On July 19th, around 1:30 PM, we were traveling from British Columbia to Manitoba. During the trip, we had the pleasure of experiencing a variety of restaurants and were consistently impressed by the delicious food and exceptional guest service across the board.
Unfortunately, our lunch stop in Lloydminster was quite the opposite. While looking for an Indian restaurant, we came across two options: Indian Kitchen and Spice Hut. We chose to dine at Spice Hut. There were no other guests present when we entered, and only one waitress was on duty.
From the moment we arrived, the experience was disappointing. There was no greeting, no smile, and no effort to make us feel welcome. Despite being tired, especially with children in tow, we decided to stay. The waitress took our order with a visibly irritated attitude and served us water in the same cold manner. The children were understandably a bit loud after a long journey, and she gave us harsh looks that made us feel extremely uncomfortable.
As we placed a second order for additional items, her attitude worsened. It felt as though we were being judged for simply asking for more food—as if we were not welcome. Every time we said “thank you,” there was no response from her. At one point, one of our group members politely asked to speak with the manager, to which she replied, “I’m the supervisor. There is no manager.”
At the end of the meal, I went to the counter to pay. She handed me a bill that included an 18% service charge. I asked why, and she said, “Because you are a group of six.” I expressed that tips should be voluntary and based on the quality of service, and I told her honestly that the service was poor—there was no hospitality, no communication, not even a single smile.
To my shock, she began raising her voice and blaming our children, saying they were loud and walking around the restaurant. I was deeply offended. Children should be allowed to smile or move about within reason in a public dining space.( There was no cutomer at this point) I asked her, “If children aren’t welcome here, why don’t you post a sign at the entrance saying so?”
This was truly the first time I had such a negative experience anywhere in Canada. Thankfully, the chef overheard what was happening and came out to speak with us. After listening to our concerns, he admitted that this wasn’t the first time there had been complaints about her behavior. He encouraged us to report this incident to the owner, which we did over the phone. I still don’t know if any action was taken or if she is actually in a management position.
The food itself was good, but unfortunately, it was overshadowed by the poor attitude and lack of hospitality from the server. A bad service experience like this can ruin the overall impression of a restaurant, no matter how good the food is.
I hope the management takes this feedback seriously and addresses the situation. Hiring staff who represent your restaurant with warmth and professionalism is essential for maintaining a good reputation and ensuring guests...
Read moreSpice Hut Indian Cuisine in Lloydminster offers an impeccable dining experience with its perfect and beautiful ambiance. Upon stepping in, you're greeted by an inviting atmosphere that sets the tone for a memorable meal.
The menu boasts a wide array of traditional Indian dishes, promising an authentic culinary journey. We indulged in the lamb biryani, paneer, and pakoras, and the flavors transported us to the streets of India.The lamb biryani was a highlight, with tender pieces of lamb cooked to perfection and infused with aromatic spices, all nestled in fragrant basmati rice. Each bite was a burst of flavor, leaving us craving more.The paneer dish showcased the chef's mastery, with the creamy cottage cheese complemented by a rich and flavorful sauce. It was a delightful balance of spices and textures that left us craving for another serving.To start our meal, we savored the crispy and flavorful pakoras, which were a perfect appetizer. The golden-brown exterior gave way to a soft and savory interior, making it a delightful start to our culinary journey.
Overall, Spice Hut Indian Cuisine delivers an exceptional dining experience with its perfect ambiance and delicious food that tantalizes the taste buds with every bite. It's a must-visit for anyone craving authentic Indian flavors in...
Read moreThis restaurant was recommended to me by several people so I decided to try them out. The setup/service at the restaurant was decent. In terms of food, I have tried their Butter Chicken, Lamb Vindaloo, Lamb Masala, and Lamb Biryani at Medium Spice Level and their Garlic Naan. The butter chicken was one of the best I have had. The chicken was tender, juicy, and crunchy. It had a nice flavour on its own but even better with the sauce. As for the sauce/curry, it was less creamy than a lot of other places and it was actually a bit spicy at medium level, both of which I prefer for the dish. The lamb vindaloo and masala were also really good. There were nice pieces of lamb and potatoes. Both were nicely cooked and felt hearty with the curry. The vindaloo curry actually tastes like vindaloo with a bit more tomatoes and spices and it was more spicy than other curries, all of which made it satisfying while the masala was less spicy but more fragrant. The Lamb Biryani had good flavour overall, nice rice, and good pieces of lamb. It was definitely a value item. The Garlic Naan looked nice, was nicely cooked and crispy, but lacked a bit of the...
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