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Spice It Up

4.8 (88 reviews)
Updated over 3 months ago

Spice It Up Photos

SPICE IT UP ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Good for kids
Good for groups

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Erin M.

This has definitely become a local favorite. It's fast and convenient. The menu is short but they make it well. The atmosphere of the restaurant isn't great as it's in a older, repurposed building but it only adds to its divey charm! Definitely worth trying!

Chicken curry with extra hot sauce!
Megan B.

I'm so glad they are back up and running, I've been craving this for a year! It tastes exactly like it did before the old building burned down (delicious)! Service was quick and friendly both of the times I've visited since the re-open! Love this place!!!

storefront
Andrew H.

What, what an amazing little spot! This place has the ambiance of a food cart that grew into a building, and that is in no way meant as a slight! The food is a great hybrid of Indian and Mediterranean. The prices are fantastic! The service is friendly. I got lamb on cauliflower rice and I like it better than any lamb I've ever had on rice-rice. I know I'm in the minority of people that can handle absurd amounts of heat but, I wish is was more spiced up! I'd go here all the time if it were in Anchorage. As it stands, I'll go here next time I'm in Fairbanks :)

Up close of cauliflower rice.. SO GOOD!! Better than the actual rice. Great flavor and it's actually cooked well and not soggy. Try it!!
Liz B.

The cauliflower rice is AMAZING!!! I had to wait like 2 minutes for the cook to make some but it was totally worth it. He came out with the wok and poured out the freshly cooked cauliflower rice into my little take out container. Seriously better than the regular rice!! Super seasoned and not soggy. It pairs well with my Chana Masala/Tandoori Chicken combo. I wish I could eat here every day.. Lol Also I know I've reviewed this place like a billion times but it's the best place to eat in Alaska and every time I get to eat here all I wanna do is shout to everyone who will listen about how amazing the food is!! If your in Fairbanks and your not eating spice it up, I feel terribly bad for you...

Saturday's Special - Lamb Curry.
Shadow G.

I never thought I would find a food joint so addicting. The first time we tried it, we came back three days in a row. Spice It Up is by far one of the best restaurants in Fairbanks! The owner, Tariq, is so kind! We take every opportunity we can to chat if he's around, even just for a moment. He's so quick and excited to share his ideas, what he wants to accomplish, and new things to look forward to! It's warms my heart seeing the pride he takes in his food and how much he appreciates his customers! And the staff is so friendly and welcoming. Our first time here we asked what was good, and they didn't even hesitate to recommend their three most popular dishes and make us a small sample plate to try them! My husband decided on the tandoori chicken, which he has yet to stray from because, and I quote, "it's THAT good." I opted for the lamb curry which was the special that day, and I've gotten it every time it has been a special since. I even frequently check their Facebook to see if I can just so happen to pop in on the right day and snag some. When lamb curry isn't available, I try to "Spice It Up" and get something different. The butter chicken is classically delicious, and the chicken curry is a new favorite of mine. We tend to order a couple lamb gyros on our way out, just so we have something yummy to eat later when we're still talking about how good lunch was! Literally everything we've tried has been spot on. I also love how they're taking a trial and error approach to their menu and taking the customers feedback into account. They're always testing new dishes, desserts, and lassis. Most recently they added three new fresh-made naan options to the menu. You can't go wrong with the classic garlic, but oh my gosh, I could eat that Mediterranean naan every day and never tire of it! This is a great Fairbanks find if you're craving something delicious and authentic!

Yum Y.

This place seemed pretty popular since so many vehicles pulled up as soon as Spice It Up opened. They are located on the frontage road off of Airport Road, right next to Big Ray's. They advertise a fusion of Mediterranean, Pakistani, and Indian food. There is a dining room and a porch dining area, both with tables, if you want to dine in. And the staff is really friendly and helpful. I had the butter chicken and tandoori chicken ($15 half/half or $15 each) and a mango lassi ($6). The chicken was well spiced, served over a bed of saffron rice, accompanied with shredded lettuce, and topped with sauce. They'll add (Louisiana) hot sauce if you request it. It was tasty but not at all like butter chicken or anything tandoori like I had in India. So don't go expecting straight up ethnic food. Would I go back? Sure, if I wanted something fast and a little different. But I'm not in a rush.

A really nice take away- Butter chicken with red sauce
Emily B.

I really enjoyed our Butter Chicken($15) and Seasoned Naan($5) we got for take away. It was plenty of food to feed 2 people. Service was quick. I noticed a high chair and it was easy to get in and out of the place. I will definitely be adding SPICE IT UP into my monthly munchies!!!!

Butter Racing Tandoori Chicken Rice
Sarah I.

We heard raving reviews about this place from just about everyone so we decided to try it out. Unfortunately the first night they didn't pick up their phone and we ended up outside when they were closed (inaccurate website hours) which was very sad to us BUT we came in the next day and they were open! I got the butter chicken and tandoori (half each) over rice with spicy sauce, white sauce, and green sauce along with a naan. As a Pakistani - I was a little disappointed in the lack of spice. I was expecting some really dope spicy homemade butter chicken. Regardless, I do think it's a little overpriced (but then again everything in alaska is) But would definitely try if in the area. I personally would not go again BUT am very glad I tried it! Would highly recommend visiting at least once!

Tandoori chicken. Not as spicy as I requested, but still tasty.
Lard Belly E.

I've stopped in twice and was pleased with the food and service. First time I got take out and second I ate outside with a friend under the tent. Generous portions for food. It appears that every meal comes with hot sauce and yogurt. I liked the lamb curry over the tandoori. Really wanted to try the tikka masala, but it appears they change the menu over time. Will recommend and come again.

Christina S.

Wow! This is great food. Clean and filling. A healthy option. Bursting with flavors. So good. Large portions. The salad was great. Dressing delicious. This was one of my favorite meals. Location is in the old base camp restaurant! Then owner came out and said hello all while cooking naan. I ordered the vegan dish- don't be scared and give this a try even if you love meat this is a great dish regardless. I also had naan. I can't wait to eat this again!

Tandoori chicken
Matthew B.

I ordered the Tandoori chicken and the jalapeño naan bread. Both were delicious! I would highly recommend Spice It Up!

Delicious Garlic Naan

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1 year ago

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8 months ago

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11 months ago

Awesome tasting food.. great to have halal option in fairbanks.. nice and caring owner

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4 years ago

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8 years ago

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4 years ago

Tasty , cheap, and couldn't be quicker. Perfect grab and go for those who like a little spice and variety

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7 years ago

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8 years ago

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7 years ago

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5 years ago

First time ever trying Indian cuisine and it was unreal. Butter chicken with both sauces. Undefeated.

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4 years ago

The food is so good it makes a person who doesn't like spicy love it. Definitely recommend

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8 years ago

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7 years ago

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7 years ago

Absolutely amazing. Super nice staff and great food. I recommend the lamb gyro. Owner is very methodical and enjoys his craft

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4 years ago

Omg yum! The Channa Masala is amaaaaazing! Those flavors pop and blend so wonderfully. The samosas were perfect as well!

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7 years ago

If you want EXCELLENT NAAN you MUST dine here - the NAAN is the true authentic winner at SIU, everything else is simple and well flavored.

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Ask the Community - Spice It Up

Aurora Restaurant

Aurora Restaurant

4.8
(146 reviews)
2.3 mi
$$

VIBE: In a small strip mall, location was a little sus, compared to other areas in Fairbanks. Clean…read moreand quiet, with booth seating. Walk up order, then find a table. I went in on a Thursday evening around 7pm, and I was the only customer but they had lots of delivery orders that kept printing out, so you know it's good!! MENU: Tons of choices, see photos for current menu. The bowl option is totally enough for someone who wants a filling dinner. Get half lettuce and half rice! I got the gyro bowl, was fantastic!!

Amazing food! I ordered the butter chicken bowl. It comes with many options! I chose rice and salad…read morebase with tabouli salad and Arabic salad with two sauces, tahini and tzatziki sauce. We also ordered the chicken Kabob bowl and the chicken shawarma sandwich. My palate has experienced a plethora of Mediterranean restaurants from San Diego to Massachusetts. My family has an Arabic background and I'm familiar with the seasonings used in Mediterranean dishes. Being new to this area I haven't been satisfied with my culinary experiences to say the least. I'm so excited to find a place to enjoy eating at. The service was friendly and quick. The prices were reasonable and the establishment was clean. I'm definitely putting this stop on my regular list of go to's. Thank you for the experience! I ate too quick to snap a pic but I'll update the next visit with photos.

Photos
Menu
Menu
I don't remember the name of this dish, it was incredible though!
I don't remember the name of this dish, it was incredible though!
Outside signage

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Outside signage

Spice It Up - foodtrucks - Updated July 2026

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