Our 25 Year History
And Culinary Heritage
Our story begins long before this restaurant. The owner's family has been part of Southsea's restaurant trade since the late 1970s, and you can read about that further below. Those early kitchens shaped everything that followed. Today, the business is led by the owner alongside his nephews and his son, keeping that family tradition alive every single day.
At Spice Merchants, we honour that heritage by bringing authentic dishes from across India to Southsea, prepared with respect for where they come from and how they are meant to taste.
The Art of Balance
The art of Indian cooking lies in balance. Spices are never about heat alone, but harmony. Cardamom for its gentle floral notes. Cumin for warmth and earthiness. Turmeric for colour and depth. From the rich, slow-cooked dishes of the north, to the coconut-led flavours of the south, and the aromatic biryanis of central India, each region tells its own story.
Our chefs have mastered these traditional techniques through years of experience, using methods passed down through generations. It's knowledge built over time, refined through repetition, and guided by instinct rather than shortcuts. That understanding is what allows every dish to feel both authentic and considered.
We source quality ingredients and combine them with carefully selected spices to create food that respects tradition while meeting the expectations of a modern dining experience. Every plate reflects the care, skill, and pride that defines great Indian cooking.
Traditional Techniques
We use time-honored cooking methods and a carefully curated selection of spices to bring out the authentic flavors of Indian cuisine. Each dish is prepared with precision and care.
Fresh Ingredients
Quality is paramount. We source the freshest ingredients and combine them with traditional spices to create dishes that are both authentic and exceptional.
Regional Diversity
Our menu celebrates the diverse regional cuisines of India, offering a journey through different flavors and cooking styles from across the subcontinent.
Our Southsea Journey
Southsea has always been at the heart of our journey. We've spent decades serving this community, becoming part of its everyday life and special occasions alike. Its diversity, warmth, and loyalty have shaped who we are, and we're proud to call it home.
Our formal journey began in the late 1970s with the Curry Centre on Albert Road, where our passion for authentic flavours and heartfelt hospitality first found its footing. In the late 1990s, that story continued at Festing Road as Shariff's Balti, allowing us to grow while staying true to our roots.
A few years later a new chapter unfolded, Spice Merchants Southsea.
For more than 25 years, we've proudly served Southsea and Portsmouth, supported by generations of guests who have returned time and again. Through every chapter, one thing has remained constant: a commitment to honest cooking, warm hospitality, and food made with purpose.
"From our family to yours, thank you for being part of our story. We look forward to welcoming you to our table today, and for many years to come."