here’s nothing like the sound of a sizzle to pique your interest and we were treated to such theatre on a recent visit to Cutlers Spice, which proved to be a treat for all the senses.

This aural stimulus was soon overtaken by smoky aromas as our waitress neared our table and delivered our starter dishes – Hari lal tikka (£11.50) for me and Tandoori lamb chops (£6.50) for my dining companion. 

Both arrived on a hot, smoking skillet and, after digging in, tasted every bit as good as they looked. My dish – chicken and lamb tikka stir-fry with onion, peppers, mushrooms and potatoes – had a wonderful smoky flavour and was incredibly tender, whilst the lamb chops had plenty of spice and were as good as you’ll find. 

Although we’d already tucked into poppadoms (90p each) and a pickle tray with seven different choices (£4.50), it was these dishes that really set the tone for the evening that was only bettered by our main course choices, which had been recommended by co-owner Habib Rahman.

Having asked for recommendations, he pointed us in the direction of the House Specials and dishes that satisfied my choice of lamb and my dining partner’s choice of fish.

The lamb staff curry (£12.90) is made from ‘mother’s recipe’ and had a real homely feel thanks to the ceramic dish it was served in. In keeping with traditional apna-style curries, this consisted of slow-cooked on the bone lamb bhuna and was rich if a little mild. It had plenty of flavour and paired really well with the onion pilau (£4.20) – another recommendation from Habib.

Across the table, the garlic chilli fangash (£12.50) was a piquant dish made with white pangasius fish and a homemade garlic pickle-based sauce with wild chillies. This definitely had more heat but equally depth of flavour too.

We also shared a portion of pilau rice (£3.90) and a peshwari naan (£4.20) and washed down our food with glasses of draught Cobra (£5.95) and Cobra alcohol free (£3.50) beers.

In partnership with chef Saiful, Habib took over Cutlers Spice in November last year and has seen its reputation slowly grown over the last eight months or so. Since visiting late in 2025, the interior has been finessed further with the addition of traditional murals complementing the cream-coloured seating. There’s two large dining areas with a sectioned off private space for larger parties as well as a decent-sized bar areas. 

Staff are friendly and welcoming and it’s worth asking them for advice if you fancy steering yourself away from the tried and tested. 

The sights, sounds and smells will certainly capture your imagination but significantly everything tastes just as good too.

Cutlers Spice also offer takeaway and offer both a pick-up and delivery service.  

Cutlers Spice
1 Leighton Road, Sheffield S14 1SP
Tel: 0114 321 9000
cutlersspice.com