Real talk, the best lunch deal I’ve stumbled on in Howard County lately is hiding in an Elkridge strip mall about 500 yards from a Costco, and I need you guys to know about it. Spice N Curry is one of those spots I want to grab strangers in the parking lot and put them onto, because their daily thali is a seriously good deal and the food’s fire.
If you haven’t been yet, RUN, don’t walk. The service was so good it almost made me emotional, and the thali itself is basically a whole tour of North and South Indian cooking on one plate, with unlimited refills. It’s Indian comfort food done right in a cozy little dining room, and it’s easily one of my favorite lunch finds in the Elkridge area. Here’s everything you need to know before you go!
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What Makes Spice N Curry a Standout Indian Spot
Here’s the thing that sets this place apart: the menu’s ridiculously deep for such a low-key spot. You’ve got your North Indian classics, but they also do South Indian dosas and idlis (which are honestly harder to find around here than they should be), Nepalese momos, and even some Indo-Chinese plates, all under one roof.
Everything’s made in house, right down to the breads and sauces. The star, though, is that midday thali. It’s the kind of deal that makes you do a double take at the check, in the best way. Oh, and it’s BYOB, so bring your own bottle if you want to make lunch a whole thing. Come hungry, that’s my only warning!
What to Order at Spice N Curry
You already know where I’m starting.
The Daily Thali ($12.99 to $14.99)
This is the whole reason to show up, and it runs every single day from 11:30am to 2:30pm. Your thali comes loaded: an appetizer, dal (lentils), two veg or non-veg entrees, naan, rice, raita, and the dessert of the day, all arranged on one big platter.
The part that gets me? The refills are UNLIMITED, so if you fall in love with an entree or you’re a naan monster like me, they’ll keep it coming. Weekday pricing’s $12.99 for the veg thali and $13.99 for non-veg, and it’s just a dollar more each on weekends. For a full, refillable meal, that’s an absurd amount of food for the money. One heads up, each person orders their own thali, so no splitting one between two of you. Trust me, you’ll want your own anyway.
Mango Lassi
Do not skip the drinks here. The mango lassi’s so yum, exactly the kind of thing you want to round out the meal, and it’s a great pick if you’re bringing someone who’s newer to Indian food. Their coffee’s really good too, so don’t skip it. Little details like that are why I keep telling people this place punches way above its strip-mall address.
Hyderabadi Dum Biryani
If you somehow aren’t in a thali mood (couldn’t be me), the Hyderabadi dum biryani’s what they’re known for, and it’s their bestseller for a reason: a big, fragrant pile of spiced rice slow-cooked with your protein. They also run a full South Indian side of the menu, so if you’ve been craving a proper masala dosa or some idli, this is one of the few spots near Elkridge that’ll sort you out.
A few more things worth knowing about the menu:
- They make Nepalese momos in a bunch of styles (veg, chicken, chili, fried, and jhol), which is a fun add-on if you’re sharing apps.
- Classics like butter chicken masala, paneer tikka masala, and tandoori chicken are all here if you want to go beyond the thali.
- Right in the same shopping center, the owners opened a sibling spot called Spice n Slice Pizza & Subs. They sent me home with an Indian pizza and it was fantastic, so grab a slice on your way out. If Indian pizza’s your thing, the Indian pizzas at Curry & Pie in Elkridge are also worth a stop.
What Is a Thali?
If you’re new to the word, a thali (it means “plate” in Hindi) is basically a sampler meal built around one round platter, with a bunch of little dishes surrounding a base of rice and bread. The whole idea’s balance: you get something saucy, something dry, something tangy, something sweet, so every bite’s a little different.
It’s how a lot of families eat at home, and it’s the reason Spice N Curry’s lunch feels so satisfying. Instead of committing to one entree, you’re getting a guided tour with dal, curries, raita to cool things down, and dessert to finish. With the refills, it turns into an all-you-can-eat situation without ever feeling like a sad heat-lamp buffet.
The Vibe and Experience
Spice N Curry’s a small, cozy room, maybe eight or ten tables with comfy booths, art on the walls, and cricket playing on the TV, which honestly adds to the whole homey feel. It’s low-key and unpretentious, the kind of place that’s great for a casual weekday lunch, a solo meal, or bringing the family. What really got me was the service, though. The team recognized us, was so warm, and even comped our meal, which was incredibly sweet of them. That kind of hospitality sticks with you.
Good to Know
- Location: 📍 6590 Old Waterloo Rd, Elkridge, MD 21075, in the Lark Brown Centre strip mall, about 500 yards from Costco.
- The thali lunch runs daily from 11:30am to 2:30pm. Kitchen hours are roughly 11am to 9pm Monday through Thursday and 11am to 9:30pm Friday through Sunday, but hours can shift, so I’d call ahead if you’re cutting it close.
- Pricing’s affordable: veg thali $12.99 (weekday) / $13.99 (weekend), non-veg $13.99 / $14.99.
- It’s BYOB, so bring your own bottle.
- Parking’s easy in the shopping center lot, and the space is wheelchair accessible.
- Dine-in, takeout, and delivery (including GrubHub) are all on the table, and they take reservations.
- Vegetarian and vegan options are all over the menu, and they can do gluten-free (they’ll sub rice for the naan). Just flag it when you order.
- You can browse the full menu and order online through their website.
Is Spice N Curry Worth A Visit?
Yes, a hundred times over. If you want a great Indian lunch that won’t wreck your wallet, Spice N Curry’s one of the best values in Howard County right now, and the thali’s the play. It’s my kind of spot: unfussy, generous, and run by people who clearly care. If you’re working your way through Indian spots around here, the Indian buffet at Mint Room in Ellicott City is another good one to line up. Come hungry and get the refills.
Have you guys made it to Spice N Curry yet? If Indian food’s your love language like it is mine, this one belongs on your list, and don’t sleep on Clove & Cardamom for more underrated Indian food over in Columbia while you’re exploring the area. Let me know what you order in the comments, Nomsters, and if this put you on, send it to your favorite lunch buddy!