21 Spices by Chef Asif

3 Reviews on “21 Spices by Chef Asif”

• Regina

  Nice ambiance – sleek and modern with a dash of Indian – however, the booth I was at was positioned way too far from the table. Things went downhill from there. The lobster mulligatawny soup was good but not worth the $12. The naan was good albeit a little thicker then I usually like ($5). The chicken tikka masala ($21) and butter chicken ($24) werent creamy enough and way overpriced. The portion of rice served with the entrees was meager. We went for an early dinner and were one of two tables in the restaurant yet it took a long time to get our food. I have had way better food and service for the same price in this town. We wont be back.

  January 25, 2020, 1:37 am

  Log in to Reply
• XMyshelX

  This place is awesome. They have a large menu for a range of tastes. My husband who generally does not enjoy this type of food said he would definitely come back. Nann is huge one piece was good for two people. Fruity drinks were fun. Only wish they were more affordable.

  July 27, 2017, 12:28 am

  Log in to Reply
• Kelly P

  I have been wanting to visit 21 Spices for a meal practically since they opened. One of the local newspapers ran a story about Chef Asif competing on FoodNetwork’s Guy’s Grocery Games and my interest was piqued.We arrived to find a large placard proclaiming that Chef Asif won first prize in a local curry competition and I also had noted an online review site that raved about a Fried Rice Dish with your choice of meat that was tied to Chef Asif’s appearance on the FoodNetwork. Ok, those are recommended and winners – let’s try them. Only they are NOT on the menu. Bummer.A+ for ambiance. The restaurant’s interior is filled with purple hues and lanterns that cast interesting patterns on the walls. There are tables and booths for dining inside, and tables on a covered patio if you’d prefer to dine al fresco. 21 Spices is now the second restaurant that I’ve visited in Southwest Florida where the waitstaff hands you a cloth napkin as you sit down. It is the simple things that impress me, and this is one of them. Our waiter was very nice and attentive and the food was delicious.You begin with complimentary papadum with a trio of sauces; tamarind, chutney, and a very liquefied raita like sauce. The tamarind and chutney were fantastic, the raita was unlike any raita I’ve had before and I’m glad I didn’t pay for it.We chose Mazedaar Samosa as our appetizer; a spiced potato with green peas served with tamarind-date chutney. It was good, but not something I would get again. For the main course we chose Saffron Chicken Khorma – saffron, tahini, coconut, almond cream, mint, finished with crispy onions. We also got a side of garlic naan and basmati saffron rice. The khorma was good, but I was expecting whole raisins and nuts, but none were found. The naan and basmati saffron rice were showstoppers; they were both fantastic.For dessert we tried the Masala Chai which was very bitter, but made better by adding two packets of sugar. We also took home Gulab Jamun – Indian Donut balls soaked in syrup and Rose Flavored Rice Pudding. Both were excellent. It is rate that we visit an Indian restaurant and don’t order gulab jamun. They are a delicious tradition, trust me you will not be disappointed.Verdict – Nice place, disappointing that the two things the chef is famous for are not on the menu. Good food, a bit too far for me to drive and get takeout, but if I was in the area I would try more of the menu items. I was also impressed by the wall of tea and the fact that they are available for purchase!

  September 22, 2016, 1:04 am

  Log in to Reply