Samairaz Indian Restaurant — Restaurant in Christchurch

Honestly, quite disappointed with the overall experience. The food was way below average compared to other restaurants, especially considering their higher prices. The curry had an unusually strong color, which made it look artificial, and the taste was almost bland.

What really stood out was the hospitality — it felt noticeably friendlier toward local customers than towards us. No one even asked how the food was, and most of the attention seemed focused on impressing the locals.

To add, this wasn’t our first odd experience here. A few years ago, we walked in and were told there were no tables available unless we had a booking. Just out of curiosity, my wife called them right after we stepped out, and suddenly, they said a table was available. When we went back in, they realized their mistake and apologized, but the whole situation felt quite uncomfortable — almost as if they didn’t really want us there in the first place.

Overall, not a place I’d return to or recommend. There are plenty of restaurants around offering much better food, value, and respect for all customers.

Update on your response

Thank you for your response. I understand you may see things differently, but I’ve simply shared my honest experience as a paying customer. It’s disappointing that instead of taking the feedback constructively, the reply came across as defensive and personal.

Also, thank you for taking the time to look into my Facebook account to find my mutual friends — that level of effort says a lot in itself.

Regardless of what your internal notes or assumptions might say, my experience at the table didn’t feel welcoming — and as a customer, that’s what matters most. Feedback is meant to help improve service, not start a debate or a personal investigation.

I wish your team the best and hope future customers have a...

Was staying in Chch for the night while driving back to QT from Nelson. Googled best dinner near me and this place popped up - I was very curious about the consistent 5 star rating and it was only 8 minutes drive away so figured what the heck, may as well give it a go. Ordered the Paneer Butter Masala, a garlic naan and some gulab jamuns for takeaway - hot diggity dang was the food absolutely bangin'! I'd just been to the dentist in Nelson so half my face was still numb but what I could manage to eat just blew my socks off. Best gulab jamun I've ever had, and believe me, I've eaten a lot. Same goes for the garlic naan. And the next day when I got home to QT, I finished off the curry & rice and it was...sublime.

My housemates & I just went to Electric Avenue in CHCH and I convinced them that this was the place to go for dinner. We arrived late for our reservation and the restaurant had had a mad rush (Friday night) when we did turn up. Service was excellent, absolutely excellent: incredibly polite and helpful and accomodating, and the food was fast in addition to being delicious, as expected.

Will definitely be back again (and again, and again, and...

Samairaz have a 100% record for a reason! They make simply the most mouthwatering, irresistible Indian fare in all of Canterbury. Whether you dine in or takeaway, the Samairaz standard never slips. The love and care put into their service and the food they passionately craft is sensational each and every time. The food is fast, fresh and filled with the fabulous flavours one would expect to find from the glorious cuisine of the Indian Subcontinent. The restaurant itself is gorgeously styled and the tables are gracefully set up. Their menu is replete with tantalising offerings and their beverage assortment will quench any thirst craving. A refreshing lassi sure does hit the spot and is a must! One thing I believe would absolutely complement and make their mains selection complete would be the offering of a selection of goat dishes. But this is just me perhaps being extraordinarily picky. The ambience is very inviting and your patrons and regulars contribute to the welcoming vibe of your inviting establishment. A flawless, impeccable performance! And so close to home. I am truly blessed! All the very best for 2021...