Amber Spice is a newbie, swinging its doors open in Kinston in late January. Dining reviewer WENDY JOHNSON was there to support the team behind this new restaurant embarking on its new journey.

When the dry cleaner and neighbouring shops, including some cafes, suffered from a major fire in October 2023, Giles Street in Kingston was hit hard.

Work is still underway opening up and, while some businesses may never return, new ones will make their mark. 

Amber Spice is a newbie, swinging its doors open in late January. Three of us landed there for dinner, not only because we all love the fragrant spices, deep flavours and wonderful colours of Indian cuisine… we wanted to support the team behind this new restaurant embarking on its new journey.

A dish I had never had before but absolutely adored was the dahi puri ($9.90), a perfect starter snack and well-known street food in India. Dahi means yoghurt and, with this snack, dollops of chilled yoghurt are inserted into crispy, light and hollow puri shells.

Besides the tangy yoghurt, the shells are filled with flavoured potatoes, onion and ground spices. The end result is mouthfuls of cool, slightly sweet and somewhat salty goodness. Shall be back for more. 

Moving to mains, the saag lamb was magic. The pieces of lamb were tender and cooked with fresh spinach and aromatic spices ($27.90). The sauce was deep in flavour and colour.

Exciting were the Malabari prawns. The plump, juicy prawns arrived in a beautiful, fragrant, coconut-based curry with curry leaves, mustard seeds and coastal spices ($29.90).

More aromatic spices featured in the Chana Masala ($22.90), chickpeas simmered in a special tomato, onion gravy and masala (a special blend from the kitchen). Chickpeas absorb flavours sooo well.

On another visit, shall give one of Amber Spice’s biryanis a go ($22.90 to $26.90). The line-up includes chicken, goat, lamb, prawn and vegetable.

We ordered all dishes on the hot side and managed quite happily, although we agreed we would mix up with a mild dish or two next time. 

Amber Spice has partnered with some local producers and sources seasonal ingredients at every opportunity. 

The wine list is far from expensive but well priced. Some labels from the Canberra region feature, such as the Pankhurst Chardonnay (Hall). The house white and house red are $9 a glass. Bottles start from $29 and head up to $45. Three lassis are on the menu (all $5.90). We tried the savoury version with salt and cumin but decided it’s likely an acquired taste. The traditional mango lassi prepared with yoghurt was the favorite.

Desserts at Amber Spice include mango Kulfi and Pistachio Kulfi (both $9.90). It’s always delightful to end a spicy meal with a creamy, traditional Indian ice cream.

Amber Spice’s décor features patterned wallpaper in warm colours and the lighting is soft and golden in the evenings.