Mauka Indian Cuisine — Restaurant in Bridgewater Township

Worst Customer Service Experience. The place was visibly overcrowded, which is expected in any restaurant during the weekend but all restaurants do have someone in the front to tell the customers how long will be the wait time and take down the number if they are interested in waiting. But this place had none and after 15 min wait my husband approached a server and asked him if anyone is available to assist at the front, the person pointed at another person and moved on with his work. We tried to understand them as it was a busy day and approached the other guy to ask how long is the wait and will he take down the name, he just responded with a straight face “1-1.5 hour wait”, we asked if he can take down the name so we can wait outside because it was congested instead, he said he will come and for the next 20min he passed by atleast 4-5 times but never bothered to take our name. It was not just us who was waiting but a few of them just walked out since they couldn’t even get to talk to someone to know if the place is booked or are they still taking reservations. When my kid started to complain about the long wait and being hungry my husband approached the same guy once again and complained about the wait and lack of response he tried to overpower him and argue. When he couldn’t provide a proper response to us he just walked away like nothing ever happened. This was the worst customer service and such rude staff who show attitude. Cannot comment about the food as we never got to that stage to even have a seat at the table. Never going back again and differently not going to...

This place has potential, but the service, particularly our interaction with one waiter, left a really bad taste. The food had its highs and lows: the meat dishes were flavorful, but the chaats were dry and needed extra yogurt and chutneys, which we had to specifically request.

The real issue, though, was how dismissive and rude our server was. We explained at the time of ordering that someone in our group has a serious sensitivity to spice, and we asked for recommendations accordingly. The waiter helped us choose a tofu dish, assuring us it would be suitable for her spice level. But when the dish arrived, it was incredibly spicy for the entire table.

When we told the staff, they took the dish back, but rather than apologize, our waiter told us the sauce for this tofu dish is “always spicy” and she could order something else. We then asked about the mango tofu curry and whether it was sweet. His response was: “Well, don’t order it and then tell me it was too sweet.” It was unnecessarily rude and condescending, and it really ruined the experience for us.

Servers should never scoff at or shame guests for asking basic questions, especially when it involves dietary needs. The staff needs serious training in hospitality and communication. Until then, I wouldn’t recommend this restaurant. No meal is enjoyable when the service makes you...

Food is great here! Tonight I tried some basics - chicken tika - top notch, dal - very creamy and flavorful, mango lasi - great and not too, too sweet. The basmati rice is really good too. I wanted to try the basics first to see how it compared to the other local places and I am very impressed.

I only stopped in to see what day they would be officially opening (saw the write up in the paper, could remember which day) and they said they will be officially opening tomorrow for lunch (04-29-25), but asked me what I wanted and made it for me even though they were not officially open. Quite a nice space too - really beautifully decorated, very clean, plus they have lunch buffet - my absolute favorite way to eat lunch in the world ever (reasonably priced as well).

And for dinner they have some really great sounding options too. Thai basil vegetable curry sounds interesting, some Indo Chinese and lots of tandoori oven specialities - breads, veg, chicken, lamb etc, along with a lot of the Indian dishes you would expect from northern Indian cuisine of course.

They have a sister restaurant in Eatontown with great reviews (automatically worth a try). I think these people know what they are doing. I have high hopes for their success. Honored to be one of the first to...