Mela Indian Sweets and Eats — Restaurant in Perth

Long review, suggest you read it before you go.

I ordered via Mela's website at 6:25 & wanted a later pick-up. There was an option for ASAP or add time to notes, however there was no note section that could be found. I rang and asked how long it would be and was told 10 minutes. I asked instead for a 7pm pick up so my food would be hot.

I got there at 6:55, meal was already bagged in an uber eats bag.. I could feel when I picked it up, it had been out on the counter 10 minutes after I ordered it... Annoying, but I could heat it up a bit when I got home.

When I got home I realised that they had forgotten one of the curries I had ordered. So... called them, told them they had stuffed up. They apologised and offered me a 'free rice'. I stated I already ordered 2 rice containers with my meal, so didn't want that, just my meal.

Got back, the curry was out ready for me, but instead of giving it straight to me, they had to run into the kitchen to get me some 'free rice'. The manager came out and apologised and said, "we're getting you some free rice". I said, I already had enough rice at home. Another employee came out with the bag and tapped in it saying "free rice", as if I should be eternally greatful.

Now, for the food. I must admit the Rara Goat Curry was lovely and if you do chose to venture there, give that a go.

The saffron rice was turmeric-heavy saffron rice (don't know how the free plain rice tasted, assume like rice), the papadumas were okay as well. Nothing to write home about for either.

The others really missed the mark. The Chicken Tika, whilst nice, just wasn't really on point. The lemon overpowered any other flavour and it didn't have that little zip of spice I was hoping for. The Lamb Rogan Josh was hot, because I picked it up late, but it completely lacked flavour & any mild sort of spice. It really tasted like chewy, dry lamb in a tomato soup. The naan tasted doughy, wet and undercooked.

For quite an expensive take-away, I really expected amazing food that would knock my socks off. Sadly Mela didn't deliver on this and I doubt I'll be back to see if they...

Location: In a quiet location at Willian street/Robinson Avenue crossing just opposite the famous Perth Mosque.

Menu: Great range of Indian dishes right from Punjabi/North Indian to South Indian Chettinad chicken curry and a host of doshas to choose from to have with delectable well ground and spicy chutneys. We are from Kerala state of South India, a land of spices famous from pre-colonial times, enjoyed the cuisine on offer especially the hot and spicy Vindaloo curry with butter nan ( soft Indian bread) taking us all the way home .. .. full credit to the chef .

Ambience: Tastefully decorated with Indian motifs and images gives one a feel of having food at a home away from home with soft music seeling in .. anytime of the day be it lunch or dinner it's a great feel to be at the restaurant while indulging in fine dining.

Wines & Spirits: The images are illustrative. The pricing is very reasonable considering that there is stiff competition in the place around from many South East Asian restaurants located on the same street and beyond.

Desserts: Great panorama of Indian sweets from Bengali rasgolla to jillebi and more. All served fresh.

Food Pricing: Very reasonable for the portions served and the great Indian taste it gives off in terms of flavour and presentation. Truly delectable.

Service: Staff are extremely courteous and ever ready to take orders which are served within a reasonable time thereby eliminating the anguishing wait for a weary traveller.

Rating : 5/5

Recommendation: Very highly recommended for a quiet Indian eating joint just minutes away from Perth CBD and accessible...

I had an in restaurant experience which was satisfactory however, the idli sambhar was the WORST idli sambhar i have eaten and i dinned in many restaurants. The vada was not fresh and crispy either the only thing that was edible was the masala dosa and the waitress was very good in attending to us. I also took a take away which was packed in the most DISGUSTING and unprofessional way that one could think of. The order i did was of a platter which is usually packed in a container with each variety separated however, in this instance for the first time ever everything was packed together along with the salad also in a naan bag. due to everything being mixed together everything had gone soggy and was not edible at all. When i called to explain what has and how i was horrified with this as it looked like something you would give to a beggar at the end of the day(a bag full of left overs) i was ignored and was told they will speak to the kitchen and was hung up on. I received no call back or anything. WORST RESTAURANT EVER!!!!! NEVER would i go back there i would much rather go to 2 Fat Indians or Dhaba or such restaurants who know what food and customer...