SYLHETS SPICE LIMITED T/A JAMALS in Middlesbrough

One of the best Indian meals I’ve ever had. Freshly cooked, tasty and flavour. Owner puts his heart into the food.

Best curry in Middlesbrough, proper quality, but located away from busy bars.supised it was quiet, needs promotion as food is great. Highly recommended

Travelled from London over weekend and ate in this restaurant. I have to say the food was beautiful. Was freshly cooked and very tasty. One of the best restaurants I have eaten in. Shame the location is so quiet.

Had the best curry ever. Was surprised as I’ve passed here many times and never ate here, wish I’d came here sooner as I’m extremely impressed, each dish was superb, fresh and authentic. Looking forward to going back.

Oh my days how can one person do so much and still deliver a wonderful curry. The decor is dated but it’s all about the food and you know what its worth the wait. The fact that it was busy meant that we have a really casual night and was good to not be rushed. Massive thanks for a great evening and looking forward to coming back next time we are up in the area.

Just literally finished my food with my brother from jamal everything was beautiful as always is had a great chat with jamal once we finished id recommend jamals to anyone who wants a really good curry thanks jamal see you soon

Bit of a gem. Arrived late on a Saturday. Thought they were shutting but welcomed in. Curry was fresh not your normal gravy. Chicken was cooked to perfection. Deserved to be busier. Best curry I have had in awhile. Thank you

Unfortunately, woeful. Seekh kebab was overcooked and tasteless. Prawn Ceylon seemed to comprise of prawns that were flavourless and at best partially cooked. Sauce was generic tomato, green chilies and I think dried coconut flakes, couldn't taste any other spices. Had a pint of John Smiths sold as draught on the menu, came from the kitchen rather than the bar and was remarkably similar to Smiths that would come out of a can. I know the place is well thought of, hope it can get back to what it used to be.

On a visit up north and can honestly say this is one of the best curries that I have had. Thank you.

Called in for the first time in a few years and it did not disappoint. Cracking food that is well worth the wait as it is cooked to order!

Dined here tonight. We should have walked out when we were told there was a 2 hour wait. I thought this was an exaggeration so decided to say. Our meal arrived just within 2 hours. Both my wife and I though that our curries tasted sweet and weird. We both left at least half. The reason for the wait is that the owner won’t let the waiter even pour a drink Anyway, life is too short for a 2 hour wait for a curry, we don’t do fast Akbar’s but regular speed like Massala on Borough road.

The food was really nice.... but... the atmosphere was rubbish, the staff basic and we were overcharged compared to menu prices. Which made us feel like they were taking advantage of us not being locals

Jamal is a great host, who goes above an beyond to serve wonderfull Indian food. He does it all himself with help for two staff. Please be patient getting your food as it is worth the wait.

Really enjoyed our curry. The service from start to finish was exemplary. You can really set this restaurant apart from its contemporaries in the area due to its fresh ingredients and home style cooking. Sure to be back soon 10/10

Food was disgusting, there was one person serving and cooking the food. This place was recommended by a friend with a wicked sense of humour. I'm guessing I got pranked.

Hard working chef, owner, barman all in one! Food is prepared and cooked fresh so expect the time in the restersunt to reflect same . The food is brilliant, lovely tasting and good portion size . Tried it once a few months ago and been back twice and not been disappointed. Forget Akbars frozen pre prepared menu delivered from Bradford this is freshly cooked and tastey . Highly recommended. Told amr.jamal to just do me something of lamb medium hot and he did not dissapount me.

Great place to eat if you like to know you are having your meal made from scratch. The food is fantastic.

몇년간 먹었던 인도요리중 최고입니다.직원이 없이 혼자 서비스까지 하느라 음식이 좀 늦는다고 미리 말해주어 맥주를 마시며 기다렸는데 먼저 온 손님의 음식을 보고 기대하게 되었고,역시 내 음식도 너무 맛있었습니다.혼자하는데도 뜨거운 접시에 훌륭한 음식까지 너무 감동했습니다. 종업원이 없어 오래 기다려야하지만, 기다릴 수 있으면 꼭 가서 먹어보시길!

Have been to Jamal’s numerous times over the year. Although the food is nice, he stands there moaning about how stressed and busy he is as he cooks it all fresh. Great but hire another chef… booked a table tonight for my husbands birthday. Turned up and he started shouting and balling saying he was about to shut the door as he is so busy! There was 3 tables seated (10 people) he was shouting at us in front of everyone saying we should have booked as it will take time for him to cook the food. We explained that we booked and he said there must have been an issue online. I pointed out that I booked it directly with him on the phone!! After a few minutes of being totally humiliated and balled at in front of everyone, waving his arms around and almost hysterical - we walked out! How does he stay open? So rude! Never again!

Best indian in boro. Absolutely unreal food

At Jamal's it's all about the food - which has been excellent for over 25 years we've been eating there. Good curries take time, and these are GREAT, so please don't be in a rush. Jamal personally serves a table at a time, cooking each dish to order. Worth trying some different dishes - Jamal will often suggest something to try based on what you normally like. Some of our favourites: Chicken Tikka Kalia (with some Naga chilli) Lamb Methi (takes time and skill to get such flavour from the fenugreek leaves) Chicken Dansak (lots of flavours and nice if you like something sweet but tangy) Tarka dall (again, needs time to get the full flavour from the garlic) Saag aloo or lamb saag (haven't found many chefs who can get that much flavour from spinach) Chicken tikka biryani (plenty of subtle flavours, and no soggy rice) Onion naan

Great place. Plan ahead for little bit of time but food is unrivalled for quality and taste

My partner and I found ourselves in Middlesbrough and staying at the Jurys inn hotel, we decided on an Indian meal for tea, sooo glad we googled nearby eateries and Jamal’s was closest, the food and service was second to none! It was a lovely experience as The man himself introduced us to his restaurant and explained what to expect and he didn’t disappoint, he came by when we had finished eating to see if all was ok, felt a real personal touch from a guy who clearly had cooked everything to order fresh. Very tasty food at an affordable price portion sizes are bang on too.

Sorry to say as much as I loved this place, there was no atmosphere, only one waiter serving drinks/food. Had to preorder curries😳

Good food and service. More expensive than I would have expected. Would visit again.

Definitely wouldn’t recommend this place to anyone with dignity. Walked in to the almost empty restaurant with my girlfriend for dinner and we were told it would take a while to be served as Jamal cooks food from scratch. We didn’t mind this and ordered some drinks, the waiter mentioned he doesn’t take food orders as Jamal would attend to us when he’s done cooking. Out of curiosity, I politely asked the waiter how that system is sustainable for a restaurant that has the capacity to sit 30-40 people, he said it’s just how it is and we enjoyed our drinks while waiting to be served. Eventually Jamal comes out to take our order but first yells at us at the top of his voice that he’s been cooking for 27 years and he doesn’t care about how we feel, he has upset numerous customers and he doesn’t care. This was quite embarrassing and my girlfriend said she had lost her appetite, I tried explaining calmly to him that he was quite rude and had upset her but he just kissed his teeth and tried taking my order like nothing happened. We decided to pay for our drinks and walked out while he kept yelling and boasting that he makes great food so doesn’t care about anyone’s patronage. An extremely unprofessional and rude restaurant.

Me and my boyfriend came here for a meal together and when we arrived the waiter told us that there is a wait for food as everything is made from scratch. This was completely fine and we sat down and had a drink. When we tried to place a food order the waiter informed us that the chef (Jamal) comes and takes the food order which we found abit confusing so my boyfriend politely asked why and how can they manage when the restaurant is full if only one person is taking the orders.Shortly after this Jamal came out to take our food order and straight away started shouting at me and my boyfriend in a very threatening manner saying things like “I have worked in this industry for 27 years that’s older than you” and was indirectly saying that we do not know what we are talking about as we are young even when I stated I have worked in restaurants since the age of 16 and normally the waiter takes the order not the chef. Jamal then proceeded to go on a rant about the other places around his restaurant being closed down (which had nothing to do what either of us had said) and (while still yelling) that he had offended many customers but once they had his food they liked it. In turn I reminded him that just because people like his food it does not mean that he is not being rude to them. I then told him he had offended me and that I had lost my appetite and he proceeded to try and take my boyfriends order who told Jamal again that I was upset. Jamal’s response was to kiss his teeth. At this point we decided to just pay for our drinks and leave and upon hearing this, Jamal told us he does not beg customers to stay which I found to be a very odd comment to make. We paid for our drinks which came to £14.50. We had two cokes which are £1.95 each and then my boyfriend had a double Hennessy which came to £7 meaning that they had overcharged us. Jamel is very very unprofessional and if he speaks to customers like the way he spoke to us I think it’s best if the waiter takes the food orders or the other chef (who Jamal was speaking about us too while we were in ear shot). Over all very very unpleasant and unprofessional behaviour we did not even get an apology for his behaviour from the other staff. I have seen Jamal’s response to another poor review and him saying that he hopes it doesn’t hurt his business however i think Jamal’s attitude and poor customer service skills will be the thing that damages his business the most. His food looks amazing however his attitude let’s him down.

Enjoyed a very tasty meal at Jamal's tonight with my son - we had two chicken chef specials. Service was fabulous which was amazing given the owner was working on his own doing front of house and then preparing the food and serving drinks. Please visit and support this genuine hard working owner/entrepreneur.

Very nice and freindly service from these guys! Definitely worth a visit I will be definitely visiting again

Fantastic meals at Jamals, best in this area. Very humble man does everything himself. Don't be in a rush the best is always worth waiting for. Had many meals very highly recommended. The person who said rice stuck etc etc I think they may be from a restaurant giving a bad review, look at all the other reviews not a bad report.

My wife and I fancied a meal tonight and went to eat at the restaurant after reading their reviews. Restaurant wasn’t busy as there were a few empty tables. We didn’t manage to eat as we were advised that meals would take an hour or more and unless we had that time to wait we could not be served. This struck me as seriously odd for a Wednesday evening 7pm. Very unfriendly, unwelcoming and not worth our effort. Suffice to say we went to Massala’s down the road and enjoyed the beers and the food. Think this restaurant welcomes those known to the owner. Not ever going back,

Wow, what a meal! An absolute pleasure that I didn’t want to end. A hot madras that had ‘real’ flavour. Everything was perfect. Even the Owner paid his respects at our table (he does all the cooking too). I’d recommended this place to anyone without a second thought. Easily the best madras ever. Beer is quite expensive but the meal more than compensated for that. Thank you Jamals...

Very nice curry, although the main course wasnt what I had ordered. The lamb was a little too fatty and a bit tough. All in all a very well rounded meal. Excellent service and very friendly staff. Good Cobra Beer on tap

I've worked all over England, Wales and parts of Scotland too. I love curry and know how to cook certain styles. Jamal's curry is the best I've tasted in the UK. The taste of the food is only matched by the warmth of the man. The place was not very busy perhaps as not flash or trendy etc. Leave the masses to it, come here for the real deal hey. Full Stop.

Food was amazing and great service from jamal himself

Food is spot on if you are prepared to wait for it.

Excellent food and service would return without hesitation next time in Middlesbrough

Perfect. Food and service was excellent.

The best Indian if you are staying in Middlesbrough. Different experience and a Must try. The only Indian restaurant you need. My husband and I travelled from Nottingham just to eat here. Jamal is one man, he does everything! So don't expect the in and out typical restaurant experience. Here you watch as one man looks after all the tables, drinks, cooks and serves. And the best part, the food is delicious!!!! We will be back again!

Best place in middlesbrough for an indian, not even close

Foods unreal everytime without fail flavours spot on. Jamal works his socks off. An improvement could be with maybe another staff member to help out when busy but besides that it, it gets a ten from len

Service can be a little slow but Jamal never lets you down, food is always beaut & full of flavour and that’s what makes it one of the best Indian restaurants in Boro

As always at Jamal's the food is fresh and amazing, but don't expect to be in and out in flash as Jamal goes at his own speed. Also don't book just turn up, he hates it when you book a table.

The most amazing owner and host and the tastiest food I've had in a long time. So delicious. Would eat again next time I'm in town.

Empty but full. No room for a solo diner.

The food is always superb and has become a staple for me and my girlfriend. You won't find a better curry in Middlesbrough.

Call 45 mins ahead if collecting. Freshly made and lushess flavours.

First return visit since lockdown and throughly enjoyed our meal. Restaurant has has a revamp and Wow looks amazing so comfortable and clean. Jamal we will see you very soon.

Haven't been for years and was a lovely meal. The best Indian meal in the area

Incredibly slow service and the food is extremely weird, I wouldn't want to say necessarily bad but still, oddly sweet nan and it was very heavy on my stomach the next day.

It's a good restaurant. Its good to orders North indian dishes. A little bit costly

What can I say, but (in the words of Janice from friends) OH MY GOD!!! We arrived and were seated quickly, and drinks order taken in minutes. Jamal came to take our orders, then made it fresh while we enjoyed some poppadoms and pickles. The curry is to die for. The restaurant has had a renovation since we were here last, and it looks lovely. We will definitely be back!! Thank you!!

The service is slow, the decor is dated, the owner/chef/host is mercurial to say the least, and the prices, given where it is, aren't exactly cheap. However, Jamal's get a very high 4 Stars from me, because the food is outstanding. As a vegetarian, I often find myself confined to two or three dishes on an Indian menu. Jamal's had even less options for me. But the Sag Aloo was the star of the show. I also had the vegetable biriyani, which while well-seasoned was subtle and nuanced; the spices offset by the very carefully measured plump, sweet sultanas that occasionally interjected on the palate. Jamal is truly a gifted chef. If you're willing to put up with having to wait a bit longer - there's hardly any other staff - then your patience will be amply rewarded. RECOMMENDED for away fans visiting the Riverside Stadium (10 mins by foot); give yourself two hours to get the full experience.

Food was good, chef was exceptional. :)

Jeeesus 🤤🤤 il never go anywhere else ever again. Thank you jamal

Delicious fresh food! This is my go to for Indian food. Jamal is a gentleman and does everything with great pride! Thank you for a wonderful meal.

Award winning "Jamal" is not only a nationally recognized chef but an internationally recognized chef. Unlike other restaurants, people rave on about and continue to go to. Nothing is frozen and shipped in from Bradford" I have watched him closely in his kitchen, they are both immaculate. Your onion comes from a bag beside him, your tomatoes from the fridge . There isn't a massive bucket of sauce he drops your food into. He make your base sauce from scratch. If you go to any other restaurant or takeaway you order your food and before you get the words and a "Garlic Nan" out of your mouth its in your hands. Here you wait for it to be passionately prepared and cooked by "Jamal" for you, how you like it. Try this place you will not be disappointed.

Had a meal before going to the cinema with 3 friends. Food was gorgeous so tasty and fresh. Will definitely be back.

Fantastic as always. Highly recomend *****

Jamal is very kind and friendly. His food is absolutely delicious but it takes a bit of time for it to be prepared but it is absolutely worth the wait! Will definitely come back again!

Amazing food best curry in the North East.

Great food at Jamal's. The restaurant is located on the eastern side of central Middlesbrough and is a short walk from the main hotels, Town Hall and MIMA art gallery. It sits in a reasonably quiet spot on the opposite side of the road to Cineworld. A recent refurbishment has taken place to a good standard which makes it highly suitable for any Covid related measures that might be needed. At first glance, Jamal's may appear to be a typical Indian restaurant that is common place in nearly all town and city centres across the UK. However, the quality of food is much higher than you'd normally expect. In fact, there's a case to be made that it's rare to find a restaurant as good as this. The emphasis is firmly set on quality. Food is freshly cooked by the owner/chef and good quality produce and ingredients are used. Highly recommended.

First takeaway from here and no exaggeration, the best Indian takeaway I've ever eaten! I can't recommend enough!

Worst food ever I had in my life...

Thanks to Alan's review, we decided to give this place a go. And it did not disappoint! My husband had what he called the best Chicken Tikka he has ever had with a really yummy nan. And for me I had the chefs special. Delicious! Very welcoming. Definitely recommend.

Tonight I'm in Middlesbrough for work and I stumbled across Jamal's Indian restaurant.... Wow wow wow... I'm so glad I did, because the food was beautiful. I had Byriani and garlic naan with some tarka dhal and it was the best. 10/10 and 5*. The staff were very friendly too. Food was hot and tasty.

Such good food!! If you're looking for a lovely local independent Indian this is 100% the place to go. The staff are so welcoming, quick service and food is delicious! Definitely recommend!

Had a long wait but was worth it food was lovely

Best Indian in Boro. Jamal is a true Gent.

Nice cool place and delicious tasty food with cheap price

Nice if you don't mind salty. And your order takes ages coz there's only Jamal the chef

Excellent. Having tried a few authentic places in Boro, I found this place had the best 'Apna' style C Biriyani. Perfect texture and taste. Well done.

Best indian food in the area freshly made every time highly recommend

Fantastic food and staff!! Highly recommend!!

Fabulous food excellent service and staff are polite and courteous

Hi Everyone Just had my first Indian takeaway from Jamal's Middlesbrough. 30mins ago, to say this is the best in Middlesbrough is not over egging it. I have had many Indians from most in the town, so know what I am taking about, to the point even my wife food was special. This will be the first of many more meals to be eating at this restaurant. Thanks to you all tonight keep up the standards.

Gorgeous and tasty food, staff are lovely and well mannered.

Excellent food; even better staff

Well recommended, I am not usually fond of indian cuisine it was literally the only restaurant left open so had no choice. Food was well cooked and very well flavoured, tasted absolutely amazing! Would definitely go again.

Great food freshly cooked absolutely loved it

Excellent authentic Indian cuisine and freshly cooked to order by the owner. Will visit again in near future.

What a great night excellent food one of the best ive tasted complements to Jamal

Jamal's is a querky little place, the award winning man himself does all the cooking on his own, each dish from fresh. The food is amazing. You may have to wait a while if a few turn up at the same time as he only has one pair of hands. But it's worth the wait.

Arrived on valentines day with table pre booked as advised by Mr jamal, was told they were too busy and we would have to wait another 1 hour and 45 minutes which I guess if things are not organised can happen however the manner in which we were spoken to by him was really unacceptable, if you are a business owner you of all people should speak to people in the right way not make them feel bad because your are too busy and cannot cater for them. I have been here many times before but we vowed that we will never return having been spoken to and treat like that!

Great food, reasonably priced, polite and friendly service will be going back again.

A really nice, small and cosy restaurant run by Jamal who i think does everything by himself. The food is definitely of a high standard and isn't too pricey-similar price range of other Indian restaurants. Would definitely return here!

Made very welcome. Excellent meal. I will return next time I am in Middlesbrough

Really nice food recommend the garlic chilli chicken. Jamal came and spoke to us which was a nice touch.

Fantastic food and a friendly atmosphere

Lovely food, Jamal is a brilliant cook and couldn't do enough for us. Must try for any one looking for a good Indian curry.

Beautiful food at great prices very friendly staff and atmosphere.

Best Inian Restaurant in the Middlesbrough area!

I got a garlic naan and the chicken tikka masala. Both were delicious! I'd add a picture but I already ate it all, it was too good

Unbelievable food, prompt service by friendly staff. Would highly recommend.

Good food reasonably priced well situated with car park opposite

One of the best indian restaurant in Middlesbrough and it have the best food

Really nice people working there a very good curry.

Gone right down the pan, ordered lamb madras and pilau rice. Cheap lamb like the cheap takeaways use, tasted like rubber. The rice was all stuck together like sticky Thai rice, curry was disgusting. All 2 curries went in the bin. Restaurant prices with low rating takeaway quality, we go to takeaway shops which has much better quality meat and cooking than here. Will never visit again, can’t believe how bad it was

Great food. The best tandoori chief of ever experienced.

I’d come back. The patriarch is a star. Does all the cooking. The spicy house special thing was awesome. Don’t expect fancy. Taste is all.