Southern Spice Manukau — Restaurant in Ōtara-Papatoetoe

Probably the worst service I have ever experienced in a restaurant, not sure if under staffed or they just don't care, rather bizarre. we turned up with no staff at the front, waited for a few minutes then just sat down where we felt like if you want service with a smile you have some to the wrong place we ordered garlic naan but got served plain naan, we then told them this but waitress argued with us saying that we ordered plain naan (we didn't), we just left it and suffered through the driest naan bread in the world poor blokes that sat next to us were trying to order (no staff taking their order), they were rather polite but got told 'can you just wait?' and the diners apologised instead had to wait 10 mins at the counter to pay since the wait staff were in the kitchen at the back of the restaurant. Had to walk through to the kitchen to fetch someone so we could actually pay for our meals. Plenty of other customers just have to mill around at the counter with no staff in sight... Food was average as, plenty of other Indian restaurants in the area that serve way better food with some...

Review:

Southern Spice Manukau offers the closest rendition of authentic Hyderabadi biryani that I’ve had in Auckland so far. The flavors were spot on, and both the lamb and chicken biryanis were rich, aromatic, and full of depth, staying true to the essence of the original. I also tried the Andhra chicken and butter naan, which complemented the biryani well, with the chicken offering a delightful balance of spice and tenderness.

However, the dining experience was somewhat marred by slow service. Despite our order being placed before others, we found that customers who arrived later were being served earlier, which was frustrating. If you plan to dine here, be prepared for a wait, as patience is definitely required.

Heads up—I've heard from a few friends who are regulars at Southern Spice that the taste can be inconsistent at times, so keep an eye out for that. It seems like the quality can vary with each visit.

Overall, while the food shines, the slow service and basic atmosphere leave room for improvement. Worth trying for authentic biryani, but with the caveat that the experience may require...

Avoid this place at all time. Went to buy butter chicken for dinner for the first time, no body in front service, after 5 min guy came in from back n took my order, Butter chicken n Naan, $24.00 than let me sit for 10mins so that he can take phone orders, serve 5 people before me ,until released he had to serve me. Went home open the packets guess what? no chicken in butter chicken container only gravy. Went back 20km again to get the real pack of butter chicken , caught the guy who served me, unapologetic he said u ordered gravy only, so gravy n Naan $24.00, are you for for real bro?Boss bit stubborn looking came out from back , have no idea what to say as many customers in the queue, listening n watching rather than apologizing he tells me to go away. I knew he was embrassed and can't win conversation with this man. I just walked out. Won't recommend to anyone. Aware of the owner as he gets ugly if u want refund or replacement. Insert...