Spice Trail: A World of Flavor in Downtown Chattanooga

 

It’s no secret that Chattanooga is home to great food. Locals and visitors alike delight in our area’s diverse and thriving mix of culinary experiences. One restaurateur who stands out is Sujata Singh, proprietor of the Miller Plaza restaurant Spice Trail and the mind behind an ever-evolving menu of fresh, authentic meals that celebrate India with every bite.

Sujata was born in India and moved to the United States when she was nineteen. After taking a break from her accounting career to raise her children, she began looking for ways to return to the workforce. A conversation with a stranger brought her to the realization that Chattanooga lacked authentic Indian restaurants. In 2019, Sujata began hosting monthly pop-up dinners featuring a variety of authentic Indian dishes. The pop-ups were a hit. Then, Covid happened. Instead of letting the pandemic stop her, Sujata began selling takeaway meals. In 2021, the Miller Plaza space where Spice Trail currently resides was posted for rent. Sujata took the opportunity and soon opened her first retail location.

A visitor’s first impression of Spice Trail will likely be the smell. Warm spices and soothing lighting greet you as you walk in the door, beckoning you into a refuge from the hustle and bustle of the city outside. The shop is a lesson in ambiance. Displays full of artisan jewelry, richly-colored textiles, teas, and home goods line the walls.

Spice Trail’s menu includes a variety of authentic Indian dishes prepared to go, with hot lunches available Tuesday through Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. When asked what sets Spice Trail apart from other Indian restaurants, Sujata answered simply: freshness and quality. Her dishes are made in small batches using the freshest local ingredients, promising a home-cooked flavor you won’t find anywhere else.

Though some dishes remain favorites year-round, the menu evolves based on what ingredients are in season. Each change brings flavors that will be familiar to those who grew up with them and exciting to newcomers to Indian cuisine.

Our tasting consisted of classic dishes and modern reimaginings. Our favorite was the Lamb Burger: juicy lamb, spicy slaw, tomato aioli, and tamarind chutney sandwiched between two pillowy pieces of pav bread. If you’re a vegetarian, not to worry—there are snacks and meals for vegetarians and meat eaters alike. We can’t wait to try next month’s menu.

Spice Trail is truly a gem in Downtown Chattanooga. It’s perfect for lunch or early dinner, and their to-go meals offer an easy way to bring Indian flavors into your life any day of the week.

Spice Trail also offers cooking classes. Sujata’s current series teaches students how to bring essential Indian ingredients and techniques into their own kitchens. You can register for her March 6th class, “The (He)Art of Lentils & Legumes,” on the Spice Trail website.


Esther Lovingood

Communication & Program Coordinator

 
Dawn Hjelseth