Spice Waala

So confused by the reviews, haven't been this disappointed in food in a while. Kathi rolls were exceptionally bland, and the crumbled paneer is reminiscent of those tofu scrambles they served in the 90s for vegans. Much better ones to be had in this city.Not sure if it's supposed to be served refrigerator cold but both the chana chaat and the papdi chaat we had were literally straight-out-of-the-fridge cold, to the point we weren't worried about food safety because it was like eating leftovers. If they are supposed to be served cold then I guess I just don't like it/don't get why anyone would want cold "indian nachos" but whatever.The masala aloo fries look seasoned but taste like regular fries. Aloo TIkki Chaat was alright and if for some reason I had to eat here again, it's what I'd get, though the portion is like cartoonishly small. The chutneys are just kind of meh.I've had bad Indian food before, but I don't recall any Indian place I've ever been to lacking flavor this much. It's a 2 star review because I think 1 star should be reserved for truly inedible (which the papdi chaat frankly was, but the rest wasn't).

Had the lamb, chicken and paneer kathi rolls. The lamb by far was the most flavorful and my favorite. The paneer one being the least favorite. I was hoping for chunks of paneer, like in palak paneer or saag paneer. instead It's minced and crumbled into little bits; not very mouth satisfying compared to the other two.The masala aloo, very well seasoned; and that chutney I want it on everything! The lassi, very good. I needed to grab a spoon to get every last drop, it was so good.If I had any real complaint, it's the cost. 8$ for a kathi roll, yet I can get some amazing burritos from alibertos or similar fan favorite taco truck like El Asadero in Columbia city, for $9, that are easily 2-3x in size and content. birria, asada, adobada, you name it. it's amazing to think i could get an "all-meat," birria burrito with a side Consomé, no rice or beans, 2X the size for $1 more. Yes I get it, not the same/equal comparison, not the same cuisine etc. Those other places probably have more buying power, move more product etc. but from a sheer value perspective, this is a higher cost product. It's amazingly tasty, and unlike anything you've had in the area. But for me, it's not something I could consider coming often as there are times, where value is more important, and this would be a splurge.

I came here with a dining partner and I'd say our experience overall was mixed. I got a vegetarian roll with potato and crumbled paneer which was very mild, and not that exciting. I also got the masala aloo fries which also not very flavorful. I was left unimpressed. My dining partner got a spiced chicken wrap that was much better, as well as a mango lassi. The lassi was small, but tasty. I realize inflation has been powerful as of late, but the amount of food for the price didn't seem worth it. Overall I'd say the experience was fine but not something that would make me anxious to return.

Decided to try Spice Waala tonight, via uber eats app. I admit I was scared and underwhelmed when I opened my delivery package. I ordered Papdi Chaat described as Indian Nachos. They have to separate the toppings for transit so your chips don't arrive soggy. It did not look like the photo. But boy when I put all those ingredients together in one bite, it was the PERFECT bite. Such flavorful punch from the brown and green chutney! Hardly any (only 3) teeny pomegranate pieces but it's ok. It was delicious and I will order more in the future.

Finally, Spice Waala has arrived in Columbia City! I'm also happy to report that it's just as good as the other locations. I'm also glad it's the opposite direction of the gym.Everything is fantastic, but my go-to is the chicken tikka kathi roll. The paneer burji kathi roll is tasty as well, and something I've otherwise not had before. The rolls are on the smaller side, so I recommend getting at least two. If you're with a friend, share an order of the masala aloo. I'm not as culturally knowledgable about it, but it's perfect for french fry lovers like myself.Heads up that this location is a walk-up window, with two picnic benches outside. I'm sure it'll be awesome in the summertime, but for now it's absolutely worth braving the cold.

Simply delicious Indian street food. I refuse to wait in lines, but I did here, and it was worth it.

Update: Spice level: As I said in my initial review at first it was spicier than I expected (still delicious just spicier than expected). After a couple weeks it seemed to swing in the opposite direction and was more bland than expected. For the last bit it has been just right. I've eaten twice in last week. Additional items I've tried:Masala Aloo: Like description says fries with a twist. VERY tasty. Chutney is amazing. Aloo Tikki Chaat: Let me start off by saying that just in terms in final product/taste I think I liked it more than the Masala Aloo. However just know that it comes with assembly required. You'll get the fried potato and then all the individual toppings but you put them together yourself. Which no big deal but I just wasn't expecting it and said *na, I'm too high for this, I'll eat my roll and come back to you later*. Even cold it was delicious.Holi Special: After this I will be trying any special meal but will definitely have a friend over. Full box (see photo) which gave me about three meals.

Daughter and I just stopped by Spice Waala and found our new favorite neighborhood food! We got the masala aloo (fries with green sauce), Chana chaat (chickpea salad) and Aloo tikki roll with some chutney and yogurt sauces on side. Oh and mango lassi! All soooooo good!

I was really excited to try this place and then incredible disappointed. I placed an order online that said it would be ready in 15 minutes. An hour later it still was not ready and then after asking the cashier multiple times he finally handed me the bag that was sitting there the whole time. No customer service or acknowledgement of me standing there for an hour. Food was completely cold by the time I ate it.

First timer. Ordered 2 chicken tikka wraps to go and they were delicious. Staff also seemed quite friendly. Sad I didn't try this place sooner, but I'll be back again soon!