Chana Masala at SPICE ROOM

Chana Masala is the everyday hero of Indian cuisine – a humble chickpea curry that punches far above its weight in flavor. Found at every dhaba (roadside eatery), train station, and family kitchen across North India, this dish proves that simple ingredients, treated with respect, can create something extraordinary.

At SPICE ROOM, our Chana Masala starts with chickpeas soaked overnight and simmered until perfectly tender. The masala base is built from scratch – onions caramelized to deep gold, tomatoes cooked down until jammy, and a spice blend of cumin, coriander, turmeric, and our secret weapon: amchur (dried mango powder), which gives Chana Masala its signature tangy punch.

What sets our version apart is the final tadka – a tempering of cumin seeds, dried red chilies, and fresh curry leaves sizzled in hot oil and poured over the finished curry. That sizzle releases aromatic compounds that elevate the dish from good to unforgettable. Garnished with fresh cilantro, raw onion rings, and a squeeze of lemon, our Chana Masala is hearty, protein-rich, naturally vegan, and deeply satisfying. Pair it with fluffy bhature (fried bread) for the classic combo, or scoop it up with garlic naan.