After a two-year closure due to a devastating fire, UK Spice Cuisine has reopened its doors, offering a fresh look while maintaining its beloved menu.
Family-Owned Restaurant Rises From the Ashes
The family-run restaurant, operated by Harjinder Singh, his wife Kuldeep Kaul, and their son Armann Singh, originally opened in 2021 but was forced to close after a fire in 2022. During this challenging period, the family relied on their construction and renovation business, UK Mechanical Ltd., to make ends meet.
Now, two years later, the restaurant is back in business, with a revamped kitchen and an updated menu design. “All the food is the same as before, just the kitchen changed with some renovations,” said Kaul.
A Diverse Menu with International Flavors
UK Spice Cuisine offers a wide selection of dishes inspired by the flavors of India, Italy, and the Mediterranean, catering to a variety of tastes and preferences.
Harjinder Singh, the head chef, began his culinary journey in India in 1996. He moved to the United Kingdom in 2002, where he opened his first UK Spice Cuisine. In 2016, the family relocated to Surrey, British Columbia, and established another restaurant in New Westminster. Eventually, they settled in Merritt in 2020, where they launched the current UK Spice Cuisine.
Setbacks and Community Support
The aftermath of the fire brought its own set of challenges, including issues with insurance claims. At one point, the family even considered moving to a new location. “We had the insurance, but they just took forever,” said Kaul. “But we didn’t give up, because there’s a nice community here, and it’s nice to raise the kids in a small community, not like Surrey.”
Kaul expressed deep appreciation for the local support they received during their toughest times. “We want to stay here in Merritt. I like the community. When we had a difficult time, all of Merritt came and supported us,” she added.
A Historic Location
According to Armann Singh, the restaurant’s iconic large sign is a part of Merritt’s history. “First, it used to be Canada Cafe, and that’s the same sign because customers didn’t want us to take it down,” he said. “This was the first location where a restaurant opened in Merritt.”
With the reopening of UK Spice Cuisine, the family is eager to continue serving the community that stood by them, offering familiar flavors in a renewed space.
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