Seattle‘s culinary scene is about to get a lot more vibrant as Spice Waala, the acclaimed Indian street-food restaurant, is set to expand into Columbia City in early 2024.
Spice Waala, a popular fast-casual Indian concept with two locations currently in Capital Hill and Ballard, will be opening a new location in early 2024. The new outpost nestled on Rainier Avenue brings the rich and diverse flavors of Calcutta and Delhi to the heart of one of Seattle’s most diverse neighborhoods.
Founders Dr. Aakanksha Sinha and Uttam Mukherjee, who are residents of Columbia City themselves, identified a culinary gap in their community. Despite the neighborhood’s diversity, there were no Indian options available, prompting the dynamic duo to introduce the bold and tantalizing tastes of Indian street food to their neighbors.
“We live in Columbia City, eat and drink at restaurants on Rainier Avenue and have always wanted the opportunity to share our food with our community,” says Sinha, in a press release. “We finally got it, and we are so excited. Hopefully we can introduce Columbia City to a new type of Indian food that they may have never eaten.”
The new Spice Waala location is set to be a haven for food enthusiasts, offering a convenient walk-up window for lunch and dinner, as well as inviting outdoor seating for those rare sunny days in the Pacific Northwest. The restaurant’s menu is a sensory delight, featuring a range of delectable treats inspired by the bustling street stalls of Calcutta and Delhi.
At the heart of Spice Waala’s culinary offerings are the signature kathi rolls and an array of Indian snacks, including the savory chaat, bhel puri and a unique twist on fries. For those with a sweet tooth, a specialty soft-serve flavor will be on rotation monthly and the mango lassi, often dubbed “liquid gold,” is also on the lineup.
Beyond tantalizing taste buds, Spice Waala is also committed to a mission of social justice and addressing food insecurity in the communities it serves. For over three years, Spice Waala has contributed over 200 meals per week to those in need through partnerships with organizations like Mary’s Place and Community Lunch on Capitol Hill. Additionally, the Bhojan program initiated by Spice Waala has provided over 40,000 meals to neighbors facing food insecurity.
For more information, visit spicewaala.com.
5020 Rainier Ave.
Seattle, WA 98118