Hridayam at Parmarth — Restaurant in Uttarakhand

Extreme rude behavior by Hridhyam staff & management that is ineffective

Hi All – We were family group of about 30 people ordering food at Hridhyam (17th to 19th Aug ’24). On 18th Aug early morning, I ordered 4 tea’s with parcel for my parents & carry to room. Since one can’t take all cups by self, I took small red plastic plate to carry. This Hridhyam staff at counter stopped me from leaving the cafeteria with the plate. I was bit taken aback at the tone of his voice but I let it go. He asked for money to be deposited (Rs 200) citing the ‘management’ rules and I understood if its policy & politely deposited the money, with slip given as proof for return. The next day (19th Aug), when I handed the slip to this staff, he refused to return the money saying since I didn’t return it on the same day!. I reasoned with him why and his tone/language became further rude. By this time, the queue at counter became too long and everyone was quite surprised & shocked. I called the manager, Rahul and he finally convinced this staff to adjust the amount. Imagine, when you are with your whole family & the staff being so rude & inappropriate, it was really pathetic and embarrassing and to some degree ruined the experience of overall trip.

Now, the worst and disappointing part – I explained the whole scenario to restaurant owner Ankur (981* *923). In 3 days stay eating at Hridyam ordering for 30 people, could estimate the order/amount (in thousands) & the even the size/bill shouldn’t matter at all. He said he will speak to the concerned staff & will take corrective action. After a short while, this staff returned at the same counter and with same attitude (rude/defiant) – it was symbolic mocking to customers that so called ‘Management’ doesn’t care at all about customer experience.

My 2 cent advice: Hridhyam management: An ineffective management encourages this behaviour and whilst this may seem trivial, such experiences can snowball into much larger problem for management (impacting bottom line, network effect of review etc.). ACT NOW BEFORE ITS LATE. Diners/customers: Whilst the food taste is good but the staff in general can be rude, arrogant and can be humiliating experience to your family. I personally can adjust to food taste but not at the expense of rude/threating behaviour & ineffective management. So just be mindful and choose your option wisely considering your family safety & experience.

20/08: Look at the response of owner, Ankur. He is not even acknowledging the issue. I myself said order size doesn't matter and I adhered to your policy of depositing cash. Yet your staff refused to return the deposit. To all customers, if you face any bad experience at Hridhyam, no action will be taken by the owner. Forget addressing, he doesn't acknowledge issue with staff and instead indirectly blaming customer for feeling 'demeaning'. Surely inapt, ineffective business acumen & negative...

I am writing to bring to your attention an unpleasant experience I had during my recent visit to your restaurant on 1st May 2025, around lunchtime.

I had ordered the Dal Tadka Combo with Chach and was waiting for my token to be called. Once my token was displayed, I proceeded to the main counter to collect my meal. The staff there directed me to collect the drink from the drinks corner.

At the drinks counter, a young, skinny staff member around 19-20 years old, wearing a cap, was stationed. As my token number was still being displayed and there was a bottle placed on the counter slab, I assumed it was my chach. I showed him my token and picked up the bottle, thinking it was part of my order.

He then told me that it was not my order, to which I calmly responded and asked for my chach. However, instead of simply handing it to me, he started lecturing me in an arrogant and disrespectful tone about how I should not grab items from the counter.

I politely explained that I believed it was my drink since my token was being displayed. I must say, as a qualified doctor from New Delhi, I have never encountered such rude and discourteous behavior from such a young staff member in any professional or customer-service environment.

Although I chose not to escalate the situation at the time, I strongly believe that such conduct reflects poorly on your restaurant’s reputation. I was on a 3-day trip and had my breakfast and lunch at your establishment every day, which speaks to the quality of your food and ambiance. However, the behavior of this particular staff member was extremely disappointing and left a negative impression.

I hope you will look into this matter seriously and ensure your staff is better trained in customer interaction and basic...

A pure and hygienic eatery in Parmarth Niketan Ashram.

You enter the ashram from the ghat side and take the 3rd right to reach this.

Billing counter is really small for the crowd, it receives in peak hours.

You have to take your food yourself as per your token number.

Tried 4 items from their menu -

Masala Dosa (INR 130) - Not worth the price. Sambhar is watery and chutney is average.

Pav Bhaji (INR 100) - Can be tried. Liked the pav quality

Maharaja Thali (INR 240) - Sufficient for one person. Overall tastes good.

Rasmalai (INR 40) - Tasty, Soft and chilled

Check the pictures for more.

It was mostly full when I went so share the seat with someone otherwise it is difficult to find.

There are 4 different corners - 1 for main course, second for continental, third for sweets and chats, fourth for drinks.

There is a washing area too but washrooms are on the left side of entry gate of ashram.

Although it is an Ashram property, they charge you pretty good. It is a pure business thing.

Date of Visit - 23rd...