Mild to Mirchi (Spicy): Halal Indian Cuisine in Warren, New Jersey | Spotlight on Spice Nawabs

Owners, Anirban Talukder & Vamshi Ananthula

Thanks to Anirban Talukder taking the long journey from his home in Bangladesh to the US, diners in Warren, NJ don't have to travel far to satisfy their cravings for authentic Indian cuisine. Spice Nawabs brings the bold flavors of traditional Indian food served with a modern twist to this North Jersey community. And customers are eating it up!

Tandoor to Table: The Story Behind the Spice

When Anirban and his partner Vamshi Ananthula acquired Dak, a popular Korean fried chicken joint, they weren't initially planning to open a second restaurant on the same site. But as they immersed themselves in the local community, the duo noticed a huge demand for great local Indian cuisine.  Spotting the need, they launched Spice Nawabs to bring bold, regional flavors to the area. 

Rather than relocating or overhauling the space, the partners took a daring approach and build something quite unique: a dual-concept restaurant. This innovative model allowed them to keep Dak’s crispy Korean fried chicken offerings while introducing a second kitchen dedicated to rich, spice-driven Indian cuisine. This creative solution allowed them to serve two distinct menus under one roof, each with its own operation, dedicated staff, and loyal customer base.

Today, Spice Nawabs and Dak Korean Fried Chicken coexist at the Community Place location, delivering culinary diversity, quality, and creativity---the perfect testament of tradition meeting modern dining demands.

What Makes Indian Food So Unique?

Indian cuisine is renowned for its complexity and vibrant flavors. It uses a wide array of spices, slow-cooking techniques, and regional influences to create deeply layered dishes that tell stories of culture, tradition, and history. From the rich, buttery curries of the north to the fiery grilled kebabs and smoky tandoori dishes of the south, Indian food offers a dish for every palate.

While it’s often associated with bold heat, not all Indian dishes are spicy. In fact, many are mild and creamy, focusing instead on the balance of flavors, textures, and aromas that make Indian food so unique. At Spice Nawabs, every dish can be customized based on spice preference, making it possible for every diner to find their perfect balance.At Spice Nawabs, every dish tells a story through its spices. The menu showcases the vibrant flavors of regional Indian cuisine, offering everything from vegetarian street snacks to hearty, spiced entrees.

“From hand-picking fresh ingredients to pouring our passion into every dish," Anirban offered, "our recipes are culinary love letters written with flavors.”

Offering an array of vegetarian apps like Mirchi Bajji and Gobi Manchuria,  and non-veg options such as Tandoori Shrimp, Lamb Ghee Roast, and Lamb Sheek Kebab, customers can scoop up every bite with freshly prepared Butter,  Garlic Chilli , Garlic, and plain naan, a signature Indian unleavened flatbread.

With entrees like Aloo Kurma, Veg Curries like Palak Chana, and Egg Bhurji, and curries like Chicken Lamb, and Shrimp Vindaloo, Biryani, Chicken Tikka Masala, , every dish can be customized to suit the customers’ preferred spice level, from mild to mirchi (hot).

Each bite is a harmonious blend of spices, textures, and cooking techniques that bring the complexity and depth of Indian cuisine to life.

Vision Meets Demand: Adapting to Customer Needs

The success of Spice Nawabs is rooted in Anirban’s ability to listen to the community. When customers started asking for a great Indian restaurant, Anirban saw an opportunity and responded with authenticity, quality, and a commitment to serving exactly what the community was craving.

Spice Nawabs'  success goes beyond its vibrant cuisine—it’s also about accessibility.

With over 60% of orders coming through delivery, Spice Nawab meets customers where they live, bringing bold, flavorful Indian dishes straight to their doors. By combining top-tier food with seamless, modern direct delivery options, the restaurant reflects the evolving needs of today’s diner. It’s a powerful example of how understanding customer demand—especially the need for convenience, accessibility, and authenticity—can shape a thriving restaurant in today’s convenience-driven food culture.

Crafted with Love, Served with Pride

Anirban’s love for his heritage shines through in every dish served at Spice Nawabs.  

"It’s not just about the food;" he added, rather, it’s about the warmth, hospitality, and care that go into every interaction.

Whether enjoying take-out or delivery at home, the experience at Spice Nawabs reflects the pride Anirban and Vamshi take in their work.

"At Spice Nawab, we take pride in serving authentic (halal Indian cuisine in Warren, New Jersey,) made with fresh ingredients and love."

The Secret Sauce: Listening, Adapting, and Creating

What sets Spice Nawabs apart is the responsiveness to its customers. When the local community expressed a desire for good Indian food, Anirban and his partner Vamshi didn’t hesitate to pivot and create something special. They didn’t just stick to the existing concept—they innovated, staying in tune with what their customers wanted and adapting quickly to meet those needs.

As Anirban explains, “Customers were constantly asking, ‘Where can I get good Indian food around here?’ "That’s when I knew we needed to build something special.”

This mindset of agility and responsiveness is what sets successful restaurant operators apart from the competition. It’s not just about cooking great food; it’s about knowing when to listen, when to adapt, and when to innovate.

Take Away

Spice Nawabs isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a reflection of how dreams, demand, and heritage can come together to create something truly special. With its dual-concept model, customizable spice levels, deep commitment to authenticity, and a close connection with the Warren community, Spice Nawabs continues to deliver bold, flavorful experiences that make every meal memorable.

FAQs 

Is all Indian food spicy? 

Not at all. While Indian cuisine is known for its bold flavors, it offers a wide variety of dishes that range from mild and creamy to fiery and hot. At Spice Nawabs, you can choose the spice level for every dish, ensuring it’s just right for you.

What’s the difference between curry and tandoori? 

Curries are sauce-based dishes, typically made with vegetables or meats simmered in aromatic spices. Tandoori refers to dishes that are marinated in spiced yogurt and then cooked in a traditional clay oven, resulting in a smoky, charred flavor.

📍 Spice Nawabs

4 Community Pl, Warren, NJ

908-977-1068

Halal Indian Cuisine in Warren, New Jersey | Direct Online Ordering | Delivery Available

By Eileen Strauss