Emma Bijoux Indian and Bangladeshi restaurant in Bo’ness
There’s a running joke when on our travels that a settlement isn’t officially a town until it has a fish & chip shop, a Chinese takeaway and an Indian takeaway. Well until recently, Bo’ness didn’t have an Indian takeaway or restaurant so it has only become a town in our eyes since the recent opening of Bo’ness Spice!
A hidden gem is a well-used term in the foodie scene but if you are in the Falkirk, Linlithgow, and dare we say even Edinburgh area, then think about a visit to Bo’ness Spice. The owner, Mohammad, was part of the award-winning Itihaas team in Dalkeith, just on the outskirts of Edinburgh (read our review of Itihaas here). He has now opened the BYOB Bo’ness Spice which serves Indian-Bangladeshi cuisine both as a small restaurant and takeaway with delivery to the greater Bo’ness area (which includes Linlithgow).
@foodieexplorers##boness ##indian ##currytime ##scotland ##scottishtiktok♬ Pascal Letoublon – Friendships（Remix） – 杨邪
Menu
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Food
Starters
We ordered an assorted kebab selection (£6.95) to start with chicken tikka, lamb tikka and vegetable pakora. The plating here at Bo’ness Spice is definitely ‘grammable’, with lots of colours and textures. But we aren’t here for pictures alone so what about the taste? The pakora was crispy with layers of vegetables and not just mush as is often the case. The pieces of meat were just enough to get the taste buds going, served with lots of fresh vegetables – so it wasn’t a heavy a start to the meal.
Our other starter was a mixed vegetable puri (£5.75), a puffed fried bread accompanied by mixed vegetables, which of course Mr Foodie turned into a ‘piece’. Non-greasy and tasty with a good mix of cooked vegetables and a fresh salad on the side. After the starters, our main courses weren’t far behind.
Main courses
Rogon Fish (£10.95) – we’ve been saying for years, that curried fish works so well and will seek out Indian restaurants just for the fish dishes. This was made with salmon prepared with pimento, garlic, fresh coriander and spices, garnished with spicy fried tomatoes. Warming with plenty of flavour and good chunks of salmon.
Tandoori Raj Chingree (£14.95) with a side of aloo gobi massallam (£5.95). This dish got an ooooh as it was delivered to the table look at those prawns. Suitably grilled and still juicy with a slight kick. The prawns are marinated in a natural yoghurt and lemon sauce with spices and then grilled. The side of potatoes and cauliflower were nicely cooked.
After all that we were stuffed, but there is always space for gulab jamun! We were good and shared a portion. Warmed gulab jamun served with creamy ice cream. What an end to a fresh and delish meal.
Verdict
Really tasty food with lots of flavours and not just heat. We had 3-courses delivered quickly and well-presented with friendly service. Although it hasn’t been open long it seems very popular already as takeaways were flying out the door during our visit. It’s just a shame it’s too far away to deliver to ours! Portions were big and filling so we were able to take a doggy bag home. For a town with a population of 15,000 restaurants are lacking so it’s good to see something new and different so we expect Bo’ness Spice to do very well. If you are in the area and looking for a delicious dinner then be sure to check it out. Toilets were also clean and in working order.
TL;DR
+ Cosy, welcoming modern restaurant
+ Excellent food with lots of flavours and not just reliant on spices
+ 3 courses in under 2 hours
+ BYOB
– No onsite parking (free parking is nearby) and a little awkward to get to from further afield by public transport
Opening Hours
Dinner only. Open Wednesday to Monday 4 pm – 10:30 pm. Closed Tuesdays.
Where
Bo’ness Spice
61 South Street
Bo’ness
EH51 9HA
Transport
Click here for Traveline Scotland Journey Planner
We got there by taking the 909 bus which runs between Glasgow and Edinburgh. It drops you off at the top of the town so be prepared for a hill walk down and a more challenging back up, or take the number 2 bus. This is also the same bus for anyone more local travelling from Falkirk, Grangemouth, Slamannan or Limerigg. The First bus no. 2 terminates in Bo’ness.
If driving, there is no parking at the restaurant but free parking is available within the car park on Union St, less than a 5-minute walk away.
Reservations and takeaway orders
Book online at Bo’ness Spice.
Accessibility
The restaurant is dinky and there are two small steps to the door so may not be able to accommodate a wheelchair but once inside everything is on the one level.
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Disclaimer: we received a complimentary meal for the purposes of this article.
