Kahaani — Restaurant in Melbourne

Mixed Experience at Kahani: Authentic Flavors but Room for Improvement

Introduction: My recent Saturday dine-out experience with friends at Kahani left me with mixed feelings. While the staff was welcoming and friendly, they fell short in explaining the dishes on the menu. Despite featuring an intriguing selection of uncommon Indian cuisine, the overall experience was marred by average starters and limited portions. Nevertheless, the main course dishes, such as Palak Paneer and Goat Curry, impressed with their authentic flavors. However, the high prices and small portion sizes left me feeling unsatisfied.

If the portion size and price are not significant concerns for you, Kahani is still worth a visit based on my overall experience. Despite the aforementioned drawbacks, the restaurant manages to deliver authentic flavors that surpass many other Indian dining options in Melbourne. If you prioritize taste and are willing to overlook the portion sizes and pricing, you are likely to enjoy the unique culinary journey that Kahani offers.

Atmosphere: The ambiance at Kahani could benefit from some attention. While the staff's warm reception created a welcoming environment, the overall atmosphere didn't match the premium prices. Enhancing the decor or introducing subtle elements to reflect the restaurant's unique Indian cuisine could greatly elevate the dining experience.

Service: The staff's friendliness was commendable; however, they lacked in adequately explaining the dishes. A better understanding of the menu and the ability to guide customers through their choices would greatly enhance the dining experience. Clear descriptions of the ingredients, cooking techniques, and suggested pairings would be valuable additions to the service.

Starters: The Charred Paneer Skewer (Adraki Paneer Tikkas) failed to meet expectations. The taste was rather average, and the portion size was below par. While the intention to offer uncommon Indian dishes is admirable, ensuring that each dish lives up to the culinary standard and satisfies customers should be a top priority.

Main Course: The Palak Paneer (Paneer & Spinach Curry) and Goat Curry (Ghar ka Ghosht) were the highlights of the meal. Both dishes boasted authentic flavors that transported my taste buds to India. However, disappointment struck when I discovered that the Goat Curry consisted mostly of bones with very little meat. Improving the meat-to-bone ratio in the dishes would be greatly appreciated, as the authentic flavors were praiseworthy.

Price and Portion Size: The major letdown at Kahani was the combination of high prices and small portion sizes. At a cost of over $40 per person, I expected a more generous serving that would match the price tag. The value for money felt disproportionate, leaving me feeling dissatisfied. Addressing this issue by offering larger portion sizes or revising the pricing strategy would greatly enhance the overall dining experience.

Conclusion: Despite some shortcomings, Kahani's effort to introduce uncommon Indian dishes and deliver authentic flavors is commendable. However, there is room for improvement, particularly in the areas of portion sizes, atmosphere, and pricing. Enhancing the serving sizes to match the price and creating a more captivating dining environment would greatly contribute to customer satisfaction. With continued evolution and dedication to excellence, Kahani has the potential to achieve greater success...

Get ready to pay $130 for a banquet for two — without drinks and without desserts.

We came here because of the 4.5-star reviews, skipping Aataa and Tonka to try something new. Sadly, the experience didn’t live up to the hype.

Ambiance The aroma of seafood mixed with masala greeted us at the entrance. Lighting and décor were fair, not crowded, but tables for two were very cramped. Thankfully, the staff let us sit at a table for four even though we were only two.

Service Polite but lacking knowledge and attentiveness. When I asked whether the mutton kebabs were goat or lamb (since I dislike lamb’s gamey odour), I was assured they were goat — but they clearly had a lamb smell. The biggest disappointment was billing: the $65 banquet includes two mains, and we added a third. Instead of including the higher-priced dishes in the banquet and charging the cheaper one separately, they did the reverse, leaving us $10–20 out of pocket unnecessarily. At one stage the male waiter stood with his back to diners for an unnecessarily long time, and I had to get up and go to the counter myself. I also asked to pay at the table (they had a machine) but was told to pay at the counter with no explanation. Presentation of food was very basic, more like a budget Indian restaurant than one charging premium prices.

Price For two people, the banquet cost $130 without drinks or desserts, and portion sizes were still small. One tiny pani puri per person, papad without dips, and no dessert options at all — extremely poor value for money at this price point.

Food Overall, the food was below-average to average with very poor portion sizes.

• Pani Puri: Okay, nothing extra ordinary. • Kathi rolls: chicken filling was decent but dry, with no dips. • Mutton kebabs: cooked well but with strong lamb odour. • Goat curry: okayish, at least without gamey notes. • Daal: just average. • Paneer & prawns: passable, nothing memorable. • Papad served without any dip.

Comparison Chaskah offers far better paneer dishes. Three Brothers and Sher Singh deliver tastier food, better presentation, and at half the price. For a high-end experience, you’re far better off at Tonka or Aataa until this place improves.

Verdict Below-average food, very poor serving sizes, overpriced, and disappointing service. Not worth the...

If you're seeking an authentic taste of India wrapped in an ambiance of elegance and warmth, look no further than Kahaani. From the moment you step inside, you are greeted with an atmosphere that promises an unforgettable dining experience, and Kahaani delivers on that promise with aplomb.

The Food: The menu at Kahaani is a vibrant tapestry of flavors, colors, and aromas. Each dish is a testament to the rich culinary heritage of India, crafted with meticulous attention to detail. Every bite is a lesson in balance - sweet, spicy, tangy, all in harmony. The naans were a delight, crisp on the outside, soft within, and the perfect vehicle for the sumptuous curries.

The Service: Service at Kahaani is where warmth meets professionalism. The staff are not only well-versed in the intricacies of the menu but also genuinely passionate about the food they serve. They guide you through your dining experience with patience, explaining dishes when asked, and ensuring that your preferences and dietary needs are catered to. Refills were prompt, glasses never empty, and the pace of the meal was just right - neither rushed nor lagging. Their attention to detail was evident in the small touches, like the personalized touches in the service and the thoughtful arrangement of the dining area.

Ambiance: Kahaani's interior is a blend of traditional Indian decor with modern elegance, creating an inviting space that feels both luxurious and intimate. The lighting, the music, and even the table settings contribute to an immersive experience that transports you to the heart of India, all while dining in comfort.

Overall: Kahaani isn't just a meal; it's an experience. It's clear that every aspect, from the selection of ingredients to the final presentation, is done with heart. This restaurant stands out not only for its exceptional food but also for its exemplary service. Whether you're a connoisseur of Indian cuisine or trying it for the first time, Kahaani will not disappoint. It's a culinary narrative beautifully told, one plate at a time. Highly recommended for anyone looking to indulge in the rich, diverse flavors of India in an environment that mirrors its...