Sugar and Spice

- 51 Chestnut St, Ridgewood, NJ 07450

Introduction / Overview

For New Jersey residents seeking a culinary journey that transports them straight to the vibrant streets of India, Sugar and Spice in Ridgewood is a distinguished destination. This unique establishment is more than just a restaurant; it’s a family-owned cafe and a haven for Indian food enthusiasts, proudly bringing the authentic, complex flavors of traditional Indian street snacks and comfort food to Bergen County. While the name suggests a focus on coffee and sweets, the core appeal lies in its delectable and extensive menu of savory Indian specialties, particularly its famous Chaats, Kati Rolls, and Dosas.

Sugar and Spice successfully blends the casual, welcoming atmosphere of a local cafe with the rich, bold tastes of Indian cuisine. Customers consistently praise the food for its authenticity, often noting that it mirrors the beloved street food of cities like Kolkata. Whether you are craving the tangy explosion of Pani Puri, the comforting, spiced mash of Pav Baaji, or a crispy, South Indian Dosa, Sugar and Spice delivers a truly satisfying experience. Its menu caters to various tastes and meal times, offering everything from all-day breakfast sandwiches and gourmet coffee to satisfying dinner options and traditional Indian sweets. It’s an ideal spot for a quick, flavorful bite, a relaxed solo dining experience, or a casual meet-up with friends right in the heart of Ridgewood, New Jersey.

Location and Accessibility

Sugar and Spice is centrally located in Ridgewood, NJ, making it highly accessible for visitors from across North Jersey. Situated at 51 Chestnut Street, it is part of the vibrant local scene and is designed for maximum convenience for its patrons.

The full address is: 51 Chestnut St, Ridgewood, NJ 07450, USA.

The restaurant ensures ease of access for all guests with its flexible parking solutions, which include options for a free parking lot, free street parking, and paid street parking nearby. For patrons with pets, the outdoor seating area is dog-friendly, allowing you to bring your furry companion along for a relaxed visit. The atmosphere inside is casual, bright, and modern, offering a comfortable space that’s good for kids and includes amenities like high chairs and a clean restroom. The location’s commitment to excellent service is extended to its service options, which include multiple convenient choices for pickup and delivery.

Services Offered

Sugar and Spice is dedicated to providing a flexible and convenient dining experience for its New Jersey customers, whether they choose to dine in or enjoy their food at home.

• Dine-in Seating: A casual and cozy environment is available for guests to sit down and enjoy their meal, offering dining options for dinner and dessert.
• Takeout and Curbside Pickup: Customers can place orders for traditional pickup or opt for the convenience of curbside pickup.
• Delivery and No-Contact Delivery: Full delivery services, including a no-contact option, are available through various online platforms, bringing authentic Indian street food directly to your doorstep.
• All-Day Offerings: The menu spans from a dedicated Breakfast Menu (featuring sandwiches and spreads like Scallion Cream Cheese) to dinner and desserts.
• Catering: The establishment offers catering services, allowing customers to customize a menu for private events, ensuring a flavorful and memorable gathering.
• Reservations Accepted: Planning a visit is simple, as the restaurant accepts reservations, particularly useful for groups or during peak dining times.
• Payment Flexibility: Accepts multiple payment methods, including credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments, such as Apple Pay and Google Pay.
• Coffee and Hot Drinks: Serves a full range of beverages, from crafted coffees like Cappuccino and Latte to traditional Indian Masala Tea and various hot and iced options.

Features / Highlights

The unique appeal of Sugar and Spice lies in its unwavering commitment to authentic Indian street food, standing out in the North Jersey area as a specialist in these exciting culinary traditions.

• Authentic Indian Street Food Specialization (Chaats): The primary highlight is the extensive and authentic menu of 'Chaats'—the tangy, spicy, and sweet street snacks that are a cornerstone of Indian cuisine. Popular items include Pani Puri (crispy shells with spiced water) and Pav Baaji (spicy vegetable mash with buttered buns).
• Diverse Menu Offerings: Beyond the Chaats, the menu features South Indian favorites like Dosa (a thin, crispy crepe), savory Kati Rolls (warm, flaky parathas wrapped around savory fillings), and unique fusion Sandwiches like the Bombay Sandwich and Samosa Grilled Cheese Sandwich.
• Vegetarian Excellence: The restaurant is highly accommodating for plant-based diets, offering numerous vegetarian options and specializing in flavorful comfort food that includes vegetarian components like Paneer (Indian cheese) and various vegetable-based fillings and patties.
• Cafe Atmosphere with Modern Vibe: The venue is described as having a cozy, bright, and modern atmosphere, which contrasts with the traditional "old world" cafe feel. This unique setting is even known to host live music on occasion, adding a vibrant energy, especially on weekend evenings.
• Full Beverage and Dessert Menu: It functions as a complete cafe, offering specialty drinks like Mango Lassi and various coffee and tea options, alongside traditional Indian sweets such as Gulab Jamun and Kadame Kheer, perfect for ending a meal.
• Welcoming and Friendly Service: Customers consistently highlight the polite and courteous nature of the staff, such as the host, Deepmoy, contributing to a truly friendly and personalized dining experience.

Contact Information

For New Jersey residents interested in tasting the authentic flavors of India, here is the contact information for Sugar and Spice in Ridgewood:

Address: 51 Chestnut St, Ridgewood, NJ 07450, USA

Phone: (201) 444-2020

What is Worth Choosing

When visiting Sugar and Spice in Ridgewood, New Jersey, the menu offers a fantastic array of choices, but certain items are essential for experiencing the restaurant’s authentic specialties.

The first must-try is anything from the Chaats menu. If you are new to Indian street food, the Pani Puri is an iconic, flavor-packed experience, offering crispy hollow shells filled with spicy tamarind water, potatoes, and chickpeas. Alternatively, the Pav Baaji, a spicy vegetable mash served with buttered buns, is a supremely satisfying and popular comfort dish that is highly recommended by frequent patrons.

For a wholesome meal, the Kati Rolls are a standout. While the menu offers a savory Paneer Tikka Roll with spicy grilled paneer, customer reviews frequently call out the Chicken Tikka Roll as a highly-liked favorite, noted for its tender, creamy chunks of marinated chicken (though it is wise to confirm its availability as it is not listed in the core provided vegetarian menu). For a unique culinary fusion, the Bombay Sandwich, a delightful layering of spiced potatoes, chutneys, and vegetables on toasted bread, offers a familiar form with an exciting flavor profile.

Finally, to complete the authentic cafe experience, be sure to order one of their specialized beverages. The rich and aromatic Masala Tea is highly recommended and often complimentary, providing a warm, spiced, and comforting drink that perfectly complements the bold flavors of the food. Sugar and Spice offers a culinary journey that is both culturally authentic and deliciously satisfying, establishing itself as a true gem for Indian food lovers in New Jersey.

Sugar and Spice

51 Chestnut St, Ridgewood, NJ 07450, USA