Anamika Spice Kitchen — Restaurant in George Town

Thank you for the detailed response. I’d like to clarify a few points for Anamika:

Firstly, the agreed time of 3:00 PM—well past regular lunch hours—was not imposed by us but offered by your team, with a choice between 11:00 AM or 3:00 PM. Due to our travel schedule, we opted for the 3:00 PM slot. So, the concern about interrupting your lunch crowd does not quite apply here.

This is not about who recommended your restaurant or the timing. I am simply stating facts and presenting a photo of the food served at RM35 per person. I’m leaving it to the public to decide if the value matches what was delivered. I do not expect a further response from Anamika, as I believe the discussion is now conflicted.

To be fair, I acknowledge that the coffee, payasam, and mango pachadi were well received. However, the main dishes fell short of expectations, especially for the price point. Also, we did not request to be served; we could have easily helped ourselves since we paid for the full amount. The way it played out made it seem as though we were receiving food as a favour, when in fact it was fully paid for.

Additionally, there was a significant amount of food left over, which to me indicates dissatisfaction with quality—not quantity. I also paid separately for the two vegetarian meals, so I don’t believe it's appropriate for you to bring that up in your explanation.

The fact that something as basic as papadams had to be specially requested, despite the RM35 per head cost, also says a lot. I won’t be engaging further in a back-and-forth. I’ll let the public judge based on the facts and the pictures of what was served.

Additionally, I’ve shared my feedback with the relevant consumer authorities in Malaysia, who are currently monitoring pricing practices in the F&B sector. Let them assess whether this is acceptable and fair to the wider public.

Just for the record: the mutton had a strong odour, and the chicken—described as sambal—resembled and tasted more like kurma. These are honest reflections of what was experienced.

No more response is required...

When I stepped into Anamika, I knew I was in for a treat. The aroma of spices filled the air, promising a culinary journey that would tantalize my taste buds. I recently had the pleasure of savoring their biryani, soft chicken, and thali meals, and I must say, it was an experience beyond compare. Biryani Bliss: Let's start with the star of the show – the biryani. Each forkful was a symphony of flavors, with fragrant basmati rice perfectly cooked and infused with spices that transported me straight to my grandmother's kitchen. The tender chicken nestled within was moist, succulent, and melted in my mouth with every bite. The balance of heat and spice was impeccable, leaving me craving more even after cleaning my plate. Veg Thali Extravaganza: And then there was the thali – a delightful assortment of flavors and textures that showcased the culinary prowess of the chefs at Anamika. From the creamy dal to the crispy papad, each component was a testament to their commitment to authenticity and quality. Every bite was a journey through India's diverse culinary landscape, leaving me feeling both satiated and exhilarated. I requested additional servings of beans poriyal and an extra piece of vatthal molaga. Ambiance and Service: Beyond the food, I must commend the ambiance and service at Anamika. The warm hospitality extended by the owner and staff only added to the overall experience, making me feel welcomed and valued as a guest. Whether dining alone or with friends and family, Anamika provides a setting that is both inviting and memorable. Anamika provides excellent service and delicious food at a reasonable price, making it a standout choice compared to other more established restaurants in Little India. Their combination of affordability, quality, and generous portions sets them apart from the...

Update: Repeat visit. The banana leaf meal was excellent. All the items served seemed freshly prepared. One change from our previous visit, no more refills (see pic of menu from last visit where the refill was advertised). The last time we clearly remember the serving staff asking us if we needed more of anything. The lady boss however was kind as she served us some extra dal and veggie while explaining that there were no refills. We also missed the rasam that we loved last time.

We also ordered the Chicken 65 which was fantastic. Probably among the best we've had in Penang. The ginger tea was a star performer among the drinks while the mango lassi was in the good, not great category.

The refill for the banana leaf meal was a sore miss as was the lovely rasam 🙄😕. Smart cost cutting but repeat customers do feel disappointed 😞. Somewhat mixed feelings so will take away one star. The food is still top-notch so four stars is a fair score 👍😋.

Older review: Great banana leaf lunch 🍚 🍛 in Pulau Tikus. Very tasty south Indian vegetarian meal. It is a small place with few tables and simple, but neat decor. Gets pretty filled up during peak meal times, though we were fortunate to get a table. My wife and I especially enjoyed the rasam, the brinjal preparation and the green chutney. We also ordered the Chicken Pallipalayam which sadly did not hit the mark. The sweet lassi was excellent, though 😋. The service was spot-on and attentive. We were asked a few times during our meal if we needed second servings. And all of it without drilling a hole in the pocket. Combine that with the good food and Anamika surely is a winner. It deserves the kudos it has been getting especially when you compare it to the mediocre fare dished out by some of the more established names in Little India. I'll...