Karwan stoke — Restaurant in Stoke-on-Trent

I don't like being a Karen nor do i like to complain. Usually i'm quite content about the places i visit but this one had me in quite a shock.

At first when you walk in the restaurant looks very nice and clean. It seems that's it well taken care of. In general the atmosphere of the restaurant is lovely which isn't the issue here.

My issue is the concerning service and hospitality etiquette. We were told to go upstairs but we weren't seated so we had to go sit ourselves down. When we asked for drinks we asked for a mango lassi and a can of Pepsi. The mango lassi was lovely and it came on time, the server forgot to give the pepsi which understandably she was the only one on the floor working however when we reminded her after half an hour of waiting, she forgot to give a glass with it and the way she served lacked etiquette. She slid it on the side of the table in the corner...when we asked for water she gave us a bottle but no glasses. We were assuming she would give it to us so we waited but we still didn't receive them. So we had to get them ourselves from a different table.

When we received our starters the paneer was lovely and i have no complaints but once again my issue is the server. When we finished eating i put our plates together and looked towards her assuming she would pick up our starter plates. Usually the places we go to we are asked how was our food was and this wasn't done either. She didn't pick up plates and waited for our mains to come to the table Placed the mains on the table when there's no visible space. I tried to hand the starter plates to her, i find it shocking really as it is a Monday but in general the lack on server etiquette in here shocked me. When we asked for takeaway boxes. She put the takeaway box on top of our naan bread and walked off. She didn't pick up our dishes whatsoever.

When we went to pay even the server downstairs, she didn't know what we ordered, she didn't ask how the food was or the service or anything in general. It was just deadpan. When we paid she didn't say thank you or crack a smile.

Honestly you have an amazing restaurant and food but it doesn't feel the same without the atmosphere of the staff being welcoming. Their expressions and lack of enthusiasm and general common sense reflected this, which ruined the general atmosphere. This is the first time i'm actually leaving a complaint because I'm happy about most places but the service was really poor and the waitresses need to be trained on customer etiquette.

I'm sorry for leaving for such a negative review but it has to be said so it is known for next time. We came in around 7 - 8 and we were on the top floor by the host station if you want to check CCTV and see...

Visited Karwan with a friend today; our first visit but definitely not the last. Received a warm welcome from smiling staff, who were pleasantly attentive throughout. Even on entry the food aromas emanating from the kitchen were gorgeous. (Went soon after they opened on a Sunday, so initially we were the only customers, hence only 4 stars for 'atmosphere'. By the time we left the pace was filling well and beginning to buzz).

One of us was keen to eat non-spicey food while the other, me, wanted my tastebuds bathed in deliciously complex spiciness. We both found our food excellent!

My starter, papadi chaat, a dish intentionally served slightly chilled, was delicious and certainly hit the mark for tastebud tantalisation! The main, lamb karahi, was beautifully spiced with the meat cooked slow until it fell apart of its own accord. This is a lamb shank dish, appropriately prepared and served Afghan style. It was marvelously tasty!

Portions were very plentiful, which was impressive.

I highly recommend you go try this place, and go hungry. Or do as we did, and bring away doggy bags of what we couldn't eat without over-stuffing ourselves. Ah, but there's NO way the doggy's getting to eat mine. It's...

Restaurant Name: Karwan Restaurant

Location. 20-22 StaffordStreet, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5)

Karwan Restaurant in Stoke-on-Trent offers an exceptional Afghan dining experience with a warm, inviting atmosphere.

Food: Highlights include: Kabuli Pulao: Fragrant rice with tender lamb, carrots, and raisins. Mantu: Steamed dumplings with seasoned beef and yogurt-tomato sauce. Chapli Kebab: Spiced ground beef patties served with naan and chutney.

Vegetarian options like Borani Banjan (eggplant) and Sabzi Chalaw (spinach) are equally delightful.

Service: Friendly, attentive staff make you feel welcome and help with menu recommendations.

Ambiance: Traditional Afghan decor, soft lighting, and soothing background music create a cozy, authentic atmosphere.

Value: Generous portions and high-quality ingredients offer excellent value for money, perfect for both casual meals and special occasions.

Conclusion: Karwan Restaurant is a must-visit for delicious Afghan cuisine in Stoke-on-Trent. Highly recommended for food enthusiasts and cultural...