bustling, creating the perfect vibe for a celebration. The restaurant was lively but still intimate, with a welcoming and cozy ambiance. I opted for the Chicken Tikka Rezala, and it was absolutely delightful. The dish was rich and creamy with just the right balance of spice, making each bite flavorful and satisfying. Paired with the fragrant garlic rice, it was the perfect combination—comforting, yet bold. The staff was attentive and friendly, adding to the overall great experience. If you're looking for delicious Indian food in Norwich with an inviting atmosphere, Merchants of Spice is definitely worth a visit!
Written 23 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

LifeAquatc
102 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2024 friends
I visited with a friend for an evening meal by recommendation and the restaurant didn’t disappoint. It has all the trappings of a traditional Balti restaurant but with a lovely ambience and decor that gave a luxurious feel. The menu had a good combination of tried and tested dishes that overall didn’t disappoint. We had for mains the prawn curry, tadka Dahl, paneer tikka, bhindi (okra) and naan. Overall the taste of the food and the bases were excellent but somehow the paneer and bhindi dishes in particular seemed under seasoned and rather plain. Except for this over sight it was a great visit. The staff were speedy and attentive throughout and we waited no more than ten minutes for any specific food or drink item , despite it being a moderately busy evening. Well worth a visit with the surroundings of medieval Norwich as the backdrop.
Written 25 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Peter R
Dartford1371 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2024 friends
11 of us booked for a Friday evening. On arrival we were shown to a room upstairs. Once drinks and poppadum’s had been ordered we set about making our main course selections. The menu had a good variety of usual Indian dishes and many chefs’ specials. The food all arrived at the same time piping hot and full of flavour, those that asked for spicy options were not disappointed. The staff were friendly and attentive and the overall price was very reasonable.
Written 30 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

TNF
1 contribution
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2024 couples
Have been here on numerous occasions. Food is good but felt incredibly rushed tonight. They had our mains ready less than 20 minutes after we sat down (we had poppadoms & then starters for context, we also asked for mains to be delayed a bit as they had it ready even sooner). Couldn’t enjoy the food or night as a result. Always felt there were 3-4 staff waiting to pounce as soon as we stopped eating. Appreciate business wants to turn over tables but this was way too much.
Written 13 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

supersnooper44
Suffolk182 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2022 none
Every year I have dined here when in Norwich, previously it has always been packed out on a Friday evening with guests waiting for their reserved table. Not now. Unfortunately whilst they want you to order a take away meal on line they block out all table reservations on Fridays and Saturdays between 6.15 - 8.30pm. I did manage eventually to book a table at 8pm on the telephone, unfortunately for me the person who initially answered had a problem understanding my simple request and put the phone down. I did not give up, but tried again. We had a good meal, not spectacular. Not much atmosphere as so few dinners. Their were more waiters than occupied tables so service was quick and Deliveroo takeaways were busy. I did ask the main man about the policy of not taking reservations to which I was told that they were extremely busy ? ?? ( probably take away ) Clearly not, as I note that on trip advisor they have only had 5 reviews in 2022 (a busy restaurant, Bella Italia with a higher rating has had over 1000 reviews in 2022). Come on Merchants of spices, pull your socks up and make it easy for us to reserve a table at a time that we want or just close your posh restaurant and have a take away shop.
Written 21 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

razorfield
Norwich18 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2025 business
We visited for a work meal with a group of 10, including five Indian nationals, and unfortunately, the experience fell short of expectations. While the atmosphere was enjoyable, and we managed to have a good evening overall, the food itself was a letdown. Several dishes were overly sweet and went unfinished, including the biryani—surprising and disappointing. The Jalfrezi was excessively oily and lacked any meaningful sauce. Compared to other options like Bombay Street Food on St Benedicts, The Hut in Lowestoft, or 7 Spices in Attleborough, the quality here did not measure up. Given the higher price point, we expected much better. The food even became a running joke among our group, which says it all. Unfortunately, I can’t recommend this restaurant based on our experience.
Written 3 January 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

The Hungry Man
London401 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2023 none
I sat in on Valentine's Day. It's a nice restaurant with sexy lighting and decent staff. It really isn't expensive, maybe a pound or two more for a main but everything else is standard price. The menu has about 20 mains on. It is better to do 20 mains exceptionally well, rather than 50 averagely well. On the whole the food was rather good. The lamb madras was the best I'd ever had... and I've had so many. Portions were good. Naans were lovely and I love that they don't cut them up into segments like a pizza which is a thing Indian restaurants seem to be doing these days. The sag paneer seemed to have more butter than it did sag but that is really the only small negative I can think of... and it was eaten. Poppadoms and pickles were crisp and nicely presented, correct portions sizes. Ultimately this is one of the best meals out I've had in a long time, I can't understand the negative reviews about 'authenticity', it isn't what a family eats in at home in India, but Indian restaurants never are... they are a British take on curry, and it was absolutely excellent. Care and effort seemed to go into the food and it is noticeable. I will return.
Written 15 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Lorna B
3 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2024 couples
Wow, lovely venue, clearly very popular as we tried for a table whilst staying locally, and they were fully booked. We tried again the next night and they found us a table. The service was warm and friendly, and the food was flavoursome, with generous portions. We asked to take a doggy bag away, and there was no issue with this at all. Beer was around £5 a pint, with a good choice. My chicken shashlik was tender and juicy, and the lamb railway curry had a mischievous kick to it! Vegetable side dishes were generous and so tasty. A lovely treat, great atmosphere and very popular so best to book to avoid disappointment!
Written 31 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Guy R
Garboldisham101 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2022 family
Our meal started well, with tasty starter courses... esp the tandori king prawns and the monk fish. The main courses were however very disappointing. We love our curries. Whatever the type, it doesn't need to be hot, but it should have plenty of flavour. This evening we ordered one of each of most of the main courses. One (the lamb shank rogan josh) was well flavoured. The remainder were reminiscent of a poor jarred korma. It is sad that many Indian restaurants dumb down their menus to supposedly suit English palates. This seems to be the case here. Most of the main course dishes lacked character or any significant flavour. This was especially sad, as the quality of the meat (chicken, lamb) and fish (prawns and monk fish) was good. The service was also excellent and the restaurant had been decorated very well... with framed photos of Indian scenes on the walls. All good.... so why couldn't the food be prepared to match the character of the building? By all means include a couple of creamy, low spice dishes on a menu. Please however also offer food with some authenticity. If you're not keen on spicy food, but want to go to an Indian venue, you'll be happy here. If however, like us, you enjoy food that makes your taste buds dance, then I'd probably pick one of the Norwich curry houses on Magdelin Street.
Written 11 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Tony S
Cardiff131 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2023 couples
My wife and I were recommended this curry house for a good meal, being from Cardiff we didnt know where to go we read the reviews and thought we would try it and we were not disappointed. We booked our table for 2 and we were greeted and seated by friendly staff on arrival. The restaurant had a good feeling about it. We ordered our meals as well as a few extras and they were delicious I can truly say one of the best curries we have had. The service was very good especially our waiter Samek. We would highly recommend this curry house if you are in Norwich centre.
Written 28 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Ian m
Manchester25 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2023 business
Visited whilst in town on business, I dined alone but enjoyed my visit. Great menu and the food was tasty, staff very attentive and it was quite busy for early evening on a Tuesday. Will definitely return when I am back in the area.
Written 16 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Jørgen
Norwich17 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2022 none
Decided to visit Merchants Of Spice and were really glad we did. My main was the Parsi Chicken Dansak which was sweet but not sickly, full of flavour and had a nice but not overbearing kick. Although I love hotter food, this didn't feel bland, in fact it was very flavoursome. Will definitely be getting that one again when I feel like something less hot than a vindaloo or madras! The lamb rogan josh (partners order) was also superb and the lamb was very tender with the sauce complementing it excellently. The naan was light and flavoursome, the rice also good and the standard papadums and chutneys all up to scratch. Finally, the onion bhajis (serving of 4, so 2 each was plenty) were some of the nicest I have ever had. Full of flavour, crispy and not remotely soggy (which is the ruin of a nice bhaji for me), perhaps worth investigating as a lunch option too! The staff were all polite and friendly, service was efficient without feeling rushed and the music / incense / decor felt relaxing, rustic and homely rather than like a characterless chain. This really made the experience better.
Written 5 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Nervous flyer
2 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2023 none
Ordered on Just Eat but the order arrived with incorrect items. What we did get was very dry chicken and generally bland food. Although our order arrived quickly it didn’t seem freshly cooked. Two items were missing. Contacted the restaurant straightaway but they weren’t interested in resolving our complaint. They told us to call Just Eat but they don’t take calls they refer you to their website. Won’t be using this restaurant again
Written 28 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

CarrieD
10 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2023 family
We live in Berkshire but we were in Norfolk to attend a inquest and wanted somewhere outside of the hotel to eat. My sister in law found this restaurant on Google and I called to check if it was disabled friendly as my husband is in a wheelchair. We arrived at the restaurant and found the staff to be very helpful and friendly which relaxed us straightaway after a very hard day. We ordered our food and in no time at all our food arrived, well all I can say after that is that the food was excellent in fact we all agreed the onion bhajis were the best we have ever had and the rest of our meal was delicious as well. We won’t be coming back to Norfolk again but if we did this would be a restaurant we would love to eat in again.
Written 17 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

toby c
Bristol34 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2022 none
I've eaten here on a few occasions in the last few weeks and have been really impressed with the food. All the dishes have been really well prepared and tasted great. Extra effort is also put into the presentation of the dishes even including the rice. It can get busy though so would recommend booking especially for groups.
Written 19 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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THE MERCHANTS OF SPICE, Norwich - Updated 2025 Restaurant Reviews, Menu, Prices & Restaurant Reviews - Food Delivery & Takeaway - Tripadvisor

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