Moti Mahal Indian Restaurant — Restaurant in Ghent

Extremely disappointing experience despite high ratings

We visited this restaurant in Ghent today after seeing glowing 5-star reviews online. Naturally, we were excited and had high expectations. Unfortunately, our experience was extremely disappointing — both in terms of food and service.

First off, half the items on the menu were not available, including basics like Daal Makhni, all the mocktails, and juices. The menu listed juices, but they only served bottled ones, with no clear indication whether they were fresh or packaged.

We ordered Paneer Butter Masala, and I can honestly say I’ve never had a worse version. It was overwhelmingly sweet, tasting more like sugar sauce than a savory Indian dish. The naans were no better, they were basically regular sandwich bread, not traditional naan at all.

The lassi was bland and completely tasteless, and to make things worse, basic utensils were missing. There was:

No serving spoon in the rice bowl

No spoons provided for us to eat with

Only one serving spoon for the paneer dish

When we mentioned the excessive sweetness of the paneer dish to the staff, we were told “that’s how the dish is.” But that’s simply not true — paneer butter masala might be mild, but it should never taste like dessert.

They offered to bring another paneer dish, but by that time, we were already too disappointed. The lack of basic service, the poor food quality, and the indifference of the staff left us completely disheartened.

I honestly don’t understand how this place has so many 5-star reviews. Either we went on a very off day, or the ratings are not a reflection of reality.

Would...

A true gem! Warmth, authenticity, and unforgettable food! This is more than just a restaurant, it’s a hard-working, family-run treasure where you can feel the warmth and authenticity the moment you step inside. The owners treat you like you’ve been invited to their home, greeting you with genuine smiles and making you feel instantly at ease.

I couldn’t decide what to order because everything on the menu looked amazing, so I went for the vegetarian thali, and wow, am I glad I did. It was a feast of colors, aromas, and flavors, each little dish offering something new: creamy, spicy, tangy, and comforting all at once. Every bite was a new surprise, and by the end, I was happily in a food coma, all for a very attractive price.

If you want to experience real Indian food made with love, in a place where hospitality comes from the heart, you owe it to yourself to come here. Must visit Indian Restaurant in Gent! Will...

A lovely place to enjoy authentic Indian food. We tried the Dal Makhni and Chicken Tikka Curry, both of which were delicious. The cheese garlic naan was freshly made and my child especially enjoyed it. The Dal Makhni had a unique twist with spices that reminded me a little of pav bhaji masala, but we liked the overall flavor. Sitting outside on the terrace made the experience even better.

The restaurant is run by a warm and welcoming family of four—parents and their two daughters—who made us feel very comfortable. They even took care of small but important details, like serving raw onions with the meal, which for a North Indian like me is a must-have! 😀

I would rate the food and experience a solid 4, but the extra effort and hospitality of the owners definitely deserve an additional star. So, it’s a 5-star...