Chakra By Jaipur — Restaurant in The Municipal District of Greystones

Graduation Dinner or Great Masala Mystery?

We were out celebrating a major milestone—our son graduating high school! Spirits were high, and so were our expectations as we walked into this well-reviewed Indian restaurant. The playlist was playing desi tunes, the staff were warmly welcoming (and Indian!), and the décor leaned elegant—not kitschy Bollywood. Promising start.

We ordered a celebratory spread: Chakra Thali, North Indian Thali, Punjabi Chole, soft drinks for the graduate, a touch of rosé for my wife, red wine for myself, and kulfi to seal the meal. A feast fit for a proud moment.

But then, the first subtle red flag—not a single Indian patron in sight. A full house, yet we seemed to be the only ones who might’ve grown up with actual masala dabba in the kitchen. We exchanged a look. Cautious optimism turned into culinary curiosity.

The North Indian Thali arrived... and well, let’s just say it could’ve been confused for dessert. A sweetness that left us wondering if the chef had confused halwa with curry. It wasn’t bad—it was just confusing, like a Bollywood movie with French subtitles and a surprise twist ending.

And then came the Masala Chai Moment.

Now, I don’t play games with chai. I double-checked with the server—“Is this real masala chai? Not just fancy tea in disguise?” Affirmative nod. I leaned back, awaiting a warm, spiced elixir of comfort.

What I got instead was... a pot of tea with floating masala tea bags and some milk tossed in like an afterthought. A beverage betrayal. I gently asked for it to be taken away. The server returned with the final twist: "This is how we make masala chai."

That was the plot twist I didn’t sign up for.

All said, the staff were kind, the kulfi was lovely, and the milestone was well celebrated. But if you’re going here expecting the soulful flavors of a proper Indian kitchen, prepare for a bit of culture shock. Next time, I’ll just BYOC—bring...

Myself and family have been going here since it opened. Towards forty visits. At one time arguably the best ‘Indian inspired’ restaurant in Ireland. Always pricey but quality usually very, very good. Bone splinters in my elderly mother’s ‘off the bone’ tandoori chicken (called something else) on two occasions did not deter as overall a fine establishment.

Not tonight. I was prepared to look beyond the disappointment when my meal was served at lukewarm temperature. The plate and separate sauce were indeed hotter but not sufficiently to make the bland chicken either tasty or palatable.

The professional server asked me deep into a partly eaten but mostly inedible meal if all was ok. I answered honestly, pointing out that I had not intended to complain. He offered to have a small portion remade which of course is anathema.

I was fine to leave matters as they stood and pay for the worst meal I have encountered in 100 sessions. Unfortunately, the waiter insisted on coming back to my table citing alleged temperature readings in kitchen. I was effectively defamed with this intrusive nonsense. I did my best to convey that he was adding insult (and defamation) ti injury and a ‘meal’ I could not finish because the chicken was cold.

It took a while to organize the bill as nobody would present same. The 25% discount a further insult.

I have never seen such a decline in standards...

Visited 'Chakra' as it was suggested to us by quite a few. The visual experience was great.

We had ordered:

Starters:

1. Jal Tarag Scallops
2. Rangi Chicken Tasting

Mains:

1. Rawat's Malai Monkfish
2. Kerala Lamb Pepper Fry

Bread Basket

Kids: Murgh Malai Tikka - with korma sauce, rice, butter naan and dessert Fried Prawns - with korma sauce, rice, butter naan and dessert

Desserts: Creme Brulee Belgian Chocolate Bahar

Drinks: Chakra Passionfruit Martini Elderflower Daiquiri Mango, Saffron & Honey Lassi Mango Lassi for the Kids

Chakra ticks all the boxes for visual representations of their dishes.

When it comes to taste, well it did not match my expectations. I guess the dishes are tweaked too much that it looses its orginality.

We enjoyed the starters and the kids liked their dishes.

The mains....hmmm.... what can I say....

Rawat's Malai Monkfish - The monk fish was bland, a simple seasoning would have elevated the dish. Liked the cutlet and tomato rice though.

Kerala Lamb Pepper Fry - I am quite sure this was in no way a 'Kerala' style dish. I come from Kerala and I am quite well versed with the distinct flavors of my home state.

Desserts were thoroughly enjoyed and the show stopper was the "Creme Brulee"

Will we come back... for the experience, Yes. For the food, I am not too sure.

Probably it's the Indian in me looking for authentic...