Spice Mantra Setia Alam — Restaurant in Shah Alam

Restaurant Review: Spice Food Mantra – Shah Alam, Selangor

During our holiday in Malaysia from London, we made a stop in Shah Alam to visit the iconic Blue Mosque and explore i-City Theme Park. For lunch, we decided to try Spice Food Mantra, hoping for a taste of authentic Indian cuisine. Unfortunately, our experience at the Shah Alam branch was disappointing and not something we’d care to repeat.

First Impressions & Service: The restaurant was quiet upon arrival, but rather than a peaceful atmosphere, it felt unwelcoming. The staff showed little enthusiasm or hospitality, and when it came time to order, communication was clearly an issue. I ordered a Bru coffee, which arrived without issue. For lunch, I requested a lamb biryani, a dish I’m very familiar with as it's widely served in London.

However, instead of a standard lamb biryani, I was served a lamb shank biryani. When I pointed out the mix-up, the waiter simply stood there, seemingly confused. I suspect there may have been a language barrier, but regardless, the matter wasn’t addressed, and no attempt was made to correct the order.

The Food: The biryani itself was lukewarm, lacked the expected aroma and taste of traditional biryani, and the lamb tasted old. It was a letdown on every front — from flavor to temperature to freshness. I politely raised the issue with the staff, explaining that the food didn’t taste fresh, but was met with blank stares and dismissive behaviour. No apology, no solution — just indifference.

To make matters worse, the starters arrived midway through the main course, despite the restaurant being nearly empty. The overall service was slow and inattentive, which only added to the frustration.

Management Response: I eventually asked to speak with the manager, hoping for some accountability or even a simple acknowledge of the issue. Instead, I was met with repeated denials — he insisted that both the briyani and the meat were fresh. I tried to explain that my concern wasn’t about the price — as a guest staying at the Four Seasons Hotel, affordability is not the issue — it’s about quality, honesty, and customer service. His refusal to accept any feedback left a particularly bitter taste.

Final Thoughts: The only redeeming part of the experience with Spice Mantra was the Bru coffee, which was decent. Otherwise, Spice Food Mantra failed to deliver on both service and culinary expectations, serving customers old food as this was our first and likely last visit to Spice Mantra, we had hoped for better — especially from a restaurant that positions itself as a go-to for Indian cuisine. Sadly, it did not live up...

Big 'No No' to this restaurant. Where to start ..too many red lights.

1.Very poor customer service. Shop have no crowd but yet no one came to take orders despite calling them several times. Banana leaf meal served in plates since no banana leaf available on that day. Aircond have no cooling.. its hot inside.

2.While serving the vege they claim there will extra charges for add up. Very little vege served, qt stingy, especially the fried ocra , just that ocra missing,only fried flour.

Ordered ice lemon tea, they fail to inform its a cordial, which only taste like light brown ice water. Ordered Moor ice (buttermilk) which taste awful, complain to them thought it might spoil, but they claim its fresh yogurt. We insist it doesnt taste right probably they can confirm by tasting it, for which they reply saying they dont drink buttermilk. Whats can i say.. it taste terrible.. wasted 3 cups of so called buttermilk.

They pulled the trigger and annoyed all 6 of us when they refuse to give our leftovers. Unfinish chicken 65(taste sourish), mutton gravy, .. and leftover rice & bones and other vegetable from 6 plates for stray puppies since we usually not a fan of wasting food. We even mention to them just put it in a plastic bag or any simple packing, in which they denied saying they cant give the food, take note they deny the food which WE PAY for it, all the chicken ,mutton rice and vege which we pay.they claim they can't pack the food especially if its for puppies. Its the shop rules it seems, you only eat , cant take away the the leftovers from your plate.

Literally we can hear them talking bad about us in the kitchen when we insist we need the leftovers to be packed and while giving the leftover they told this will be the first and last..really ? Rude .. extremely rude .

It was a good day for us untill the lunch experience spoil the whole mood. DON'T GO HERE . Setia Alam have other better serving banana leaf restaurant.

I just dont wanted to give any star.... Not Going...

Spice Mantra - An Honest Review

We've visited Spice Mantra three times now, and unfortunately, our most recent experience was quite disappointing. I ordered the Prawn Biryani, priced at RM33, and was shocked by the quality. The prawns were mushy instead of firm, with a slimy texture that made the dish very unpleasant to eat. This is not the quality I expect from a restaurant like Spice Mantra.

During our previous visit, we ordered the Nasi Lemak Ayam, and the chicken portion was generous and worth the price. However, this time, the chicken we received was barely medium-sized – more like a portion for a child. It felt like a downgrade in both portion and quality.

For the price, the food just isn't worth it. Paying RM33 for spoiled biryani is upsetting, and we left dissatisfied. Although we reported the issue to the staff, and they were kind enough to offer us complimentary payasam (even though we declined), the gesture didn't make up for the disappointing experience.

As a mango lassi enthusiast, I have to add that the mango lassi at Spice Mantra was another letdown. I usually order mango lassi whenever I dine out, and at restaurants like Mollaga, Bayleaf, and Tasty Chapatti, the mango lassi has always been delicious and satisfying – so much so that I often order more. Sadly, the mango lassi at Spice Mantra was completely tasteless. It lacked the rich mango flavor I love, and I deeply regretted ordering it.

Overall, the inconsistency in food quality and portions has left us questioning whether...