Tamarind Bay — Restaurant in Exeter

Sadly I have to post a very negative review of Tamarind Bay. Up to this point, I have always had excellent food and service. Last nights experience was so poor, I will never be returning and would urge everyone to go elsewhere, as there are many other excellent Indian restaurants in the vicinity.

I ordered a simple home delivery take away at 6.39pm via their website, I was accepted and given an estimated delivery time of 7.39pm. At 7.50pm it had not arrived, so called the restaurant. A nice young lady said that it was in transit and should be delivered very soon.

Another 40 mins passed and no food arrived, I tried to call them to chase and there was no answer from either number. I left a voicemail, and the call was not returned. In fact I spent 20 mins with an endless ring, so I popped down in person.

I spoke with the manager who left me feeling fobbed off and came across as not caring about the service provided. First he said the food had just left and when challenged about being told an hour previously it was in transit, he said they were short staffed and ‘you know what it’s like’. Instead of being apologetic, he was defensive and did not seem to care at all.

I suggested given the delays, not answering the phone that he refunded the meal. Eventually he refunded me half the cost of the take away and promised it was around 3 minutes away. I returned home and the take away took a further 20 minutes to arrive.

Sadly the lamb was dry and the rice was luke warm, and by 9.20pm I had gone past eating.

Truly a horrific take away experience from a customer service point of view and food quality. Having had a take away every few weeks since opening and recommending to friends and colleagues, I will no longer be recommending the restaurant and in fact will be telling everyone about my poor experience.

Sadly, reading the other google reviews, other customers have had a similar experience here, so this suggests there is an ongoing problem, rather than a...

After having takeaway from here and now sitting in, I feel best placed to leave a review that covers everything. The takeaway is always really well cooked, still hot, and an extra poppadom sneaks in now and again. We've had the takeaway on numerous occasions, and it's always been the best takeaway in Exeter. The food is really tasty, more authentic flavours and stronger spices than some Indians I've tried. But still not too spicy for the English palette. The quality of food and portion sizes also make it very good value for money. When I collect our takeaway, the restaurant always looks like a really nice place to be. So my partner and I decided to eat in. It was a really great experience. Don't be put off by being on a busy road. You don't hear it, and it's quieter during dining times anyway. Somehow, eating in, the food that we thought was the best in Exeter tasted even better. They topped their own food! It's also great for vegetarians or vegans and gluten intolerant, which our table was. Plenty of choice! The service was perfect. It's clear the staff enjoy their jobs and work in a nice place as there was a very happy vibe and they were all getting along and enjoying themselves. When we had our service that positive happiness continued, and the person serving us couldn't have been more friendly and professional. The hand cleaning wipes magic is worth eating in for alone! You'll see what I mean... We will definitely be returning to eat...

If you enjoy your curry cold and watery with microwaved rice and naan bread then Tamarind Bay is a 5 star establishment. If however, you appreciate good food, I would recommend you don't even touch this place with a bargepole. We ordered a takeaway from Tamarind last night and it was the worst curry we have ever eaten. I called the "restaurant" to explain the issues with our meal, but rather than offering sympathy and the common courtesy of a replacement, I was instead greeted with a stinking attitude. We could not eat the curry's as they were so bad, so we threw them in the bin, to which the man on the phone insisted he would still like photos of. I couldn't believe the cheek. Eventually the man on the phone reluctantly said the best he could refund was 50% of the meal, which in my opinion is an insult and comical. Despite this promise, we haven't received a penny yet and have had our messaged ignored/avoided.

Unfortunately 1 star is the minimum I can rate Tamarind Bay, but to be honest it doesn't even deserve that. If you were thinking of dining here I hope this makes you think twice. You're better off ordering a curry at Wetherspoon's, better food, half the price and at least the chef's there know how to use a microwave properly.

P.s. Still waiting...