Madras Masala — Restaurant in Colombo

Good food, authentic south and north Indian Bad service, unattentive staff, lot of ignoring Okay atmosphere, dining area too cool but architecture is pleasant and attractive

Went for a dinner. There was a queue at the door and we had to request for a table to see whether there was any space. Fortunately, there was. That was the start of the poor service.

Though the managers seemed good and attentive, they were busy trying to get the waiters to do their jobs. The ambience was okay, but the place was too cool. When we requested to reduce the AC or increase the temperature, the guy switched the AC on on the other side, but didn't switch off ours, making the room cooler... the exact opposite of what we wanted. We had to attention of waiters so that we could complete our order. They delivered the menus immediately, but there was no attention after that. Finally after much time (around 10 min), a manager came and asked us what we wanted and took our order. Yes it was a busy night, but given the number of waiting staff at hand, it seemed more than unreasonable that we had to wait for this long nearly every step of the way.

After ordering, the food arrived in a reasonable amount of time. The food was good. We ordered ghee dosa, chicken tikka masala, kadai vegetable curry, lemon rice, and curd rice, and a lassi for drinks. The food was tasty, flavourful, but not too strong with no overbearing taste. The proportions of ingredients were done right, and I really enjoyed proper North Indian curry after a long time. The lassi had a good amount of yoghurt but also had pieces of undissolved sugar. The lemon rice had a tad bit much lemon for my liking but wasn't unpleasant (my wife enjoyed it). The two curries were good. Not too much oil (just like it's supposed to be), plenty of spice, a good serving of chicken and vegetables. The portion sizes were large enough for us to take home for another meal (1 serving enough for 1½ people approx), worth the cost on the menu. The items look a bit pricy at first glance but when you get the portion and taste the food you understand the cost.

The furniture was nothing much to speak about but wasn't uncomfortable either. However, the room we sat in was far too cool for our liking. The restaurant is located in an classic styled house in Wellawatte, but though it looks classic, the place is well maintained and looked after. The furniture and cutlery seem clean and polished well.

When we finished our meal, I had to then leave our table and call for a waiter to clean up our dishes and arrange takeaway for the remaining food. The takeaway came pretty quick but the bill took so long that I decided to leave my table and fetch the bill. I had to wait for at least 10 mins again till I had enough and took it upon myself to fetch the bill. The cashier also ignored me for a few minutes though I was standing right in front of him and calling to him. A manager had to step in again and instruct him to attend to me.

Overall I'd say it was a middling experience. I'd love to have their food again, but don't feel like visiting the restaurant again. Luckily they are present on both Uber...

My recent dining experience at Madras Masala was nothing short of a culinary delight. Nestled in the heart of the city, this Indian restaurant exceeded my expectations with its vibrant ambiance, warm hospitality, and mouthwatering dishes.

From the moment I stepped inside, the inviting aroma of Indian spices filled the air, immediately awakening my senses. The restaurant's tasteful decor, featuring rich colors and traditional accents, set the perfect backdrop for an authentic Indian dining experience.

The menu at Madras Masala offered an extensive selection of classic Indian dishes, showcasing the diverse flavors of the subcontinent. From aromatic biryanis to flavorful curries and tandoori delights, there was an array of options to cater to various palates. The chefs skillfully prepared each dish, ensuring a harmonious blend of spices that tantalized the taste buds.

One highlight of my meal was the butter chicken, which was an absolute masterpiece. The tender chicken, bathed in a velvety tomato-based sauce, was infused with a medley of spices that provided a perfect balance of flavors. Accompanied by freshly baked naan bread, it was a truly satisfying and comforting combination.

The service at Madras Masala was commendable, with attentive and knowledgeable staff who were eager to assist and offer recommendations. They were well-versed in the intricacies of Indian cuisine, providing insights into the different regional specialties and suggesting dishes that complemented each other perfectly.

The attention to detail extended beyond the food and service. The presentation of each dish was visually appealing, with vibrant colors and artistic plating that showcased the culinary craftsmanship. The restaurant's commitment to quality ingredients and authentic flavors shone through in every bite.

Overall, Madras Masala offers a gastronomic journey through the flavors of India. With its inviting ambiance, exceptional cuisine, and attentive service, it is a haven for food enthusiasts seeking an authentic Indian dining experience. Whether you're a fan of fiery curries or mild aromatic dishes, this restaurant is a must-visit for those craving the vibrant and diverse flavors of...

We recently placed a lunch order with Madras Masala through Uber Eats to be delivered to my mother-in-law for her 70th birthday. She had specifically requested Indian food and had previously enjoyed Madras Masala, so we scheduled the order a day in advance. As we live overseas, we took extra care to organize everything properly, placing a large order to cater to several guests who were invited for a special birthday lunch.

To our shock and dismay, just one hour before the scheduled delivery, we received an alert from Uber Eats that the entire order had been cancelled by the restaurant. This caused immense stress and embarrassment, as we were now left scrambling to find lunch for six people at the last minute.

Upon contacting the restaurant, we were told the order was cancelled because their roti items were “not available for lunch.” As a former restaurateur familiar with Uber Eats, I know that if specific items are unavailable, the platform allows the restaurant to notify the customer and let them make substitutions. Instead of doing this, Madras Masala simply cancelled an order worth over Rs. 21,000 without even attempting to contact us.

To make matters worse, I immediately checked the restaurant’s Uber Eats page, and all the roti varieties including the ones we had ordered were still listed as available. There was no mention anywhere that they were unavailable for lunch nor had had they made it unavailable on Uber Eats at the time. Even more baffling, my mother-in-law was able to call the restaurant directly, place a new order that included several roti varieties, and receive delivery without issue FOR LUNCH!. So clearly, availability was not the real problem.

Thanks to Madras Masala’s careless and indifferent approach, a special occasion was utterly ruined. Guests were left waiting past 2pm to eat, and what should have been a joyful celebration turned into a stressful and embarrassing experience.

Madras Masala proved to be completely unreliable and unprofessional. I would strongly advise against placing orders with them, especially if you're planning something important. You simply cannot count on them to deliver or communicate...