10 Must-Try Dishes at Spice Brothers

First time at our counter and not sure where to start? Here are the ten dishes our regulars come back for, in no particular order — with a little honesty about what makes each one work.

1. Masala Dosa

The one that turns first-timers into regulars. A fermented rice-and-lentil batter, spread thin on a hot griddle until it crackles, wrapped around spiced potato and served with chutneys and sambar. Naturally gluten-free, completely vegan, and the best $16.50 crunch in Hamilton.

2. Chicken Biryani

Basmati rice and marinated chicken layered together so the rice cooks in the meat's own steam and spice. It arrives fragrant, never wet, never oily. If you only know biryani from a buffet tray, this will be a recalibration.

3. Chicken Tikka

Char-edged, yoghurt-marinated chicken from the tandoor at $4 a piece — the ideal "I just want a little something" order while you decide what you actually want. (You'll order more.)

4. Lamb Kathi Roll

Kolkata's great street food: a flaky paratha rolled around grilled lamb, onion and fresh salad. It's a complete meal you can eat one-handed while the rest of the family is still queueing elsewhere in the food court.

5. Idli with Sambar

Soft, steamed, gently sour rice cakes with a lentil broth that does the heavy lifting. This is what South Indians actually eat for breakfast — light, comforting and gluten-free without trying.

6. Chole Bhathure

The North Indian classic: spiced chickpeas with a puffed, golden bread. It's rich, it's generous, and it's the dish to order on a day you've earned it.

7. Tandoori Chicken

Marinated overnight, cooked hot and fast in the tandoor so it stays juicy under the char. At $7 a piece it's the food court's best-kept protein secret.

8. Medu Wada

Crisp-outside, fluffy-inside lentil doughnuts. Savoury, not sweet — dunk them in sambar and understand why South India has been making these for centuries.

9. Paneer Tikka

Cubes of fresh cheese that go into the tandoor soft and come out smoky with charred edges. The vegetarian order that meat-eaters keep stealing from.

10. The Veg Combo

Any vegetarian curry with rice, a plain naan and a small drink for $20. It's the whole Spice Brothers experience on one tray, and the easiest lunch decision at The Base.

Come find us

We're at the Te Awa food court at The Base, Te Rapa — here's exactly how to find us, including hours and parking. Bring an appetite; the tandoor is already hot.