Shakinah — Restaurant in Msida

POSITIVES: Beautiful decor. Mango lassi was delicious. The waiter there was very helpful, friendly and polite. Was happy to offer replacements and the food came out quickly.

NEGATIVES: Chefs/Kitchen and owner/manager don't care about the quality of food they serve or the service provided. The Sheikh Kebab Chicken was overcooked and so hard that it couldn't even be cut into. Chicken Madras Curry was very chewy and the curry itself was bitty as if it had previously been frozen and then pre-heated. If you know your Indian cuisine, you'll know what I'm talking about.

We asked for the kebab to be replaced which it was and when it came out the second time, it was tender, perfectly cooked and delicious!

We had also told the waiter about the Chicken Madras Curry but we advised we didn't want a replacement as at that point, we were so disappointed that the only 2 dishes we had ordered were both so lacking first time round that we just wanted to leave as soon as possible.

To add insult to injury, the waiter asked the manager/owner "what should they do?" halfway through the service and my husband overheard him replying that "If they are repeat customers, then offer them a refund". It was our first time in Malta as we were there on our honeymoon and first time at Shakinah.

We weren't expecting nor did we ask for a refund at any point but would have thought due to the poor quality of both dishes, as a gesture of goodwill, the manager would have either reduced the charge for the curry or taken it off the bill completely. Anyone who has worked in customer service/hospitality knows they could have turned this experience around easily and got us as repeat customers by making some sort of goodwill gesture or even just apologising about the curry.

If we hadn't been looking forward to eating at Shakinah's, maybe we wouldn't have felt so disappointed but what made it worse was that the owner/manager's service was dependent on whether we had been there before. What makes them think anyone would want to go there more than once if this is the service and quality provided?

If you don't know what good quality Indian food tastes like, you'll be fine at Shakinah's. If you know the difference, go to Naan Bar (corner of Melita & Old Bakery Street) instead and ask for a table downstairs. They're a small restaurant but so friendly, welcoming, nothing is too much trouble and the food has been amazing every time we went! We recommend the Chicken Tikka, Nimona, Shrimp Chingri Malai Curry, Awadhi Chicken Biryani &...

I visited this restaurant over the weekend, as this was my first time in Malta, I was excited to try my home food in another country. I saw this restaurant come up on google so I thought I’d stop by - as I entered the restaurant, I was quickly turned away rudely for not booking in advance. This I thought could have been dealt with more professionally and with empathy.

I returned the next day, this time booking in advance for the 10pm slot as I wanted to try out their Indian food. As we sat, the same rude waiter (Raj) from the night before attended us. This time as he handed over the menu he mentioned we need to place the order quickly as the kitchen was about to close. If this was the case, they should not take bookings at this time, as it left us feeling rushed instead being relaxed to enjoy our dinner experience.

We ordered our drinks, I asked what the Kinnie was, the waiter Raj described it as similar to pepsi. Once it arrived it was nothing like pepsi, instead it had a strong bitter taste - not to my likings at all. I retuned the drink after a sip and got a pepsi instead, but I had to pay for both drinks. A common customer service experience in the Uk is to replace the drink for free of charge especially when the entire drink was left. But they failed to do this which was disappointing!

Some of our food arrived, the biryani didn’t arrive until we was half way finished with our mains. I would rate the taste of the food 1/10 - the food did not have the flavours as expected from traditional Indian curry as it taste very bland. The presentation on the other hand was 9/10 and the restaurant decor 10/10.

From this trip, I would highly recommend you not to visit Shakinah for food, instead go to “Emperor of India” restaurant - That place had an amazing atmosphere, great food, the owner attended every table and cracked a few jokes, very light hearted and sweet. Out of the three Indian restaurant we tried over the weekend Shakinah would be at the...

Shakinah boasts a pleasant and modern décor, making for a lovely dining experience. The furnishings are tastefully done, and they add a touch of elegance to the ambiance. The overall atmosphere of the restaurant is inviting and comfortable, making it an ideal place to enjoy a meal with friends or family.

The service provided by the waiters is exceptional, as they are friendly and accommodating to the needs of their guests. Their warm and welcoming attitude is very refreshing and adds to the overall positive dining experience.

The food is the standout feature of the restaurant, and it is served in a fantastic way. The dishes are presented in an aesthetically pleasing manner that enhances the dining experience. The Indian cuisine is undoubtedly the highlight of the menu, and I must say that I have rarely tasted such good Indian food. The flavors are bold and rich, and the spices are perfectly balanced, resulting in a truly delightful taste sensation.

Overall, Shakinah is a must-visit for anyone looking for a great dining experience. The pleasant and modern décor, along with the exceptional service provided by the waiters, makes for an enjoyable experience. The food, however, is the standout feature and is definitely worth a visit. I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone who enjoys good food, friendly service, and a...