Southern Spice

General information

Us
Two professional hoteliers from South of India Ramesh(Manager)and Harrie (Chef) met in Aberdeen in 2002 and the friendship has flourished and we moved down South of England to Folkestone Kent, the aspiration to start out own diner was ever stronger and we found the right place in Hythe and the dream has come true,to give our best to the community the only way we know is “Good Food and Service”
We aim to use the best ingredients from sustainable sources and changing menus seasonally to maximize local provenance & flavors to create some of the finest Indian dishes inspired from different regions of India. Our stone ground spices are blended to our chefs specification and are free from additives, stabilizers and artificial coloring's, allowing for a lighter and healthier dining experience.
We believe in traditional cooking techniques when preparing our dishes and have gone back to basics to produce truly flavour-some combinations. Our coal fired tandoor allows us to retain the authenticity of our kebabs and breads, whilst adopting Modern European cooking techniques as smoking, curing and promoting a healthy approach to food for a modern twist to some traditional favorites
The Chef

Harrie interprets Indian cuisine in a modern refined way, intricately prepared and designed to capture delicious and exciting flavors. Harries main focus lies with supporting local suppliers and sourcing seasonal ingredients from selected farmers in the region and his menu embodies a unique blend of ethnic and progressive dishes
Harrie and all the staff at Southern Spice believe that free range organic produce is not just better because of its purity and freedom from additives but because it tastes so much better. Harries philosophy is to create fresh, beautifully cooked healthy food and the constant research of quality ingredients to fulfil the ultimate nutritional benefits
The catalyst for Harries passion for fresh and pure foods came from being sat by the wood fired school (cooker)with his mother in India. Peeling garlic and stripping curry leaves from the family garden is a memory which Harrie keeps close to his heart.
Harrie began his working life within the engineering industry but in 1981 decided to make the drastic transformation to studying Hotel Management and Catering Technology at university in Bangalore, South India. In 1986 Harrie joined the renowned Taj Group in Bangalore and teamed up with Michelin Star Chef Sriram Aylur. It was at this stage where Harrie gained his inspiration for utilizing fresh, local and seasonal produce whilst adapting traditional cooking techniques and equipment to produce tantalizing dishes.
Later, Harrie spent a considerable amount of time working in famous kitchens in Abu Dhabi and Bahrain, but decided to settle Folkestone, Kent,England, where he began to refine his skills in international and fusion cuisine.
Harrie teamed up with Sriram and has successfully catered for the World Leaders and Industrialists at World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland past 7 years and looking forward to tickle their taste buds for many more years to come
He now opens the Southern Spice where brings years of expertise in good service, flavors, textures and aromas. His strong philosophy in traditional cooking techniques infused with local produce is visible throughout his menu, as he aims to tantalize the taste buds of his diners.
The Manager

Ramesh Babu ,Food and beverage expert who is holding hotel management degree and gained vast experience in food and beverage service with 23 years at top class hotel chains like Hilton,Sheraton,and Hyatt group
Ramesh belief is that the "Best"guest experience come from simplest things and keeping things simple is often the hardest thing to achieve in the restaurant. Ramesh and his team are committed to creating the "Best" dining experience by listening to our guests and built on our ethos of originality and excellence .
Being in the area for 10 years working with hotels in Folkestone and being known by the local guest and their experience makes the difference to Southern spice team the "Best"in Town.

Welcome to our little gem that we call our “home away from home" and hope that you feel the same way, after a visit to Southern Spice