The contemporary Indian restaurant 21 Spices by Chef Asif will permanently close March 31 after serving the Naples area for more than nine years.
Chef Asif Syed, who launched his popular local restaurant in late 2015, decided to change course to explore “new opportunities beyond Naples,” although he has not divulged specific details about his next venture. A professional chef for nearly 30 years, the executive chef and co-owner fondly reflects on his successful run at 4270 Tamiami Trail E. in East Naples.
“These past 10 years have been an incredible experience,” Syed said. “We have built something special here, and I am beyond grateful for the unwavering support of our guests, friends and the Naples community. Your kindness and enthusiasm have meant everything to us.”
Born in Hyderabad, India, a city known for its hospitality, Syed perfected his progressive fusion style of cooking while working in Europe. His signature culinary style blends classic techniques with exotic flavors he discovered while traveling.
“21 Spices aptly straddles the line between what’s expected from Indian cuisine and the modern interpretation of what an Indian restaurant can be,” according to a 2016 dining review in Gulfshore Life, which named Syed one of its 2019 Men of the Year.
Syed launched his upscale 21 Spices on Dec. 21, 2015, in the Sugden Park Plaza anchor space with a full bar that previously was home to Cafe Luna East and Boston’s Restaurant & Sports Bar. Even before creating the flavorful menu for 21 Spices, Chef Asif had already made a name for himself locally and on the national stage.
For 14 years, Syed previously was executive chef at the Hilton Marco Island Beach Resort, where he featured some of his classic Indian dishes. Food Network celebrity chef Guy Fieri dubbed Syed “The King of Curry” when the local chef competed on “Guy’s Grocery Games” in 2015.
While operating 21 Spices, Syed attracted attention on “Beat Bobby Flay,” when his signature Tandoori Chicken bested Flay on a 2018 episode of the TV show. In 2019, 21 Spices became a Blue Zones Project Approved restaurant and Syed showcased his culinary skills at the prestigious James Beard House with a dinner titled “Innovative Indian Cuisine by Chef Asif,” earning him recognition as a James Beard-featured chef. In 2022, Syed was honored to be among influential Muslims to be invited to the White House for an Eid al-Fitr reception marking the end of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.
Syed plans to take a few months off before pursuing another opportunity.
“I want to take a break and I want to see my mom. She’s in India,” he said.
Syed still will be in Naples for a short time because his children are still attending school here. He said he is scheduled for a few events this spring in South Florida.
Syed said 21 Spices was a wonderful journey and he doesn’t have any regrets.
“The 10 years have been glorious. I think I had a great run,” he said. “I’m very, very happy and very proud and celebrating.”
While Syed can’t say yet where he’ll land, he said it will be a very big city. “I can’t talk until everything is finalized,” he said.
Syed knows he can perform on a bigger stage now and he wants write a new chapter in his life. He is certain he’ll continue to enjoy being a chef for Indian cuisine somewhere else.
“It’s what I’ve been known for. I don’t want to change or do anything else,” Syed said. “Cooking is my passion and Indian food has become very, very popular now.”
As a culinary artist, Syed says he’ll go with the flow, but as a resident of Collier County for 25 years, Naples will always be home to him just as the United States will always be home.
“America is my home. I can’t see doing business anywhere else,” he said.
21 Spices will still be open 3 to 9 p.m. daily until the end of this month.
“This is a bittersweet moment, but I would love to welcome everyone for one more meal before we say goodbye,” Syed said. “Thank you for making 21 Spices such a special place.”
