Spice World

The Hyattsville Arts District’s New Restaurant, Spice 6, Delivers Perfect Modern Indian Cuisine

By Chrisalyn Santos/Photo by Chrisalyn Santos

It’s quite an undertaking to take cuisine like Indian fare, which is deeply steeped in tradition, and modernize it. But Spice 6, a family-owned establishment, more than accomplishes that goal.

Spice 6, located at 5501 Baltimore Avenue in Hyattsville, opened its doors on May 23, introducing its take on modern Indian cuisine to Prince George’s County. Walking through the doors, one immediately feels the contemporary vibe. The décor was balanced in its richness and modern sensibility, with its intricate scroll pattern lining the floor and the striking blue color splashed on the walls. The heart of the restaurant is its open kitchen with the traditional tandoor oven.

The food also showcases Spice 6’s contemporary concept. Patrons can choose different bases for their meal, such as a rice bowl, a kabob entrée or a pizza with a Naan bread crust (for those who don’t know, Naan is a flatbread that is a common accompaniment in Indian meals). As for proteins, Spice 6 offers four different options to star in its entrées: chicken, lamb, tofu and vegetables. Next comes what could be considered the most important component of a dish: the curries. The restaurant offers a tikka masala, a kadai masala and a korma masala. In addition, patrons can pick from a number of chutneys and traditional sides, such as samosa chat and chick peas.

Although Spice 6 provides multiple paths for delivering its modern cuisine, I chose to go with the rice bowl with the lamb, the kadai masala and spicy green chutney (featured). I appreciate that the staff knows how to pair the curries with the proteins—they were right when they suggested the kadai masala, with its savory flavor, was a perfect match with the lamb and its light charred taste. The green chutney is the hottest the restaurant has available and it, indeed, packs a punch of prominent heat that is not all intolerable and also gives a strong minty flavor note.

Now when it comes to Indian food, I’m a tough critic. It is, after all, my absolute favorite food genre. But I’m happy to say that Spice 6 delivered a bowl of perfect, modern Indian cuisine.

Spice 6 is located at 5501 Baltimore Avenue,  #107, Hyattsville, Md. 20781. The average meal is less than $10.