The South Indian - Vegetarian Restaurant — Restaurant in Zurich

Sorry to say but the food we had was absolutely not “South Indian” at all. We had ordered the thali and vada sambar and aloo masala puri. There was absolutely no “taste” to any of them. Massive scope to improve on the taste.

———————— Message to Owner-

Thank you for your detailed response. I appreciate the effort you havetaken to clarify your position and would like to respond constructively from my side as well.

As an Indian, my comment about the food not feeling authentic was a personal observation based on my culinary experience. There is nothing inherently wrong with food not aligning with every individual’s palate, authenticity can mean different things to different people, and in this case, it simply did not resonate with mine. That does not invalidate the experience of others who may have enjoyed it.

Regarding hospitality, I would like to clarify that contrary to your statement, our feedback was not asked for “multiple times” during the meal. It was asked once — at the very end, while we were paying the bill. At that point, we chose not to raise our concerns directly, as the restaurant had guests around and we did not want to disrupt the atmosphere or the experience for other diners. This was not a lack of honesty but a matter of social consideration.

Additionally, while you mentioned that the same dish was enjoyed by others, taste is subjective. The fact that others may have found it satisfactory does not mean that our feedback is any less valid. It’s entirely possible that the food caters well to a local or “Swiss-Indian” palate, but in this case, it did not match our expectations of South Indian cuisine.

If there’s still a belief that all Indian guests seek only “spicy” food, I urge a broader understanding. Authenticity is about balance, depth, and regional nuance — not just heat. Stereotyping Indian taste preferences can limit your growth in understanding and catering to a diverse audience.

My intention in leaving the review was not to misrepresent your efforts or discredit your business. On the contrary, I believe feedback — especially when respectfully offered — can be a valuable tool for growth. I hope you can view it in that light, rather than taking it personally or defensively. Focusing too much on defending online ratings might come at the cost of valuable learning opportunities.

P.S Please feel free to check the reviews I have provided across Europe for all Indian restaurants. There is no...

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Absolutely loved my experience at The South Indian in Zürich! This place truly feels like a piece of South India tucked right into the heart of Zürich. From the moment you walk in, you’re greeted with the warm aroma of freshly ground spices and the kindest smiles from the staff — it already feels like home before you’ve even ordered. The food? Simply outstanding. The masala dosa was golden, crisp, and filled with perfectly spiced potato — hands down the best I’ve had outside of India. The sambar had that authentic tang and depth that only real South Indian cooking achieves, and every chutney tasted freshly made, each with its own distinct personality. What really stood out to me was the authenticity — nothing feels watered down or “adjusted” for a European palate. It’s real, honest, home-style South Indian food, and you can taste the love and tradition in every bite. The restaurant itself is cozy, clean, and filled with positive energy. The staff are genuinely friendly — not in a forced way, but like they actually care that you enjoy your meal. Even when it’s busy, they take time to check in and make sure you’re happy. If you’re vegetarian or vegan, this is heaven. You don’t need to worry about what’s in your food — everything is pure, fresh, and made with care. I’ve eaten at many Indian restaurants across Europe, but The South Indian in Zürich truly stands out — not just for its food, but for the feeling it leaves you with. You walk out full, happy, and already planning your next visit. 🌿 Highly, highly recommended — this place deserves every bit of...

I recently visited this restaurant and ordered a paneer masala dosa, which was genuinely delicious, well-prepared (crispy) and without onions (as specified in my order). The flavours were on point, and it was clear that a lot of thought had gone into the food (see picture).

However, I must highlight some areas where the experience fell short. Unfortunately, the service was disappointing, as I was served on a small used paper tablecloth (see picture)— something that shouldn't happen in any dining setting. Additionally, there was no heating inside (even though available but not working), which is quite uncomfortable and unacceptable in a rich country like Switzerland, especially considering the country's cold climate.

To warm up, I ordered a chai, which was good but priced at CHF 6,-- for just one cup (Even by Swiss standards, this is pure luxury.). While I appreciate the effort in the food and drinks, the cost felt unnecessarily high and not justified by the overall experience.

It’s a pity because the restaurant has potential with its creative food ideas. Still, the service and ambiance need significant improvement to match the quality of the dishes and justify the pricing. Regrettably, I wouldn’t recommend this place at this...