Customer is NOT the King!
I have been gathering the courage to write this review after a lot of thought about what I recently experienced. Before I begin, let me warn you—this might be a long read.
I have been a regular visitor to this place, first discovering it about a year ago. Since then, I’ve visited multiple times and have generally had good experiences. So, when I was invited there last Wednesday by a university friend, I was quite excited—being the foodie that I am. It was a special occasion for them, as they had just tied the knot. Having enjoyed the food here before, I had high expectations.
The evening started well, with fewer diners in the restaurant, which allowed for more privacy and a cheerful atmosphere. However, things took a disappointing turn when the first platter was served.
The bride and groom had invited us collectively. But when the starter arrived, our host politely asked the server about the portion size and additional plates, as we were a group of about a dozen people. Surprisingly, the server snapped back, saying that the host (who had previously worked at the restaurant) should know what to expect as they worked here. This was unrequited and not professional seemingly very embarrassing. When the host’s partner requested plates, the server, apparently named Gary, curtly suggested as the menu didn’t have plates to be served upon.
This was both shocking and embarrassing. We were expected to share two platters (and two more that followed later) among the group, with portions so meager that it felt more like a tasting menu. Polite as always, we suggested to our hosts that we could skip the set menu and order separately. Despite the evident confusion and awkwardness, we decided to carry on with the meal.
Having dined here before, I clearly remember the portions being more reasonable and the service exemplary. On earlier visits, a staff member named Tanaya served us—she was polite, courteous, and empathetic, which is why I came to love this place. Unfortunately, this time was a stark contrast.
As for the food, while the lamb was exquisite, we noticed some serious issues. One dish (aloo jeera) appeared undercooked, and its smell suggested that stale oil had been used. When we brought this to the server’s attention, the response was dismissive: “The chef said this is how it is cooked and you have to eat it”. Neither we were offered a replacement or a change of dish. It was as if the customer was being penalised for being there.
I had previously known the chef whose cooking was a key reason I kept coming back. However, it seemed either the chef had changed or the quality had dropped significantly. The butter chicken (or a similar chicken dish) tasted like it had been refrigerated and reheated. While the lamb saved the day to some extent, the overall experience was disappointing.
To summarize, the way our large group was handled was utterly disorganized and lacked basic courtesy, leaving us feeling humiliated. We had some esteemed guests with us, and they, too, were unimpressed with the...
Read moreRoz Ana is a hidden gem tucked away in the heart of the city. As an avid lover of Indian cuisine, my dining experience at this restaurant was truly delightful. From the moment I stepped in, the warm and inviting ambiance instantly transported me to a world of authentic Indian flavors.
The staff at Roz Ana was incredibly attentive and friendly. They greeted us with genuine smiles and promptly escorted us to our table. Our server was well-versed in the menu, providing insightful suggestions while accommodating our dietary preferences.
As for the food, it was an absolute feast for the senses! Every dish we ordered was meticulously crafted, presenting a perfect blend of spices and flavors. The variety on the menu left us spoilt for choice, and we ended up ordering the Chicken Tikka Masala, Lamb Biryani, and Paneer Butter Masala. Each dish was prepared to perfection, with the chicken and lamb being delightfully tender and succulent.
The presentation of the food was also visually pleasing, showcasing the care and attention given to every detail. The portion sizes were generous, ensuring we left with satisfied palates and content stomachs. Additionally, the restaurant didn't compromise on authenticity; the flavors were true to traditional Indian cuisine while also offering a modern twist.
What sets Roz Ana apart from other Indian restaurants is its commitment to catering to vegetarian and vegan diners. The extensive vegetarian options on the menu impressed me, highlighting the restaurant's dedication to inclusivity.
The only reason I'm not giving a five-star rating is the slightly inflated prices. While the quality and taste of the food were top-notch, it would have been more affordable to dine here regularly if the prices were a tad lower. However, considering the overall experience and the high-quality ingredients used, it's understandable why they command a premium.
My conclusion, Roz Ana is the perfect place to satisfy your craving for Indian cuisine. Whether you're a regular fan or an adventurous newcomer, this restaurant guarantees a cultural and culinary experience that will leave a lasting impression. Despite the slightly higher prices, I will definitely be returning to indulge in the rich flavors and warm...
Read moreHonestly, was much better than I was expecting. There where a couple small details that really let the meal down hence the 3 stars. I’ve worked in some of London’s best Indian restaurants so I’m not just nitpicking. We ordered for delivery as I’ve been wanting to try Roz Ana for a very long time but have been put off by the chicken being served on the bone in the butter chicken (makhani) and boy was I right, don’t get me wrong… the sauce was incredible I would actually bathe in it, the chicken was smoky and nicely charred from the tandoori oven however, the ratio of meat to sauce was well off, they would have the best butter chicken for 10 miles if they served boneless thigh tikka instead of what they gave me. It was dry and a bit of a faff to eat it while it was hot but actually on a plus the food all arrived piping hot. The rice was cooked to perfection. The seekh kababs needed salt but spicing was very good. Popadoms were stale which always infuriates me as they cost pennies, these were probably cooked yesterday. The chutneys were also average, the achar was ok, mango chutney was fine but the mint chutney and green chilli chutney were both terrible, they just need to have a house green chutney and get rid of one of those. Garlic naans very good although would like to see an option for just butter naan on menu. Onion and cucumber salad was nice and fresh… it just needed some chaat masala on the red onion slices.
I hope the establishment sees this and makes those changes, I can see myself ordering from here weekly if they do and you’ll all be thanking me.
Will try the rest of the menu but if you want guaranteed excellent Indian cooking,...
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