the SARANGI, Cuisine of India — Restaurant in Ottawa

I never wrote a review before but my experience at Sarangai was so disappointing that I feel compelled to share it.

From the moment we were seated, the service was unwelcoming. Our server behaved as though serving us was a burden—completely disinterested and visibly irritated. Trying to be understanding, we gave her the benefit of the doubt. But things only got worse.

When our appetizer was brought out, she literally threw the plate on the table, causing the chutney to spill everywhere. No apology, no acknowledgment. Just pure indifference.

For our main course, we ordered dal makhani, kadhai paneer, jeera rice, and roti. Both the kadhai paneer and jeera rice were inedible—the cumin was badly burnt, ruining the taste completely. When we brought this up, instead of addressing the issue or offering to replace the dish, the server dismissively claimed, “This is how it’s made,” and told us we had to pay since we had “already started eating.” How else are we supposed to know the food is bad without tasting it?

Despite all five of us putting the food back uneaten, she refused to take responsibility. We asked to speak with the owner—she went to the back and came back saying, “The owner is not here.” We then asked for the chef. Again, she disappeared briefly and claimed the chef was “busy.” At this point, we were beyond frustrated and insisted on speaking to someone in charge.

Eventually, the chef came out, and rather than acknowledging the issue or offering even a basic apology, he started lecturing us on how the dish is made. His tone was dismissive, and again—no apology. Instead, he asked us to leave. Unbelievable.

This was hands down the worst restaurant experience any of us have ever had. Poor service, terrible food, and absolutely no sense of customer care or accountability.

Do not recommend this...

After reading great reviews about this restaurant I decided to give it a try. I hope the owner takes my criticism positively. I shall rate every item and explain why. Entering the restaurant we noticed the dim light, romantic OK but we could not read the menu because it is printed on black paper with tiny golden letters. Thanks to phone light we managed. Suggestion to the owner, invest in some LED table lamps, they surely would made it easier for the customers and improve the atmosphere.

Server was friendly brought us water and took our order and warned us that it will take 25 minutes to prepare. Had she smiled even once I would have given her 5 stars.

The food tasted good but was very poorly presented. Both my son and I ordered the mixed grill, vegetable samosa and naan bread. And since the dish doesn’t come with rice, we ordered basmati rice. The small 8 pieces mixed grill came in a 15” plate and looked terrible, suggestion to the owner, serve in smaller plates and please put some green leaves under the meat, it would look much better. This order comes with a salad, 4-5 pieces of tomatoes and cucumber with some lettuce, and a piece of lemon, no salad dressing. My son said the samosas were good but the naan bread was not great just acceptable. Our order of rice was not what we would expect. The rice was cooked early , heated in a microwave and served in a bowl without cover. In just few minutes it was dry and cold. Rice often comes with the ordered dish, but if it costs 5 dollars extra at least it should come fresh and served properly. In conclusion we were not...

Got the Non-Vegetarian Dinner for 2 for takeout and it was amazing! Portions were generous and everything was delicious. I loved all the choices we were offered. We got to choose our drinks. The lychee juice was delicious, although a bit on the sweet side. The mango lassi was also tasty, sweet, thick and rich.

We got the Beef Korma and Chicken Kadhai. Both had lots of big pieces of meat. The beef was tender and the chicken was moist and juicy. We enjoyed the sauces. The korma was quite possibly the best I've ever had.

Loved the naan, it had that perfect amount of chew. Rice was soft and fluffy. Samosas were a bit oily/greasy, but still very good. Gulab Jamun were also good.

Bonus was that we got 50% off the bill because it was their opening special. They just opened on November 30, 2023.

Staff were friendly and welcoming both on the phone and at pick up.

This restaurant is where Pookies Thai used to be. Glad to see another great restaurant opening in the space.

I definitely recommend The Sarangi for Indian food! Wishing this new restaurant...