Chi-Ni Desi Halal Chinese, Tooting — Restaurant in London

I see these people have replied to my stars only review and placing the blame on me to paint me as an unreasonable customer. Let me give you all context. And I'm going to reduce my stars now because of the further poor customer service.

I have been wanting to try this place for a long time and it so happened last night was that night. When I got to the restaurant, the whole place was filled with a birthday party who obviously had secured the whole area. I went for a takeaway and there was another group of about 5 people that was apparently waiting to be seated.

The place was very full so I just nicely asked the guy if I could order a takeaway and he said that yes I could. He took my order and then went to the back to enter it into the system. He sent the lady to take my payment. She very kindly took my payment and asked if I needed the receipt and I told her no. I asked how long it would take and she said about 15 to 20 minutes so I said okay and I would wait outside. She said okay. I went outside to the eastern pavement and faced the restaurant so I could see inside through the window. I kept looking and could see everything going on.

I saw when the guy came back after about 10 minutes with a white paper handle bag and he was chatting with the people waiting to be seated, I presumed that he was informing them they won't be able to be seated today because they left immediately after. He made no attempt to look for me because I saw him just walk to the back with the bag and place it there. I didn't want to be presumptuous and go ask if that was my food because I was told 15-20 minutes and this was much sooner than I was expecting. After those people had left, I went and sat on the bench and quietly kept waiting for my food.

When I saw it had been 30 minutes I got up and looked to the back and made eye contact with the girl and gave a little smile and indication that I was waiting. She suddenly remembered and a few moments later I saw her coming to me with the same bag the guy had left. Of course I was upset because the fella did not look for me and then wanted to seem like he searched the ends of the earth.

You seriously need to find staff who will not be overwhelmed when the restaurant is full of loud and obnoxious customers. You also need staff who know how to communicate with each other. I would imagine that the girl would have told the guy that I would have been waiting outside and that he would have had sense to look outside for me. But due to poor communication internally, along with an overly-patient and understanding client, this unfortunate event happened.

Next time I will be more bold and walk straight up to staff and inquire rather than assuming they know what they're doing.

Also you all need to accept when you have done something wrong internally rather than blaming customers who give you their hard earned money.

Your food is mediocre at best and your customer service and response to me is absolutely unacceptable and abhorrent. I refuse to patronise your establishment in the future and would not recommend it to anyone. This was my first and...

Craving a unique and flavourful dining experience? Look no further than Chini, a haven for adventurous palates seeking a fusion of Chinese cuisine with exciting twists. Great starters, which had a combination of textures and flavours was a delightful explosion in our mouths. The soup, the Drums of Heaven, Crispy chicken lollipops and Tai Pai Prawn starters were sublime. The main course took us on a journey, showcasing the magic of fusion. Each bite was a revelation, leaving us wanting more. Don't forget to explore the beverage menu! We had lemon mint mocktail that complements the food perfectly. It was refreshing.

From the moment we walked in, the staff's genuine warmth and attentiveness made us feel right at home. Their knowledge of the menu was impressive, offering insightful recommendations tailored to our preferences. He patiently answered all our questions, explaining the unique ingredients and cooking techniques behind each dish. This level of detail not only helped us make informed choices but also added to the overall enjoyment of the meal. Sai's attentiveness wasn't limited to just taking orders. Throughout the afternoon, Sai, was present but never intrusive, ensuring our water glasses remained full, plates were cleared promptly, and any requests were met with a smile and a genuine desire to please. The service delivered by wonderful Sai, and the Head chef was excellent. Our server, Sai, was attentive and knowledgeable, offering insightful recommendations and ensuring a smooth dining experience.

Overall, Chini is a hidden gem for those seeking an exciting culinary adventure. The innovative fusion dishes, coupled with the stylish ambiance and impeccable service, make it a perfect spot for a memorable evening. We highly recommend it and can't wait to return to explore more...

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Chi-Ni Restaurant Tooting is a hidden gem that combines the best of Chinese cuisine with a desi touch. The menu is a delight, offering a wide range of options to satisfy your taste buds.

Unbelievable delicious soup hot and sour was perfect

Starters: The Pepper Garlic Prawn and Tai Pai Prawn, Dynamite shrimps are simply divine. The Fish Koliwada is a must-try for seafood lovers, and the Wasabi Prawns and chicken drumstick provide a unique and exciting flavor.

Best of all be sure to try the fresh Mango with Papaya salad; it's incredibly refreshing. don't miss the Veg Mini Spring Roll and Kung Pao Potatoes are perfect for vegetarians, offering a burst of flavors.

Main Course: The Chicken Manchurian is a classic, and the Kung Pao Chicken adds a spicy kick to your dining experience. If you're into seafood, the Hakka fish and Seafood Delight are a delightful choice. -But for me, the Chilli Garlic Beef is a solid 10 out of 10!

Rice and Noodles: The Special Fried Rice and Mix Noodles with Chicken, Prawn, Lamb, or Beef are fantastic options to fill your appetite.

Desserts: After indulging in these scrumptious dishes, make sure to save room for the ice cream with delicious sauce, a Malaysian dessert that's a sweet ending to your meal.

Drinks: Don't miss the special mint cinnamon drinks; they're a refreshing and unique addition to your dining experience.

Chi-Ni offers a diverse menu with something for everyone. The combination of Chinese and desi flavors makes it a standout choice for a memorable dining experience. The service is top-notch, and the ambiance is welcoming. I highly recommend Chi-Ni for an unforgettable culinary journey in a family-friendly atmosphere, with impeccable...