Shapla Restaurante Indio — Restaurant in Madrid

We should have paid closer attention to the photos outside. At first, we brushed them off—but after our disappointing experience, we looked back and realised the warning signs had been there all along. These weren’t generic stock images; they showed exactly what we were served: dull-looking dishes with those same lurid, unnatural sauces. As we walked around afterwards, we noticed that nearly all the Indian restaurants in the area had similar photos, displaying equally uninspiring fare. So while this review is about one specific restaurant, it applies more broadly—buyer beware.

The street is absolutely packed with Indian restaurants, one after the other, creating an atmosphere of intense competition. As a result, the staff are extremely pushy, constantly trying to draw people in as they pass. While it’s understandable, it makes the area quite uncomfortable to walk through.

After visiting several places, we settled on this one—but to be honest, it probably wouldn’t have mattered. The end result would likely have been just as disappointing elsewhere.

This is not the Indian cuisine India is known and respected for. This is a cheap, corner-cutting imitation, a product of a competitive environment where quality is sacrificed to survive—and it shows.

While we waited for our lamb dish, the waiter (or perhaps the owner) did something quite distasteful. He imposed himself on the couple seated next to us—who were nearly finished with their meal—and asked them, within our earshot, to say whether the food was good. Caught off-guard, they gave a polite “yes.” He then turned to us and said, “See? I told you it’s good!” or something to that effect. It felt cheap and manipulative—definitely not the behaviour of a quality establishment.

We were then served a complimentary poppadom with dipping sauces, which sadly only worsened our impression. The sauces were more like runny syrups than chutneys—thin, watery, and sickly sweet. The “mint” one was a disturbingly bright green with a sugary, artificial taste, while the brown one was equally unidentifiable and off-putting. Given their appearance, texture, and the overall sense of cut-cost preparation, I wouldn’t have been surprised if uneaten portions were filtered and reused. I’m not saying that’s what happened—but the atmosphere, the environment, and the “quality” couldn’t stop me wondering.

Then came the main course. We were both taken aback by the small, uninspiring portion placed in front of us: a dish of dull, matte-orange slop with a few sad-looking chunks of lamb. For a moment, we honestly wondered if there had been a mix-up with the bin. Given the price, it was frankly insulting—and the taste did nothing to redeem it. It reminded us of watered-down tinned potato soup.

We didn’t complain at the time—something we now regret—but let this review serve as our honest feedback.

We won’t be returning—not to this restaurant, and most likely not to any of the Indian restaurants in this area. If this is the standard on offer, we’d rather give it a...

I went to Shapla restaurant for lunch and ordered the set menu which is for 12 Euros and includes an appetizer, drink, curry, Rice or bread and a dessert.

To begin with the appetizer, I ordered Veg Samosa which was disappointing as it felt like the frozen ones available in the market and are refried and served. For main course, I ordered Mutter Paneer and Garlic Naan. The Naan felt a bit dry plus the quantity was small, but the Mutter Planner was good quantity and tasty. Not to forget they also gave us one Papadum per table at the start. Plus, for dessert I had Gulab Jamun that was really good.

The restaurant had a few good points and bad points.

Coming to the good part : The guys who welcome you outside the restaurant are really nice in terms of hospitality. The quantity is top class. I believe one meal and you should be done for the day. The service is really quick. Amazing job by the kitchen staff.

Bad parts : The waiter inside wasn't really nice to us and wanted us to order everything as quick as possible. He took away the condiments while I was still eating my meal. I honestly didn't like that. I also asked for lemon which was given to me 5-6 mins later. I was accompanied to this restaurant by a Chinese friend of mine who's English isn't great. The waiter didn't give him time to understand and order. Neither did I get time to explain the order to him.

Overall, it was a decent experience. Top notch for the quantity but the staff needs to be...

WARNING: DO NOT EAT AT SHAPLA RESTAURANTE INDIO, MADRID Multiple of us sick with bad stomach issues. That alone should be enough to avoid this place. Burnt rice, stale yoghurt drink from the bottle as lassi. Meat was bad quality/off Vegetarian dishes tasted stale and reheated Everything was disgusting

When we complained about the quality, he:

Made racist assumptions based on our skin color about what we know about Indian food Said "you don't know our food so don't tell me what it should taste like" Assumed we've never traveled or experienced authentic cuisine Treated us like we were stupid Extremely condescent and proud attitude

This isn't about preference - we got SICK from spoiled food and were insulted when we complained. This place is an embarrassment to Madrid's food scene and to actual restaurateurs who take pride in quality and customer service. BOYCOTT SHAPLA RESTAURANTE INDIO Madrid has incredible Indian restaurants - don't waste your money, health, or...