To spot Spice Waala, just look for a bright, cheerful sign featuring a colorful turban decorated with spices right above a bold, twirly black mustache-if you see that, you’re in the right place!
Now, standing here, you’re at the doorstep of a true Seattle success story. Imagine back in 2018, when two food-loving dreamers-Uttam Mukherjee and Aakanksha Sinha-started cooking up Indian street food at pop-ups in Fremont and the South Lake Union Farmers Market. Their food was so good it didn’t just make people happy, it made them demand more! So, in 2019, just a stone’s throw from where you stand, they opened Spice Waala’s very first brick and mortar on Capitol Hill, taking over the space from Kanak Cuisine of India. And you guessed it-the dinner line outside was suddenly as long as the menu!
Picture the scene inside: the fragrant sizzle of chicken tikka rolling onto hot griddles, the buttery aroma of samosas, the crackle of puri, and the creamy swirl of mango lassi. At Holi, this place turns into a rainbow of flavors with four-course feasts-kachoris, lentil daal, hearty mutton curry, aromatic pulao, and sweet gujiya. No wonder folks can’t stop raving!
But here’s the twist-Spice Waala is also about heart. Their Bhojan community meals program has served over 17,500 meals to neighbors in need. It’s food that feeds the soul.
Spice Waala’s fame hasn’t just stayed local. Foodies and critics-from Seattle Refined to Eater Seattle-praise its unique blend of high-quality, affordable street food and a passion for social good, with menu highlights like papdi chaat and show-stopping lamb kebab rolls. So while you might come here for the spice, don’t be surprised if you leave with a big smile and a warm story to tell.
