My recent visit to Avani Asian Indian Bistro left me feeling quite underwhelmed, primarily due to what I found to be an ungenerous portion sizes for the price, coupled with a noticeable lack of server knowledge and an overall absence of genuine customer care. While the ambiance itself is pleasant, the core elements of a satisfying dining experience fell short. Overpriced Dishes and Paltry Portions: Let's address the elephant in the room: the value for money at Avani is questionable. I ordered the [specific dish, e.g., Chicken Tikka Masala] and was genuinely surprised by the small quantity of food presented. For a dish priced at [mention approximate price, e.g., $22], I expected a more substantial serving, especially of the main protein. The sauce was abundant, but the actual chicken pieces were few and far between, almost as if they were rationing. Similarly, the accompanying [e.g., Garlic Naan] was thin and smaller than what you'd typically find at other Indian restaurants, yet priced comparatively high. It felt like I was paying fine-dining prices for casual dining portions, leaving me feeling like I hadn't received a fair return on my investment. The portions felt more like an appetizer than a main course, which is simply unacceptable for the price point.
Lack of Server Knowledge:
The service, unfortunately, didn't do much to salvage the experience. Our server, while polite, seemed to lack a fundamental understanding of the menu. When asked for recommendations or details about certain dishes, the responses were vague and unhelpful. For instance, when I inquired about the spice level of a particular curry, I received a generic "it's medium spicy" without any further elaboration on the flavour profile or specific ingredients that contribute to its heat. This lack of knowledge made it difficult to make informed choices and felt unprofessional for a restaurant aiming for a more upscale feel. It left me feeling that the staff hadn't been properly trained on the intricacies of the cuisine they were serving.
Absence of Customer Care:
Beyond the menu knowledge, there was a distinct lack of genuine customer care. There was no proactive checking in on our table, no inquiry about our satisfaction with the food, and no attempt to engage beyond taking and delivering orders. When we subtly expressed our disappointment with the portion sizes, it was met with a polite but dismissive nod, rather than any offer to rectify the situation or even a sincere apology. It felt like a transactional interaction rather than a hospitality experience. A truly good restaurant cares about its patrons' enjoyment, and that was visibly absent here.
In conclusion, while Avani Asian Indian Bistro might offer a visually appealing setting, the core elements that define a positive dining experience – fair pricing for food quantity, knowledgeable staff, and genuine customer care – were severely lacking. I left feeling underwhelmed and frankly, a bit ripped off. I would recommend exploring other Indian restaurants in the area that offer better value and a more attentive...
Read moreWe are always looking to try different Indian restaurants. Our usual go-to place for takeout is already closed down. A friend suggested we try Avani Asian Indian Bistro, and I have to tell you; it was 100% worth trying.
The place is clean, and the ambiance was welcoming. The staff was very friendly and cordial. We started out with a chili paneer, battered paneer cheese tossed with chilies, ginger, garlic, and green onions. The menu says served “dry” which means it’s been drizzled with sweet and sour sauce. I have to admit, while the spice level was only mild, it was on spicy good. This dish was just the start of a very awesome and tremendous meal for my palate. I just can’t get enough of this starter dish; the batter was close to crunchy and melts in your mouth when you take that deep bite. The sauce was more than savory, and I have to tell you, it was more than enough to fill our lunch craving.
But on to the main dishes, the highlight of this place. Our family loves to eat Lamb Korma and Chicken Biryani, so we just had to order them. Their Lamb Korma has mild curry made with ground cashews and almonds, yogurt, and tomatoes. If you are reading this right now and thinking to yourself, “it’s like any other korma”, you have to come taste this dish for yourself. I’ve had other Lamb Kormas from other places, and this my friend has to be the tastiest and most savory Korma I’ve ever tasted. The lamb was tender, cooked to perfection, and the curry sauce was just heavenly. I kid you not, I fell in love with this dish from the get-go. And of course, what is your Indian meal with eating biryani. Our go-to is always a chicken biryani, and their version has to be one of the tastiest in town. Unlike other biryanis, where you see a mix of colored and white basmati rice, theirs was fully engulfed in that rich biryani color and was covered in a baked Naan crust. The dish was done perfectly so that you wouldn’t even notice the protein (whether you order lamb, chicken, or veggies), the savory rice itself will give you a happy tummy all day long.
Overall, the food, the ambiance, the service & friendliness of this restaurant are amazing. I highly recommend dining here regardless of your craving, Indian cuisine, or not. I would give them 10 stars if I could. More power to you, Avani Asian Indian Bistro, in Matheson,...
Read moreMy recent experience at Avani Asian Indian Bistro left me thoroughly impressed and completely satisfied. This restaurant, known for its fusion of Indian and Chinese cuisines, truly delivered an exceptional dining experience.
I loved their ambiance, which is fine-dine with an undercurrent of casual setting. Loved the use of soft lighting.
The Chili Chicken in gravy was an absolute delight! The tender, succulent chicken pieces were perfectly coated in a flavorsome gravy that struck a beautiful balance between spicy and savory. Each bite was an explosion of taste, with the blend of spices adding depth and richness to the dish. It was evident that the chefs paid meticulous attention to detail, as the flavors were well-balanced and truly tantalizing.
Moreover, the Hakka Fried Noodles were a standout dish. The noodles were expertly prepared, showcasing a perfect texture and wok-tossed to perfection. The medley of vegetables and the savory seasoning complemented the noodles remarkably well, creating a dish that was both comforting and immensely satisfying.
What truly set Avani Asian Indian Bistro apart was not only the exceptional quality of their food but also their impeccable service. The staff was friendly, attentive, and ensured that our dining experience was nothing short of delightful. The food arrived promptly and was piping hot, indicative of their commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.
Overall, Avani Asian Indian Bistro exceeded my expectations. Their fusion of Indian and Chinese cuisines is executed flawlessly, and the Chili Chicken in gravy along with the Hakka Fried Noodles were a testament to their culinary expertise. I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone craving delicious, flavorful dishes and...
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