Madha - North & South Indian Kitchen — Restaurant in Scotland

CHILD FOOD ALLERGY

We were at this restaurant last night for an 18th birthday meal. The table had been pre booked. There was a table of roughly 25 of us, but we were the only people in the restaurant.

Service was extremely slow, the staff had to go to the shops to buy chips (despite them knowing there was 9 children in attendance). No fruitshoots or drinks options for the kids (except appletizer). We waited ages for starters, then ages again for mains.

All very disappointing but the main reason I'm writing this review is due to my daughters allergies.

I had phoned a few days previous to inform them of my daughters allergies to nuts, pulses and eggs. Communication was difficult over the phone but after a frustrating conversation and repeating myself multiple times I was sure the message had been put across that she cannot have foods containing these allergens, prepared on the same surface or using the same utensils.

On arrival to the restaurant we were asked if anyone had dietary requirements, I again told them of my daughters allergies and even offered them a pre prepared sheet informing them of the exact details.

This was rebuffed as apparently my daughter wouldn't be eating any of the starters. (Their decision, not mine). We also were told that a mixture of starters would just be put out, so I therefore had no control over what food would be put on the table or any prior knowledge or insight into what it contained.

On arrival of the mains they produced some complimentary "bread" (don't know the correct name) all placed out in front of us. When asked, it was revealed it contained lentils. Some of the other kids had chicken pakora and onion bhajis. Before offering my daughter some we enquired what the batter was made of and were told it was made from Chickpeas. My daughter also couldn't even have any chips as they had all been cooked in the same oil. There was baskets of nan bread put out and after eating some we realised they were mixed and there was pashwari nan, which my daughter also can't have.

I'm extremely disappointed that although being told previously what my daughters allergies where there was no steps taken to cater for her. She is a 1 year old and at extreme risk of anaphylaxis, but allergen foods were put down on the table in front of her, without warning. I also felt we should have been made aware of other foods on the table that contained these foods. Strangely it was announced whenever anything was gluten free, even though there was no one in attendance with a gluten allergy.

As these allergies are just recently diagnosed this is all new to us and we are rightly very anxious about eating out. Your establishment did nothing to ease these worries and if it wasn't for my extreme caution and diligence my daughter could have taken very ill.

I implore you to do better. Mistakes are very easily made when children are involved and there could have been a few simple steps taken on your part to safeguard...

I visited Madha recently after word of mouth. I was not disappointed. I am a foodie and I have eaten in many restaurants all over the world and I can say Madha sits at the top for freshness, taste and authenticity. I am from North of Sri Lanka, where the cuisine is very similar to South India. I had to go to London to get my foodie fix when I miss my home food. I am delighted that I found Madha, it offers the real taste of South and North India.

I ordered Mukkuvan soopu, came with perfect spiciness, full of flavour with lot of fresh seafood and it was delightful. The fish cutlets tasted exactly the way my mother made them. So delicate and every bite I took tantalised my taste buds. Then came Erachi thenga fry, skilfully prepared lamb with real coconut chunks, served with textured tapioca, so tasty that I wanted to order again. The traditional Idly Vada came as perfect vegetarian main course, I have not had perfect food like this in many years, except when I visited Jaffna! Idlies were fluffy, the vada was perfectly crispy outside and the sambar had all the ingredients that I would expect when I eat back home! Every mouthful reminded me home and it was a pleasure eating at Madha! I finished with authentic Payasam for pudding, that washed down with Masala chai. The service was excellent, Joseph was making sure my food arrived in time, piping hot and tasty. One thing about Joseph is that he is a humble man, cares about his customers and he genuinely loves what he does, the service is the best!! I have been to many Indian restaurants in Glasgow and I find Madha does it for me for taste, authenticity, service and value for money! I could not find any fault with this gem of a restaurant. This restaurant saves me a trip to London!! The interior is excellent and cosy. I highly recommend Madha to anyone, who wants to experience an authentic food heaven. This is a great place to dine in tranquil setting, whether you are with family, with friends, in a party of people or a solo visitor, you should not be...

Ordered the veggie and non veggie Thali and idli Vada… classic South Indian dishes and expected a lot.

What a disappointment:

The Good: Staff were friendly, decor modern and ambiance ok.

The taste was alright when not burnt. One of the worst South Indian food I have had in Glasgow.

The Bad:

I said get the food as and when they get ready. It took 40 mins and got all in one go. This meant the idli was reheated in the microwave.

Non-veg Thali -£24.99 1 half burnt roti, tiniest portions of veg( sambar, channa) and lamb ( 1/4 filled small bowl) and chicken( coconut milk based and two decent size chicken pakora),1/4 filled small pot of Raita (tempered with jeera etc and sadly burnt). The only proper portion was the small rice portion as the small bowl was full. The Sambar was clearly burnt and when I told the Staff, the message from the kitchen was the the turmeric was burnt. Sorry guys that does not fly with me. Being a South Indian I cook sambar and know when the “tempering of the mustard and jeera” gets burnt and it filters to the whole sambar. Gulab Jamun felt home made and was nice.

The rice was filled with soda and bloated the hell out of the Mrs and Me.

Veg Thali- £24.99 1 less burnt roti, better sized veg ( sambar, channa, two other dishes), Raita ( same as above).

Idli vada - £12.95 Sambar was burnt so it could have been a bad day in the Sambar pot for the Chef. Vada was tastless.Idli was hard due to being reheated and was certainly not fresh as the top of the idly had hardened and crusted over.

Chicken Achari Tikka -£12.95 - good portion and tasted nice. Best of the pick

Surprised as the owner( recognised him from a paper clipping at the till) I Remember from the Dhabba days.

You can do so much...