Opening a restaurant was never on Sujata Singh’s radar. When the Chattanooga community started embracing her scratch-made Indian cuisine, the path became clear.
Singh hails from the Bihar region of northeastern India. She and her husband landed in Chattanooga for her husband’s job upon finishing his fellowship. Over time, she grew weary with the limited, less impressive Indian food options.
“I didn’t grow up with dishes like chicken tikka masala. That’s not traditional Indian food, but many think it is,” Singh says. “So many new restaurants were opening, but none were Indian.”
So, she took matters into her own hands. In June 2019, Singh hosted her first multi-course pop-up dinner, serving authentic Indian cuisine and her personal favorite dishes. Each event drew more guests and built more buzz, eventually selling out and creating a loyal following that would one day become her restaurant’s regulars.
In 2021, when the former Subway space at Miller Plaza became available, Singh seized the opportunity to open her first storefront. She launched a retail shop offering home goods, spices, teas, grab-and-go meals, and snacks, eventually expanding into lunch service. As her business grew, so did her vision. After thoughtfully transforming the space into a warm, intimate dining room, Singh debuted full dinner service at Spice Trail in September 2024.
Starting with the retail shop gave Singh the chance to learn the ins and outs of the restaurant and hospitality world before fully committing. “Everyone starts somewhere,” she says. “I’m lucky I had friends who were willing to help me learn.”
The Spice Trail menu is Singh’s vision come to life: a curated selection of her favorite regional dishes and Indian specialties. One standout is the Bihari Chicken, her mother’s recipe and a childhood favorite. Other dishes, like the Chicken Makhni, may not be strictly traditional but celebrate the bold spices and flavors that define Indian cuisine. Every dish is thoughtfully chosen to fit the scale of the kitchen and ensure everything is served fresh and intentional.
The menu offers something for everyone: from guests new to Indian cuisine to those looking for bolder, regional flavors. Singh recommends starting with the samosas, a beloved staple across India and a guest favorite at Spice Trail. These golden, flaky pastries are filled with spiced potatoes and peas, making them the perfect way to kick off any meal. Another appetizer she suggests is the Paneer Pakora, crisp-fried bites of Indian cheese that deliver a satisfying, savory start.
For those easing into Indian flavors, the Chicken Makhni is a natural choice. While not classically Indian, Singh says it’s flavorful, comforting, and approachable for first-time diners.
Adventurous eaters might gravitate toward the Champaran Lamb. The stew is slow-cooked for four hours until the meat is tender and fall-off-the-bone, resulting in a rustic, deeply spiced dish that feels like a warm hug.
Singh also encourages guests to pair their meal with a glass of wine. While wine might not be the first thing that comes to mind with Indian food, she believes it’s a natural fit. The restaurant’s robust beverage menu offers plenty of pairing options, and Singh and her staff are always happy to make recommendations.
Just a few years ago, opening a restaurant wasn’t even on Singh’s radar. Now, she takes pride in how far the journey has taken her.
“I’m so proud of what we’ve built,” she says. “My staff is wonderful. They put their heart and soul into this place. It’s amazing to see, and incredibly fulfilling.”
To learn more about Spice Trail, visit their website at spicetrailcha.com, stop by their storefront in Miller Plaza at 850 Market Street #106, or follow them on Instagram @spicetrailcha.