Chaat 'N' Dosa - Indian Vegetarian and Vegan Restaurant — Restaurant in Charlotte

Uncompromising staff with seriously bad attitude!!!

My doctors have advised me to control my sugar intake. Everyone knows that Indian desserts and sweets are loaded with sugar. I have been eating at CND for some time and the cashiers in the past have always agreed to replace the dessert in the Combo dishes (1-4) with an idli or meduvada for me as a special gesture for a repeat customer like me with underlying medical reasons. I have not used raw sugar in my tea or coffee for over 15 years, and I generally avoid sugary stuff.

Yet, today I had the misfortune of encountering a very obstinate cashier at this restaurant who simply refused to make this small adjustment to the order. The cost of one idli (when hundreds are made each day) might be less than 10 cents. I would argue that a typical desert actually costs more per unit than just one idli. This employee decided that it was a great idea to engage into a public and loud debate about this with me and adamantly refuse to accomodate a very reasonable and humble request for a substitution based on health reasons.

Hospitality is a hallmark of huge value and importance in the Indian culture. There is a saying in Sanskrit, "Atithi Devo Bhava", which means "The Guest is God". One never leaves without being offered some food, or at least a glass of water when one visits an Indian family. These are centuries old customs valued by all Indians, whether in homeland or abroad.

However, greed and unreasonableness appear to have won out over winning the hearts of the customers. I was deeply offended by the cashier today, that he did not understand and honor a very small health based request from a repeat customer. For that reason, I cannot enter this restaurant ever again because they insulted me about the most sacred of all relationship building protocols, food. And he did this for fear of losing a few pennies over a minor replacement.

In tales of old Indian classics, there are numerous stories of rishis (saints) casting curse on kings and others because they refused to offer alms to the holy figures. Well, this is the 21st century electronic version of a "shraap" from me. Lets see how much more business you get after denying one idli to me.

Food is what brought the settlers and Native Americans together at the first Thanksgiving ever celebrated. When someone is insulted over food, that person's heart can never be won back.

Goodbye Chaat N Dosa...

++++++++++ Update: Nope, never coming back! Your staff insulted me in public. In the past you have always honored my request for substitution many times.

You are keen on winning the argument instead of pleasing the customer. McDonalds/Subway allow replacements of healthy items from the standard menu (apple slices instead of fries or chips). You are no McDonalds or Starbucks sir. A typical McDonalds does more business in few hours than you might do in one week. Don't act like you invented sugar packets outside concept; all fast food places do the same. Also, stop suggesting that you are running some kind of health conscious charity here. Your combo prices have gone up from 5.99 to 7.99 (25% rise), so this has little to do with people's health, we all know that you are running a business here.

I ONLY order Combo #1 from your menu because it has the right serving size for me and the right items I am interested in eating, which are Dosa and Idli. No other combos/items meet this criteria for the price I am willing to pay. All it takes is taking out the dessert that the customer does not want and sliding an idli in its place (as Subway allows). It is that simple. You lost a lifelong customer for a fight over one idli and got a bad review in the process. I advice you not to make this worse by endlessly debating with an upset customer. The right/simple response should have been "Please come back sir, we will fix your order". Instead you have turned this into a courtroom style drama.

About bad reviews hurting businesses I think you invited this on yourself. You can keep your arguments, and the idli, I will just eat...

Edit June 8, 2025:

Updated from 1 star to 5 stars for food and service.

The service has been great for the past several months extremely polite and attentive. Better than it’s ever been. The food is now CONSISTENTLY good. Without variation on flavor and spice levels. It leads me to believe that the owner is taking customer feedback to heart and implementing stricter management of both the kitchen and front end staff. We eat here a lot more now and it’s been a great experience. Ratheesh has been very polite and attentive. Makes us feel welcome.

I just returned home from ordering carry out. I placed my order at 8:35 PM. Their closing time is 9 PM. I get to the restaurant at 8:50 PM as they told me to arrive before 9 o’clock, which is closing time. So, I get to the register after waiting in line and the manager/owner proceeds to lecture me in front of all other customers for ordering too late as he put it. He said that I placed my order past their closing time and said in the future if I could order before 8:30 because they’re very busy. No “ Hi, how are you? How can I help you?” His attitude was condescending and rude and I cannot believe that he’s telling a customer who just tried to order food and do business with him to not order past a certain time. Additionally I told him that I cannot read peoples minds and they should post their cut off time for ordering food on their website If this is an issue. I have never had this kind of treatment at any local Indian restaurant Either in Ballantyne or elsewhere in the country. As an Indian American, who has lived here for over 40 years I have to say this is the worst service I’ve ever received at possibly any restaurant in my entire life. If you value good service and really good food I would highly recommend going to Blue Taj or the new Aroma Indian restaurant in Indian Land, SC. If you want cheap food with horrible service Chaat n Dosa is the...

A Delightful Culinary Haven: Our Wednesday Dinner Tradition

For the past few months, my family and I have been making the weekly journey from North side to our favorite spot, and I can confidently say that we have never been disappointed by the impeccable service and delectable dishes that this restaurant offers.

It's not just a meal; it's an indulgence we eagerly look forward to after our kids' swim session every Wednesday.

What truly sets this place apart is their attention to detail and commitment to customer satisfaction. The staff here are not just servers; they are enthusiasts dedicated to making sure every aspect of our meal is perfect. The sambar and chutneys, essential accompaniments to our meals, are consistently replenished and served fresh, enhancing the flavors of every dish they accompany. The freshness and authenticity of these condiments speak volumes about the restaurant's dedication to quality.

One of my personal highlights is their tea, which I always choose to finish my meal with. It's not just any tea; it's a masterpiece. The aroma is tantalizing, and the taste is simply divine. Each sip is a journey in itself, rounding off our meal on a perfect note. If you're a tea enthusiast like me, this place is a must-visit. They certainly know how to brew perfection in a cup.

Our Wednesday tradition has become a cherished ritual, thanks to this remarkable restaurant. We are grateful for the culinary delights, the warm hospitality, and the overall experience that keeps us coming back week after week. If you're looking for a place where great food, excellent service, and a friendly atmosphere converge, this restaurant is your go-to destination. Our heartfelt recommendation goes out to everyone seeking an unforgettable...