The Spice Circuit Kitchen in Hove

"Chef Kanthi - in a very intimate setting, we were a table of six , three couples- chatted about the history and geography of each course. With our table being in the kitchen we had access to the stages of preparation. Each dish excelled - from the simple Rassam soup - so intensely flavourful to the final coconut and mango trifle. Each dish was wonderful and Chef’s presentation both visually and verbally gave us a greater insight to what we ate. We will return and look forward to other culinary explorations."

"What a meal. What an experience. It was brilliant being able to sit in the kitchen, watch Kanthi cooking and learning the history of the incredibly delicious food we were eating. Totally recommend. Cannot wait to do this again. Hanbah & Kiwi"

"Dined at the Chef's table and had a wonderful night. The kitchen was a fantastic place to enjoy Chef Kanthi's amazing flavours. Chef made us feel welcome, explained all the dishes as they were brought out (even accommodated my seafood dislike). The highlight dish for me was the lamb chop dish....so delicious. Many dishes were prepared and served and each one was a taste explosion! Go if you can!"

"Kanthi is a consummate professional. He made us feel right at home, we sat around the table whilst Kanthi cooked incredible dishes right in front of our eyes. Surrounded by pictures of his childhood in southern India, he talked us through each dish and its history, all of us learning something new…. Plus, and most importantly, the food. The food was absolutely incredible. Every dish was perfectly balanced, full of flavour and colour. Every aspect was well thought out and left us wanting more… we can’t wait to come back in future!"

"If you’re local to Hove, or even if you aren’t, do yourself a favour a book a table at The Spice Circuit. We had the most special Friday evening, tasting Chef Kanthi’s incredible dishes and signature cocktails as part of his ‘kitchen table’ experience. Chef Kanthi’s goal is to make the evening feel as though you’re a guest in his house, and he absolutely achieved this; generously scooping out extra beef cheek curry and enthusiastically chatting with us while cooking up the the next delicious dish fresh beside our table. Not only did we enjoy every dish, but we also came away from the experience having learned a lot about the origin of our food! Kanthi is a captivating story teller and we were astounded by some of his knowledge surrounding the spice circuit (after which the restaurant is named!) The exciting thing about this menu is that you don’t see it before the food is served - though Kanthi is careful to accommodate all dietary requirements. Highlights from the menu were the Toddy Shop chicken bites, Hyderabadi beef cheek curry, and the homemade chutneys and dips - though to be honest, every dish was cooked to perfection and packed with flavour!! Also, speaking as someone who does not usually eat fish or seafood, Kanthi achieved the impossible by serving up mussels and tiger prawns that I not only managed to eat, but actually enjoyed! The broth served with the mussels was so creamy, spicy and addictive, I couldn’t stop drinking it. Alongside the food, you absolutely must try the cocktails from ‘Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead…’, expertly crafted by the bar located inside the restaurant. We chose the Arrack Attack (featuring Sri Lankan arrack, a unique coconut flower liqueur) and the Bees Knees, both of which were co-created by Chef Kanthi and utterly delicious. All in all, a fantastic evening and very reasonably priced at £40pp (excl. drinks). We will be back"

"I booked a dinner at The Spice Circuit Kitchen on 23rd December as a Christmas treat with my foodie dad, husband and son. I’m glad I reserved the kitchen table as soon as I saw the dates release by Kanthi on social media because they got fully booked. I’m not surprised. We loved the whole experience. It was like coming to a friend’s house for a meal except we didn’t help with the washing up. Chef Kanthi was assisted by MET college level 3 culinary student Jack and I thought what a great opportunity for him. Jack was helping with tasks with focus and in a calm manner. The food was absolutely delicious. We were fully satisfied after about 7 courses, each came with a fun fact story. I would happily pay more for the experience, it is a fantastic value. Thank you so much to Kanthi and Jack! I highly recommend this place!"

"We visited The Spice Kitchen recently and had the absolute pleasure of experiencing Chef Kanthis food at his kitchen table. What a lovely evening!! And what an amazing concept. You are literally right there watching him prepare the wonderful dishes before he presents them to you with a bit of history about each dish and Indian cooking in general. Great food, great company and a really great atmosphere. Absolutely love the idea of seeing your food prepared and plated up with such care and precision before being presented to you. Will definitely be coming again. Marta and Ayhan"

"Such fantastic food in a great setting. Chef Kanthi’s south Asian menu exceeded our expectations- seasonal and local, clearly made with skill. His service was super friendly, we felt very welcomed. Thank you! :)))"