There's a new restaurant in North Richland Hills serving an exciting combination of Indian and Nepalese food: Called The Spark Indian and Nepali Cuisine, it’s now softly open at 8245 Precinct Ln. #110, where it’s serving a fun assortment of spicy dishes that includes a big vegetarian selection.

The Spark is from Jyoti Kandel and Shreeram Sapkota, a team with extensive hospitality experience. Kandel has 15 years in hospitality and hotel management, while chef Sapkota has restaurant industry experience in India and New York. Kandel is also well known in the local community since he owns another similar Indian and Nepalese restaurant in Keller called Aroma Grill and Bar.

The duo met two years ago while living in the same community and shared similar restaurant ideas.

The menu is expansive, featuring flavors from northern India and Kathmandu in Nepal, ranging from curries to tandoori chicken. It’s almost overwhelming, with more than 150 items on the menu, according to Kandel.

Signature dishes include classics like the Gobi 65 with deep-fried cauliflower in a spicy sauce; butter chicken masala; biryani, the comforting rice casserole; and momo dumplings which can be ordered steamed, fried, or cooked in a tandoori oven. Prices range from $11 to $24.

Vegetarian and vegan options include veg vindaloo and chana masala with chickpeas, ginger, garlic, and spices. They have an amazing array of naan breads in 14 varieties including potato naan, garlic naan, and butter naan.

“You can get chicken everywhere, but I think diet habits have moved more towards vegetarianism,” Kandel says. “We like to place our focus on the veggie dishes by still delivering that flavor, and also the nutritional profile, so that people get what they're looking for in terms of health consciousness."

They've applied for a wine and beer license, although they won't serve alcohol; for now, the restaurant is BYOB. It’s a small casual space with 11 tables, featuring scenic photos of mountains and landscapes in Nepal, as well as musical instruments from Nepal.

They chose North Richland Hills because its central location is accessible to so many diners in surrounding cities such as Fort Worth, Colleyville, Southlake, and Keller. They'll host an official grand opening on July 22.

“We want people to know they still have options for this style of food and authenticity in the area and we want to engage with the community,” Kandel says.