Ginger Garlic South Indian Restaurant — Restaurant in Calgary

I visited this restaurant first n 2023 January while coming to Alberta all the way from Saskatchewan. That time it was nice and the server was a lady from Paravoor, she was soo nice. Later, I used to be a regular visitor there. However, later n 2024, I realized that the food wasn't not that much tasty ( may be the cook got changed), so paused going there. And now after an year, I visited again to have a potrice, I believe the cook got changed again cuz the food was good this time, however, this time they didn't even serve paaayasam. When I asked to the server regarding the Paaayasam, she told that she didn't serve as they don't have that. Atleast, they could hv told that before while ordering cuz the main thing is when she was coming with the menu, without seeing the menu itself, I placed an order for chicken pot rice. So, definitely a regular customer would be able to place an order without even seeing the menu. That time, they didn't mention that they don't hv paaayasam. Later, when I asked for, was saying in a very cool way that they didn't serve cuz they don't hv, without any apology or anything.

However, without any shame, asking if we hv posted a review. I posted a nice review before with photos n 2023 but wanted to point this incident. I know her name cuz she keep asking everyone to post a review with her name, once they r done but I'm not posting her name as I don't wish to give a bad impact about her cuz apart from this issue, it was oky..

FYI : If you're going to this restaurant and planning to order "Pot Rice", don't expect Paaayasam or just ask them before cuz they won't let us know in advance if we didn't ask.

Btw, as I mentioned before, I believe the cook got changed cuz food is good, and apart from this incident ( the server is gud - she is engaging).

Also, I noticed that the servers keep changing everytime. Cuz everytime whenever we r coming and asking about the previous server who served last time, they will be saying that she resigned.

Anyway, they have changed the ambience of the restaurant. It looks cool now and the seating position also got changed now,...

The restaurant has great food no doubt. But the Onam Sadhya experience was the worst. We called in asked if they will take a booking for 2pm. They agreed and took my name and number. We were there at the perfect time, the lady asked me if I’m a Malayali, (not sure why it mattered) I’m not a Malayali, but being in Bangalore and having lots of Malayali friends I LOVE Onam Sadhya so we decided to book a table.

After that ridiculous question, she said there are 7 families waiting before us, she didn’t ask us to wait or give us a solution to what she was trying to say. I asked her what was the booking for then, for which she simply replied by saying “it’s Sadhya you know how it is right.?”

I don’t understand what was the point of booking a table if they can’t give us a table on priority/reservation. They could’ve just told me that it’s only walk in. But they had a list of names for no reason?

Spoke to the “manager” who said “this is how Onam is, what can we do if people are eating slow?” How is it the people’s fault?

I don’t know how to respond to that! I have no issue with regular hours and the food, just the way they managed Onam Sadhya. I even mention on the phone while booking that we’re coming from Cochrane it takes about 45 mins but we’ll be there for 2pm if you can book us in. They said there will be a table for us But they didn’t reserve a table, in turn they just told us it’s busy, which was clearly visible... It was the worst experience. Why take on more if you can’t handle it?

For this, I’m out and will not be giving them business again. Onam should be celebrated with people who respect it and not as a business and with a...

I have decided not to eat here ever again due to the fact that time and again these people have given the worst possible customer service by being rude and disrespectful. The staff here has an attitude problem. If they think they're a monopoly in kerala cuisine, they're absolutely wrong and there are multiple options available now with way better customer service. The atmosphere is sub-standard and the staff behaviour is pathetic. Anyone considering kerala cuisine, I recommend against this restaurant and explore other much better places. Edit in response to owner's response (which he deleted after seeing my response. He had accused me of lying about coming to his restaurant and that my review is fake): I was there yesterday at 12:05 PM and asked the server for one of the breakfast options, he said breakfast is closed. I said we're only 5min late. He said it's 12:10. So yea ask the server if I was there. And yes you saw my excellent review on another restaurant when you checked my other reviews because that's where I went straight from there, and the difference in treatment was huge. How will you find my record from yesterday when I wasn't served? Check for past 6 months, you'll find my record. I have been at your restaurant multiple times and every single time I have got poor service. I have never recognized your establishment as premier Calgary restaurant. This is not the experience you get from a "premier" restaurant. Keep in mind, customer may not be king, but customer's money is what made your business what it is, so you're not king! Stop...