Annapurni — Restaurant in Gauteng

I’m a regular at Annapurni since they had the small outlet in Illovo. I supported them whole heartedly with the hope they would do well - we order from them at least once a week and it’s usually many items. Although I’ve always felt their management generally absent and detached and their staff could be better trained but the food is tasty so we overlook the service issues. Consistency and quality with some food items also varies from time to time but I would rather not fuss over it as in general the food is very good. However on my last visit I ordered a dosa and specifically told the waitron I wanted it crispy as I have done in the past. Instead I got a soggy dense dosa delivered to my table that was still a bit uncooked. It was not what I had ordered, barely cooked through so I called the waiter to send it back for a replacement. To my horror, he offered to take the same broken dosa a portion of which I’d eaten, put it back on the pan and make it crispy. I was a bit taken aback that they would do this to something that was already contaminated so I declined and asked him to get the kitchen to make a fresh one, which they did and it came and was exactly as I ordered. But the real surprise came when I saw the second dosa added to our bill. When we asked why we were being charged twice for an item that was not done properly the first time we were told that this was policy and they were not allowed to give ‘free’ items. Since I felt I was getting nowhere with the wait staff I asked him to call the manager/owner who was at the counter so I could explain the issue. Reluctant and full of excuses he tried to dodge the request until I spotted the proprietor and asked the waiter to call him. Instead of coming to the table as we had asked to discuss the issue, the proprietor ignores us and the staff took cash from the till and refunded the dosa as if we were a nuisance. The owner/proprietor passed us in our way out and refused to acknowledge us let alone apologise. I would have expected some banter especially since he sees us there regularly and we were the only customers there. As much as I enjoy their food, sadly this experience left a sour taste in my mouth and I would much rather try the dearth of Indian cuisine available than return to ...

I have been a loyal and frequent customer of this restaurant, ordering online and dining in almost three times a week. During my recent visit, I decided to try one of their new dishes. Unfortunately, it was extremely salty ,so much so that it was inedible. When I raised this with the staff, I was told it was "just the spice" and not salt. However, being Indian and familiar with these spices, I know the difference. It was not the chaat masala ,it was the soft inside of the hara bara that was overwhelmingly salty.

Two different waitresses admitted they hadn't even tasted the new dish yet, so they couldn’t speak of the flavour. That alone raised a concern .If a dish is new and hasn’t been tested or tasted by the kitchen or floor staff, why is it being sold?

They offered to remake the dish or swap it for another new item, the veg seekh kebab. But by that time, my meal was already ruined. I had intended to eat this item with curry, and after experiencing such an overpowering taste, I had lost my appetite. Instead, I asked if I could rather have a slice of cake in place of the salty dish something small to compensate, as I didn’t want to waste more food or time. I even mentioned that I’m a regular customer and wasn’t trying to cause a scene or get a freebie.

Rather than address my request, they said they'd inform the owner (who wasn’t in) and asked for feedback on how to fix the dish for future customers. When I asked if the cost of the dish would come out of the chef’s salary to which I didn’t want they told me it would be deducted from their own pay. That was shocking and upsetting. If that’s the policy, it explains a lot, but it's not how customer concerns should be handled.

In the end, nothing was done to remedy my experience. They didn’t take my contact details to follow up. They kept the sale and dismissed my issue under the guise of "not wanting to make a scene."

All they had to do was acknowledge that the dish was too salty, apologize, and either fix it or offer a small gesture without pushing blame, denying the issue, or making me feel like I was being...

#DelayedPost

I was invited to the opening of the newly relocated @AnnaPurni in Rivonia. It now boasts a bigger premises as well as a Vegan Vegetarian Bakery. Unfortunately on opening night not all the equipment was available so we were not able to taste the deli section. Although rainy and cold we were warmed up by the hospitality of Gowri and family with the food. I did however wish they had served us Masala Tea since it was chilly and rainy. The official opening to the public happened over Easter weekend. So do go check them out. The decor itself is rather confusing as it doesn't feel like your normal Indian restaurant. It's light and bright and has some hints of Indian artwork displayed on the Crispy white walls.

The Food selection served was limited but packed with flavours I especially loved the starter platters we were served. So if you into South Indian food this is the place to be

First up was the vegetable bonda served with coriander and mint chutney and tamarind chutney

Vade served with sambhar (This packed quite a spicy kick to it and made me perpsire lol) and coconut chutney

Potato stuffed masala bun. These were such comfort food

Bissibele bath (rice dish with veges lentils and spices)

Masala dosè- savory crepe with a spiced Potato filling served with sambar and coconut chutney

Kesari bath - dessert made of semolina, Ghee,sugar and saffron. Sadly I didn't taste this as I was full on the other food.

I will definitely be back to see the additional item seeing served from the deli section sometime when in the area.

Thank you to Gowri and the team for a lovely experience and wishing you all the success in the new...