Maya @ Bangsar Banana Leaf — Restaurant in Kuala Lumpur

We went for lunch at Maya today, Sunday and the first day of 2023. As expected, there was a long queue. We patiently waited for I had previously read about the good food and good service.

I would say that the food was so-so, but the dining experience was marred by pretty poor service from the restaurant staff.

The restaurant management can interpret how they will, but the following are my honest observations. There appeared to be only one staff who was directing just arrived customers to vacant tables. I think he was trying his best, but he had to serve drinks and food at the same time, and I did not see anyone assisting him. He allowed incomplete groups to be seated. There was lone diner, who was ahead of me, ignored so often, that he left in frustration. A group of eight was favoured over him.

I had no problem sharing a table for four with another pair of diners. But the staff kept getting confused with my orders with the other pair.

We received huge pieces of cut banana leaves, the biggest I have seen in my many years of eating at banana leaf restaurants. But my positive impression ended there. The staff were randomly serving customers, tables that were seated after us were served before those who were seated earlier. The condiments of vegetables were ladled onto the banana leaves haphazardly. Some people got more condiments and others less. The serving staff just was not thinking.

We got our drinks promptly. Satisfactory quality salt and sweet lassis. However, I had to remind the serving waiter to bring dahl gravy repeatedly, when he kept forgetting to bring it. I had finished my serving of rice when they brought out stale papadams!

Customers at other tables were clearly miffed by the slow service, and I could see some pro-active customers getting the side-dishes of chicken or mutton by themselves, knowing that the waiting staff were unreliable.

When I went to the counter to pay, as I had expected, the staff there presented the wrong bill. I had to remind him of what we had actually consumed.

I think Maya deserves its good reputation of serving good food, otherwise people would not come in droves. However, the management has to take the initiative to better organise and train the restaurant waiting staff to handle stressful peak-hour dining traffic such as on Sundays.

I noted one man who was going table to table organising the invoices on his tablet. He looked to be the owner. I hope he had taken note of the chaos and confusion, to learn how to improve the dining experience of Maya's...

Maya @ Bangsar: An Authentic Malaysian Indian Culinary Delight**

Nestled in the vibrant neighborhood of Bangsar, Maya beckons diners with its promise of authentic Malaysian Indian cuisine. Renowned for its exceptional banana leaf set meal, this beloved establishment offers a culinary journey that tantalizes the taste buds.

Ambiance and Service:

Maya's ambiance is warm and inviting, with traditional Indian décor and soothing music creating a cozy atmosphere. The staff is attentive and friendly, ensuring a seamless dining experience.

Banana Leaf Set Meal:

The banana leaf set meal is the star attraction at Maya. Served on a fresh banana leaf, it features an array of delectable dishes that showcase the vibrant flavors of Malaysian Indian cuisine.

Dhal: The creamy and flavorful dhal is a comforting staple of the set meal. Rasam: The tangy and spicy rasam provides a refreshing contrast to the other dishes. Vegetables: Various fresh vegetables, such as okra and carrots, are cooked to perfection and seasoned with aromatic spices. Meat: Diners can choose from a selection of meats, including tender chicken or succulent mutton. Other Delicacies: The set meal is complemented by other delicacies, including papadum, acar, and a sweet dessert.

Taste and Quality:

Maya's dishes are a testament to the chef's culinary expertise. The flavors are rich and complex, with a perfect balance of spices and herbs. The ingredients are fresh and of high quality, ensuring a truly authentic dining experience.

Value for Money:

Considering the generous portions and the exceptional quality of the food, the banana leaf set meal at Maya offers excellent value for money. It is an affordable way to indulge in a delicious and authentic Malaysian Indian feast.

Conclusion:

Maya @ Bangsar is a culinary gem that offers an unforgettable Malaysian Indian dining experience. Its authentic banana leaf set meal is a must-try for anyone seeking a taste of this vibrant cuisine. With its warm ambiance, attentive service, and exceptional food, Maya is highly recommended for both locals and...

Extremely Disappointing Food Experience

I recently visited Maya with high expectations, as I had enjoyed their service and food on previous occasions. However, my most recent experience was nothing short of a disaster.

The crab curry I ordered was overwhelmingly salty, rendering it nearly inedible. Even the fried chicken suffered from excessive saltiness, which greatly diminished its flavor. The chicken varuval, on the other hand, was disappointingly tasteless, lacking any depth or spices that are expected in such a dish.

To make matters worse, the sambar had an unpleasantly heavy sour taste, making it unappetizing. The mooru ice, which should have been a refreshing treat, was instead tasteless and exhibited the strong smell and sour taste of old yogurt. It was clear that the quality of the ingredients used was compromised.

Adding to my disappointment, when I requested an extra scoop of the dessert (kesari), I was informed that I would have to order it separately at an exorbitant price. The stinginess in portion sizes and the high cost for such a small serving left a bitter taste in my mouth.

As someone who had previously enjoyed dining at your establishment, this experience was truly disheartening. I brought my parents along with me, hoping to share a memorable meal, but instead, I wasted three-quarters of the food due to its poor quality.

I implore the management of Maya to reevaluate their food preparation processes, ensuring that dishes are properly seasoned, flavourful, and free from excessive salt. Additionally, attention should be given to the freshness of ingredients, as evidenced by the off-putting taste and smell of the mooru ice.

Furthermore, I urge the restaurant to reconsider their approach to customer satisfaction. A more generous and accommodating attitude towards dessert servings would go a long way in enhancing the dining experience.

Regrettably, I won’t recommend Maya based on this recent visit. I sincerely hope that necessary improvements are made to restore the quality and taste of the food, ensuring that future patrons can enjoy a satisfactory...