FOR THE LOVE OF GOD, INVEST IN SECURITY.
What would have been a very enjoyable dining experience was ruined by two VERY UGLY incidents. Firstly, I would like to start on the positives, the food itself was very enjoyable. The quality of the pork and the texture of the noodles were particular standouts for me. The service while I can't say was exceptional, was pleasant and attentive enough.
Both of these factors would have made for a positive rating if it weren't for two preventable incidents. Mid way through our meal a homeless lady poked her head through the door asking my partners for a chopstick, the server tentatively asked her to leave the customers alone and vacate from the premises. Instead, the homeless lady snatched the chopstick out of my partner's hands and ran off. Not a pleasant experience but one that didn't really ruin the mood too much.
However, the second experience was much worse. Once I finished my meal and my partner was wrapping up I went to the restroom, when I arrived back I found a homeless man eating from my partner's bowl. Later I found that due to previous experience my partner was on her guard and clocked the man entering the premises. Quickly, she jumped off her seat to the other side of the room with some other patrons. At this point I felt genuinely in danger, as the man was clearly high and unstable, even threatening to launch the chopstick holder at the cowering customers! The staff were less than useless in this situation, mostly they were just standing there threatening to call the police. Eventually, one of the waiter's plucked up the courage and escorted the man outside.
I won't be blaming the staff themselves how for they handled the situation as they are not employed to handle these kinds of incidents. Instead, I will be focussing my blame on the onsite manager and the company at large. After the incident I spoke to the manager to implore him to lobby the upstairs management for employing security to prevent these sort of things from happening. The management was apologetic and even said that this is a reoccurring issue (I think that was what he said as he had a thick accent which I had trouble understanding). This should be all the more reason to employ a security agency. Anyways, while I am by no means the type of person to harass hospitality staff to try and receive benefits I did feel entitled to some sort of compensation for this. Yet, I was charged at full price for the meal. While I didn't push the manager for this (speaking as some who has worked in the hospitality industry) I found it absolutely bewildering that I didn't receive anything, not even an apology.
While I did think the manger handled the situation poorly from a customer relations perspective my real gripes lie with the company at large. Kannada-Ya is a chain that operates in several venues all over London, I find it completely baffling that the do not employ a security agency to prevent these of instances from happening. It is totally irresponsible and reckless to not act these incidents and allow your staff and customers to work in a dangerous environment. If this homeless had actually thrown an object at us and potentially injured someone then this would be a very different story.
Anyways, that is my rant over. Hopefully, the right people will see this review and act on it. I certainly won't be visiting Kannada-Ya until then. A shame really, it was otherwise...
Read moreKanada-Ya Ramen in London offers outstanding food, especially their Gekikara ramen, which was packed with authentic flavors and really hit the spot. This was my second time dining here, and it was a completely different experience from my first visit. The first time, I found the ramen just okay, possibly due to the timing or the team that day. But on this second visit, I was floored by how delicious the food was.
We also ordered gyoza and Chicken Karaage to share, both of which were great. My partner opted for the Chashu Chicken ramen and was very satisfied with his choice. The food itself is undeniably delicious, but unfortunately, the service left much to be desired.
Everything is done electronically, which you’d expect to be efficient, but it wasn’t. Our starters arrived well after we had started our ramen, and when we asked why, we were told that starters come after the ramen, which was shocking. Additionally, we had to repeatedly ask about our hot sake, and the staff seemed completely unaware of the situation. It felt like they were overly reliant on the ordering system rather than taking the time to properly manage the orders themselves and ensure everything came out in a fluid and organized manner.
The overall service was poor, and I highly recommend the management provide better training for their staff. They need to be more service-oriented and less dependent on technology to ensure a smoother dining experience. It came off as lazy, and it was frustrating to have to remind them of things. The wait time to get seated was also a bit annoying, but I understand that it’s a small restaurant. Perhaps setting time limits for seating would help them manage the customer flow better.
In summary: great food, but the service needs serious...
Read moreKanada-Ya Ramen Bar Review: A Taste of Harmony and Efficiency
A Husband's Recommendation and a Culinary Adventure This wasn't my husband's first visit to the cozy Kanada-Ya Ramen Bar, so he happily guided me through the menu. I opted for the tantalizing ramen with truffle paste and oil, while he savored his own delectable choice.
A Culinary Delight: Unveiling the Secrets of Ramen Eggs While I didn't sample my husband's ramen, I was captivated by the unique preparation of their ramen eggs. Not only were they visually appealing, but their flavor and texture added an extra layer of delight to the overall experience.
The Quest for the Perfect Broth: A Minor Note In all honesty, the broth didn't quite reach the level of lip-smacking stickiness that I personally associate with an ideal ramen experience. However, this minor observation in no way diminishes the overall harmony of flavors, textures, and temperatures, all perfectly balanced and seasoned.
A Small Space with a Big Heart: Embracing the Efficient Atmosphere The ramen bar's compact size is undeniable, a gentle reminder of the "eat and go" philosophy that seems to permeate the air. Yet, despite the limited seating, there's an undeniable buzz and energy that fills the room, a testament to the culinary magic that takes place within its walls.
A Wholehearted Recommendation: Without a doubt, I wholeheartedly recommend Kanada-Ya Ramen Bar to anyone seeking an authentic and flavorful ramen experience. Their dedication to crafting culinary masterpieces is evident in every bite, and the efficient atmosphere adds to the...
Read more