Mataam Al Mandi Lakemba — Restaurant in Sydney

When I say I was dissatisfied with the customer service, I am being extremely generous. The servers were idly standing around and did not even set the table with basic cutlery. A particularly rude server, a young woman wearing a hijab, placed the first dish on our table without any greeting or acknowledgment, and immediately walked away — despite clearly seeing there were no utensils provided.

Is this considered acceptable service? It genuinely felt as though we were being done a favor, rather than being paying customers. When the rest of our order was brought out, I politely requested plates and utensils. The server walked away without responding and disappeared for several minutes. Meanwhile, my family and I sat awkwardly, unable to eat, while the food grew cold. Eventually, I had to get up myself to retrieve plates and utensils.

This experience showed a complete lack of consideration for customers. Specially when the hijabi servers did notice that my wife and mum are niqabis they did not even show any sort of welcoming gesture ! As a Hyderabadi, I take great pride in our tradition of hospitality, where serving guests properly is paramount. The owners seriously need to reconsider their staffing choices — even the cashier was cold, unfriendly, and carried an attitude that made the atmosphere unwelcoming. When I was ordering I requested for chicken Mandi and she replied with an attitude -“ we don’t have chicken” , I could clearly see chicken getting grilled right behind her shoulder. On pointing the obvious out she retaliated saying-it will take 45 mins . When I asked the welcoming server out of the bunch of 5 servers she brought me half grilled chicken within 15 mins of me ordering . What a shame that she is turning down orders with no remorse and causing a loss to the business.

If you dislike working in customer service, perhaps it is better to stay home rather than ruin the dining experience for others who come out to enjoy time with their families.

I would also like to acknowledge that one server did approach us after I raised a complaint. She kindly asked if we needed anything and made an effort to assist us, which was appreciated and she was appropriately tipped. To the rest of the staff: please reconsider your approach. A simple smile and some basic courtesy go a long way.

Never ever coming back to this place and please rest assured my family and friends won’t either!

Adding proof of order just in case anyone wants to play it smart stating I never ordered or this incident did not...

I recently dined at Matam al Mandi in Lakemba and must regrettably convey my dissatisfaction with the overall experience. It is with candor that I share the following observations regarding this establishment.

Firstly, the service left much to be desired. It was evident that the restaurant was understaffed, as the waitstaff appeared overburdened. The delay in taking our orders, compounded by the sluggish food service, indicated a lack of efficiency and attentiveness on the part of the staff.

The restroom facilities were equally disheartening. A depleted tissue box and the absence of handwashing amenities were disconcerting, but it was the pool of standing water on the restroom surface that was particularly unpleasant.

The culinary aspect, which should be the heart of any restaurant, was a considerable disappointment. The Mandi, a dish for which I held high expectations, fell far short of the mark. The rice was excessively overcooked and agglomerated, while the meat lacked both flavor and tenderness. This culinary deficiency marred the dining experience and seemed to reflect a lack of attention to quality and consistency in the kitchen.

Of notable concern is the glaring discrepancy between this particular Matam al Mandi branch and others under the same brand. The notable divergence in service quality and food preparation is in stark contrast to my previous experiences with the franchise.

Furthermore, the ambiance was not commensurate with a dining establishment of this nature. The general atmosphere felt dated and would greatly benefit from refurbishment.

In conclusion, Matam al Mandi in Lakemba, during my visit, failed to meet the expected standards of a dining establishment. A multiplicity of issues, from inadequate service to substandard restroom facilities, culminating in dismal culinary offerings, collectively tarnished the overall dining experience. It is my hope that the proprietors will address these issues promptly to enhance the restaurant's standing...

It's with a heavy heart that I write this review for a restaurant I used to adore. I've been a loyal customer since it opened two years ago, but my most recent visit with my family was a significant disappointment. The quality of everything, from the ambiance to the food and customer service, has plummeted.

Deteriorating Ambiance and Service The restaurant's once-welcoming atmosphere is gone. Upon arrival, we were told we could only sit in a cramped, enclosed area, with our table chosen for us. Despite numerous empty tables, we had no choice. My mother, sister, wife, and I were seated at a table so tightly packed between two others that we were literally touching the backs of the all-male customers next to us. It was incredibly uncomfortable and ruined the dining experience. The friendly, welcoming service we once knew has been replaced by an unfriendly and indifferent staff.

Declining Food Quality and Value The food quality has also gone downhill, while the prices have increased. The lamb shank I ordered was missing a whole side, with just a small piece of bone and very little meat on the plate. What's worse, the restaurant now charges extra for this small piece, which is simply not worth the price. Additionally, the portion size of the rice has been reduced, and they no longer include raisins or nuts. They even charge for the green sauce now, which used to be complimentary. I'm leaving this review in the hope that management takes these concerns seriously. There are many new and excellent restaurants opening in nearby locations like Bankstown, and this restaurant risks losing its loyal customers if it doesn't make some significant changes. I truly hope they can restore the quality and welcoming atmosphere that made this...