I am not sure if it is halal since I didn’t see any halal certified mark. The store appeared when we searched for halal restaurants though. We said bismallah and ate anyway. The food is good, we ordered 2 sets and cheese nan. One set is the mutton-rice set and the other is curry with nan and I chose butter chicken. The cheese in the cheese nan wasn’t good. The quantity was enough for 2 people and 5 year old child. The receipt was 4,540 ¥.
Overview
Spice Cafe Diwali, located on the 7th floor of the Miina Kyoto building in Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, Japan, offers a truly authentic Indian dining experience. Nestled in the heart of the city, it’s the perfect spot for those who crave flavorful, aromatic dishes inspired by the diverse culinary traditions of India, with a special touch for the Diwali season.
Stepping into Spice Cafe Diwali is like being transported to a vibrant, warm celebration of Indian cuisine and culture. The atmosphere is welcoming, with a blend of traditional Indian elements and contemporary touches. The café exudes an inviting charm, and the rich aromas of spices greet you even before you step through the door. The seating is spacious, offering an intimate yet comfortable environment for solo diners, couples, or groups of friends.
The menu at Spice Cafe Diwali is extensive, offering an array of dishes that cover all aspects of Indian cuisine. Whether you're in the mood for something savory, spicy, or sweet, there’s a dish for everyone. The flavors are bold, with perfectly balanced spices that transport you straight to the heart of India. Popular options include the classic butter chicken, biryani, and a variety of vegetarian dishes that are rich in flavor and texture. The naan, freshly baked in a traditional tandoor, is a must-try, pairing perfectly with any curry or dish of your choice.
One of the highlights of Spice Cafe Diwali is its Diwali-themed specials. The restaurant brings out its best dishes during the festival, offering exclusive seasonal items that capture the essence of the celebration. During Diwali, expect to find beautifully crafted sweets, rich with the essence of cardamom, saffron, and rosewater. These sweets, along with the bright festive atmosphere, make the café a fantastic choice for anyone looking to indulge in the flavors of Diwali.
What makes Spice Cafe Diwali stand out, aside from its fantastic food, is the attention to detail in service. The staff are knowledgeable and friendly, always willing to offer recommendations based on your tastes and preferences. Their ability to explain the dishes and their ingredients adds an extra layer of authenticity to the dining experience. For those unfamiliar with Indian cuisine, this kind of guidance makes navigating the menu a pleasant journey.
For those with dietary preferences or restrictions, Spice Cafe Diwali offers a variety of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. The kitchen ensures that each dish is crafted with care, respecting dietary needs while maintaining the bold flavors that make Indian food so unique. The drink menu is equally diverse, with a great selection of wines, beers, and traditional Indian beverages like lassi, perfect for complementing your meal.
One of the best ways to enjoy the full Spice Cafe Diwali experience is by ordering a thali. This traditional Indian platter offers a selection of smaller portions from different dishes, allowing diners to experience a wide range of flavors in one sitting. It’s an excellent way to try multiple dishes if you’re not sure where to start, and it’s a great option for sharing with friends or family.
The café’s location also makes it an ideal destination for visitors exploring Kyoto. After a day of sightseeing or shopping, Spice Cafe Diwali offers a perfect escape for a hearty meal, whether you're looking to indulge in a leisurely dinner or grab a quick bite before heading out. With its central location at Miina Kyoto, the restaurant is easily accessible for both locals and tourists alike, making it a top choice for anyone seeking authentic Indian cuisine in the city.
Spice Cafe Diwali is more than just a restaurant; it’s a place where food becomes a celebration of culture, history, and tradition. Whether you’re a long-time lover of Indian food or someone new to the cuisine, Spice Cafe Diwali promises a memorable dining experience that will leave you eagerly anticipating your next visit.
Good to know
Service options
✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-in ✓ DeliveryPopular for
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Solo diningAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible car parkOfferings
✓ Alcohol ✓ Beer ✓ Cocktails ✓ Coffee ✓ Quick bite ✓ WineDining options
✓ Brunch ✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Dessert ✓ Table serviceAmenities
✓ ToiletAtmosphere
✓ Casual ✓ CosyCrowd
✓ Groups ✓ TouristsPlanning
✓ Accepts reservationsPayments
✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cards ✓ PayPay ✓ Transit IC cards ✓ au PAY ✓ dBarai ✓ Rakuten Pay ✓ V-Money ✓ Credit cardsChildren
✓ Good for kidsPhotos
1 / 4
Location
Reviews
- No ratings yet 189 reviews
Tasty, fast service and fresh taste. They serve halal chicken and mutton here— a happy surprise. Authentic taste. I ordered the chicken tikka masala, flavourful and full of spice. Loved it. The garlic nan was a bit on the fluffier/ doughier / thicker side but still alright. Didn’t come with lots of butter on it/ it seemed like it was just a fluffy nan. My only comment would be to have slightly larger portions and more chicken pieces. I had about 3 small(and disappointing) pieces in total for my dish. For a chicken dish of that price ($9) I would have loved to have it served with decent portions and even garnished with thin slices of julienned ginger as well— That being said, everything was tasty and just like the real deal. It wasn’t oily and didn’t kill me with heat (which they ask you to pick before they serve it). I recommend it and I would come again. I would try other dishes just to see. Price is about 1500– not the cheapest place to grab dinner, but then again you’re having halal Indian food in the middle of expensive Japan— so it is what it is. I recommend this place but do comment on the chicken and ask them to serve a decent amount before ordering. Update: I came again and tried their fixed combo meal. Even tastier than the original. The tandoori chicken was incredible and the butter chicken was delicious too! The combo was 1400 I believe, and it comes with a drink, small salad, garlic nan, two small curries, a chicken kabab piece and two pieces of tandoori chicken. A decent meal for an average price. Authentic Indian taste, so that’s the best part. You won’t be disappointed. I do like this place and if I lived here I would definitely be a loyal, returning customer. Well done.
Tucked away on a quiet floor right above a massive Loft store. So happy I stumbled upon this place, the food is very good! I would come here often if I lived closer.
Okay you’re probably like “I’m in Japan, why would I get Indian food?” Well I’m here to tell you it’s SO worth it! The flavor was unbelievably delicious and they let you choose your level of spice from sweet to super hot, and I had to try the very hot and it did not disappoint! The portion size was very decent, as a solo eater, I wish I was able to split this in half! I would 10/10 recommend the lunch specials to anyone looking for a bit more flavor in their day
Came here for the lunch menu. For the price unbeatable. Naan was huge but could be improved. Curry was good too. 4/5 considering how affordable it was.
The food is amazing! Whenever you need a break from Japanese food (like me), this place is really good! The naan was delicious and huuuuge. The curry chicken was super tasty and fresh. The vegetarian selection was super good too. I know, it’s Japan, we should be eating traditional food, but cmon, this is worth it.
Enjoyed the lunch set menu and chicken biryani. The curry was delicious and the naan was huge (didn’t get a photo before diving into it). We brought our toddler and they catered to him.
The curry is delicious and the naan is huge! I got the lunch set B. Which comes with your pick of curry (I got keema curry), naan, rice, tandoori chicken, and choice of drink (I got lassi). The naan was probably bigger than my head... The lassi drink was also very yummy. Abit less thick than what I usually have but the taste is there~ overall good price (1150 yen) for a large meal!