Merchant Spice is a contemporary Indian restaurant and takeaway on Fairfield Road in Braintree, set up for evening dining as well as convenient collection and home delivery, with a menu that covers familiar curry-house favourites and a few standout rice dishes.

If you’re after an Indian that feels a little more polished than a quick grab-and-go, Merchant Spice leans into that modern, smart-casual restaurant vibe while still keeping takeaway firmly in the mix. It’s based at 9 Fairfield Road, Braintree, CM7 3HA, and the opening hours are very evening-friendly, with service from 5pm most nights, later closes on Friday and Saturday.

The overall style is rooted in classic Indian restaurant comfort, but with enough range to suit different “types” of curry nights. You can build a simple order around the staples people tend to come back to, or you can steer towards the biryani and grilled tandoori-style dishes when you want something that feels a bit more special. The venue also presents itself as both a restaurant and takeaway, so it works whether you’re planning a sit-down meal or ordering in at home.

A good first visit mindset is to think in three parts: something grilled or crispy to start, one creamy comfort main, and one bolder, brighter curry, then finish it off with rice and a bread to share. Merchant Spice specifically highlights dishes like butter chicken, tikka masala, jalfrezi and dansak, which sit neatly in those different “lanes” of flavour.

If you like your Indian food with smoke and char, the tandoori side is a natural place to begin. Tandoori chicken is directly mentioned as a signature-style dish, described in the classic way you’d expect, marinated chicken cooked with spices and grilled. This is the sort of order that works brilliantly as either a starter for the table or as a main paired with rice and naan, especially if you prefer something less sauce-heavy.

When it comes to mains, there’s plenty of scope to keep everybody happy, particularly if you’re ordering for a pair or a family and need a mix of mild and spicy.

Here are a few easy “what should we order?” routes that suit most curry nights:

Comfort-first, mild and creamy: butter chicken or tikka masala, with a naan and a simple rice. These are the ones that please most people, especially if you’re feeding mixed ages or anyone who prefers gentler spice.

Bold and punchy: jalfrezi if you like a sharper, more vibrant curry style, often a good pick when you want heat and that “freshly cooked” tang.

Rich and different: dansak, described as a traditional sweet-and-sour style. That kind of main is great when you want a change from the usual rotation.

If you’re the sort of person who orders biryani whenever it’s on the menu, Merchant Spice puts a clear spotlight on it. They specifically mention lamb biryani, chicken tikka biryani and king prawn biryani, which gives you a good idea of the range, from hearty and meaty to seafood-led. Biryani is also one of those dishes that travels well for takeaway, so it’s a strong choice if you’re ordering for delivery and want something that still feels restaurant-quality at home.

For vegetarian diners, Merchant Spice states it offers vegetarian options and gives examples such as saag aloo, aloo tikka masala and paneer tikka. That’s a useful mix because it covers both the classic “everybody loves it” spinach and potato comfort, plus paneer for anyone who wants something with a bit more bite and richness. Vegetarian options are available. Vegan options are not stated. Gluten-free options are not stated.

Allergy handling is something to treat carefully, in the sensible, grown-up way. Merchant Spice asks customers to inform them of any allergy or intolerance when placing an order. That’s helpful as a starting point, but a full allergen matrix isn’t stated in the information provided, so if you have a serious allergy or need strict separation, it’s best to call ahead and be specific about what you need.

One practical detail some people actively look for is Halal. Merchant Spice states that all of their meat dishes are prepared using Halal ingredients.

Now, the “handy info” side that matters in real life.

If you’re ordering for delivery, Merchant Spice states home delivery is available with a minimum order of £15, and it outlines a delivery charge within 5 miles, with additional charges beyond that distance. Collection is also available via online ordering.

If you’re driving, it’s worth knowing that the Where to Eat in Essex listing states there is no onsite parking. That doesn’t mean parking is impossible, it just means you’ll want to plan around nearby streets and public parking options depending on the time of day.

For payments, the Where to Eat in Essex listing states they accept cash, credit and debit card, Apple Pay and Google Pay. That’s handy for quick collections when you don’t want to worry about carrying cash.

Opening times are consistent and easy to remember:

Monday to Thursday: 5:00pm to 10:00pm

Friday and Saturday: 5:00pm to 11:00pm

Sunday: 5:00pm to 10:00pm

So, who is Merchant Spice best for?

It’s a strong fit for:

Couples who want a relaxed evening Indian in Braintree, with the option to book a table

Families and groups who like building a shared spread, a couple of starters, two contrasting mains, rice and breads

Biryani fans who want a proper choice of options rather than just one token biryani

Anyone who wants Halal meat options clearly stated

People who like the flexibility of dine-in one night, delivery the next

Overall, Merchant Spice is the sort of local Indian that can quietly become a regular. The menu direction is familiar enough to feel dependable, but it has a few “go-to” routes when you want to upgrade your usual order, especially with the biryani choices and grilled tandoori-style dishes. If you’re in the Fairfield Road area or anywhere around central Braintree and you want an evening Indian that works equally well as a sit-down meal or a takeaway night at home, it’s a solid one to have in rotation.

Food Types: Restaurant; Takeaway/Delivery; Indian

Dining Type: Dine In; Takeaway; Delivery

Area: Braintree, Braintree