Zouk Tea Bar & Grill — Restaurant in Manchester

Our visit to Zouk marked our first experience at the establishment. The word "Zouk" originates from Arabic and signifies ‘taste’—not merely in the culinary sense but in its broader manifestations, encompassing an appreciation for attire, cuisine, elegance, and refinement.

As it was a Friday evening, we prudently secured a reservation in advance. The menu was extensive, offering a diverse selection of dishes. Since I am due to travel next week, my daughters thoughtfully arranged an early Father’s Day dinner in my honour. I entrusted them with the task of ordering, and they selected a delightful spread comprising Biryani, Handi Lamb, a mixed grill, pasta, naan, roti, and various beverages.

Initially, we were seated in a rather cramped location, where the narrow passageway between two rows of tables impeded the movement of diners and staff. Consequently, we requested a relocation to a more spacious area, which was promptly accommodated. We ordered four servings of Coca-Cola, though, rather curiously, one bottle was completely devoid of carbonation. The waitress swiftly rectified this by replacing it without hesitation.

The food arrived and proved to be considerably spicier than anticipated. The pasta, in particular, was so intensely seasoned that my daughter, despite her fondness for spicy dishes, found it entirely unpalatable. Upon raising our concerns, the staff graciously provided a milder replacement. However, the restaurant captain appeared somewhat reluctant, seemingly under the impression that we had requested an ‘Asian-style’ level of spice. This struck me as rather peculiar, as I had never encountered such a term in Pakistani or Indian dining establishments. Typically, spice intensity is classified as low, mild, or hot; the implication that ‘Asian-style’ inherently translates to an overwhelmingly fiery dish in contrast to what Europeans might consider ‘non-spicy’ was an unusual concept.

Additionally, portion sizes proved to be slightly misleading. Traditionally, a mixed grill is intended to serve two or more diners, yet despite ordering two platters, the quantity appeared insufficient for our party of four. My advice to prospective patrons would be to pay particular attention to both the portion sizes and the spice levels when ordering.

That said, the mixed grill was exceptional, and the Biryani was thoroughly enjoyable. The Handi Lamb, however, was somewhat unconventional—it appeared as though pre-prepared curry and meat had simply been combined rather than cooked together from scratch. It is rather rare for restaurants to dedicate time to preparing Handi, Balti, or Karahi in the traditional manner. I would urge the chef to allow the masala to cook properly to enhance the distinctive depth of flavour intrinsic to these dishes.

Recognising the oversight regarding the spice level, the restaurant captain graciously presented us with a slice of cake as a gesture of goodwill. He was an affable gentleman, and we engaged in pleasant conversation for a few minutes. We thanked him sincerely for his kind offering before concluding...

Long story short: We left unwelcomed and disgusted. Most of us are Malaysians and Ramadan plays a big part in our country but we were treated very differently to those who were breaking fast or simply for sisha. One staff was particularly rude to us, the service was below par and the food was average.

The long story: Booked a table of 5 for the buffet (£20 per person) online at 8:20pm as it was the sunset time. Went there and the manager automatically put us on a la carte and sent us to sit outside. We told him that we booked for the buffet but the only available space even with a booking was outside. We were given 3 tables of 2 beside an indoor heater but the tables couldn't be moved together so our group had to split up.

Massive queue for the buffet in a very tight space bumping into each one. No staff was there managing the queue and it was a mess. Majority of the people in the queue were offered medjool dates but not us? We waited 25 minutes in the queue to reach the buffet. Not everything was labelled and most had been emptied but we picked whatever we could as we were all starving.

One of our friends was running late and we were unsure if he still wanted the buffet because of the massive queue. When a staff came over to confirm how many people in our group, we told him the situation and his response was that it was OUR MISTAKE FOR BOOKING 5 PEOPLE FOR BUFFET. Other staff who was on their food break had to intervene and spoke to the particular staff in their own language - probably to tell him off for being rude or leave us alone whilst we eat.

Our friend did join us few minutes later and he did queue for the buffet. He tried to order a drink at the bar but was told to order from a waiter. Three different waiters passed by our area and each time our friend ordered the same drink but none came back with the drink. It was until the fourth time he made the order with a member of staff (neither a waiter or the rude one) and that was when the drink finally arrived.

Whilst we were still eating, the rude staff was attending a group of ladies for sisha and HE TOLD US TO MOVE OUT OF OUR SEATS for the ladies because of the indoor heater. Even the ladies saw it was wrong so we didn't move and carried on eating. No apologies from the rude staff.

Food was really average; quite limited despite the high price tag and some meat were overcooked. Desserts felt like were from the wholesale and not homemade. Nobody took drink orders even if it was tap water. There were mango lassi in the buffet and that's all.

We queued up to pay. Both the manager and a staff were making conversations with the customers who were paying. When it was our turn to pay, neither bothered asking us how we were or how the food was. They simply shoved the card machine to us to pay asap.

Honestly, never expected to experience all this in Manchester city centre where it's the most diverse place it can be. We'd be treated far better in Curry Mile. One to...

This place has gone downhill and isn't likely to be a one off bad service and food I experinced this time I visited. I pre-booked Saturday brunch 11am for 13th oct for a group of 10 two weeks in advance. On arrival hardly any customers so we thought we can relax and not wait long for food. Service: Male waiter was absolutely useless. First he breaks a wineglass trying to set the table(happens) but carried on as if nothing happened while we waited. The lady waiter found us a another table, but we had to change again as the table strip was more than half way coming off and it was catching all our clothes as we tried to get into our seats. We finally get seated only to notice lipstick marks on the wine glass. Again, casually taken away. We asked for another menu, didn't get one so shared. Food was served an hour late (normal service even during quite times apparently). One of our order was the Peshwari nan with fruit yoghurt. Peshwari came first but not the yoghurt. I ask the same male waiter where the rest is- he responded 'its just Peshwari', while the female waiter corrected him to say it's on its way. A great start! At that point we already decided we will go elsewhere for hot drinks and not bother ordering the Indian tea which we would have liked to have ordered.

Food: -I requested for paya specially for my mum when booked. But that was not available when we arrived when placing the order. -Spiced Keema & Anda Bhurji - this was a nice enough dish but not enough meat, filled with scrambled eggs. There was no spicy tomatoes served as per menu. Portion size is like starters, not worth the price. Some of us ordered x2 of the same to have a fulfilling brunch. -lamb Nehari didn't make sense as a dish. It was served on it own like a curry. The breakfast menu did not included any nan or any sides suitable for this dish. Again male waiter was blunt to say that we eat it on its own (Didn't look like a soup or a broth to me!). We requested that they serve a nan which came later. -A Maharajas Breakfast - this was decent. -bollywood Benedict was also decent but not filling, avacado was an additional item requested but not available.

I wouldn't have paid the service charge but my brother discreetly paid the bill keen to get out of the place. He knew how furious I was. I was quite rude to not thank anyone on the way out (a bit awkward but I didn't think they deserved it) totally embarassed to have recommended this place.

Overall, I would not book this place ever again for groups and for its bad service. I ate here several time during lunch hour which was fine although the service was a bit slow, never assumed it will be this terrible during...