Spice Garden is located within the Galaxy hotel and casino complex in Cotai; a short walk over the bridge from the lobby down an arcade of shops brings you to the food avenue. Heavy wooden doors entreat you into a comfortably modern interior with spacious tables set under massive sandstone Mughal arches; and the comfortably spaced tables and soft furnishings recreate the essence of India in the heart of Macau.

Spice Garden brings authentic northern Indian cuisine with the complexities of aromatics and spices that tantalise the senses. A chicken tikka masala is perfectly presented, rich and creamy with moist chunks of chicken that is delightful. The curry is designed for sharing, which may be difficult given its deliciousness. Lamb shorba, a soup of mild spices, delivers a luxuriating texture that deserves a final wipe of the bowl with fresh naan bread warm from the oven while a lentil dish of dal makhani infuses its rich velvety feel on the tongue. The fusion of flavours is perfectly balanced and the dish itself is beautifully presented in elegant pewter.

A good range of wines are available by the bottle or glass. The Galaxy’s master wine list is impressive, and diners looking for Indian wines to complement the meal will be happily surprised with the choices available, from a sparkling wine from Chateau Indage from Narayangaon, to a chenin blanc and a shiraz, both from Sula Vineyards in Nashik.

The waiters at Spice Garden are happy to discuss amongst themselves and with you which dishes best complement each other. The food is brought out in a timely manner and each dish is carefully explained. The staff can be familiar, giving precise instructions on which order dishes are to be consumed. Water is refilled and a continual eye is kept to ensure you are enjoying your meal fully.

A meal for two without wine will cost around MOP550. This is not bad value for a very good Indian restaurant somewhat lost in an arcade of dining mediocrity.