The Monk’s Indian Bistro - Pearland — Restaurant in Fresno

My husband and I went to this place while we were visiting Houston. We both were very excited to try this place because we adore Indian cuisine. I want to give gold stars to the waitresses and the gentleman that brought us our 'to-go' order. We also dined-in. The food we ate in the restaurant was well-prepared and delicious. I had no problem whatsoever. Then, we got home.

I couldn't wait to share the samosas with my kids. I ordered 6 of them to-go. I was also excited about having another samosa, so I grabbed one as well when we got home. In the second or third bite, I found hair. Not just one, or even two. But a total of three (3) hairs in the potato filling. And not even all the same color! One was dark brown or black and the other were gray. No, it wasn't ginger fibers. Anyway, the dark one was definitely not any ginger fiber.

I have to admit, I feel like it was a sort of malice. My husband felt as if some of the people were giving us strange glances. I was too busy eating what I thought was good, carefully prepared food to care so I didn't see it. But, him saying that and then me finding the hair in the samosa makes me wonder.

Hey, if you guys didn't want us in your place or ever want to see us again, you could have simply refused us service. Were you mad because I asked for food to go to feed my children? Was it annoying you to prepare that many samosas so you put hair in my food? I really want to know why you did this to me. I don't want my money back, I don't want a 'gift certificate' because there will be no next time. I just want to know why? The way the hairs were just in there in that one bite shows me that it was purposefully placed. If it was just an accident and a worker wasn't wearing a net, it would have been maybe A single hair in one pastry. I'd buy that as innocent happenstance. But three? All three in one tiny area of it?

We are polite, honest and decent people. Why would you do this to us? What did we do to offend you? Was the to-go order such a strain on your kitchen that hygiene just flew out the window? Was it fun to screw with the out-of-towners? I don't understand. But one good thing came out of all this. I purchased the proper spices and ingredients to re-create the flavors I love from Indian food. It might not be authentic, but coming from my hands and my kitchen, it will definitely NOT have hair or other nasty impurities in it.

I honestly like my samosa filling better than yours and my green chutney is made to MY taste; full flavor without being watered down because you see that we aren't Indian, and you assume we can't handle/won't like the extra heat (we have tastebuds too). Working on paratha bread today and curry chicken, so thank you for the inspiration. And Farewell. You'll never see me again, I promise on my grandma.

P.S.) To the innocent would-be patron: For the love of all that is good and true, PLEASE check your samosas filling before you eat it if you insist on eating here. Hell, check everything before you eat it.

Sincerely,

A disgusted...

Food was great, service is majorly lacking. Our waiter I have to say is very poorly trained as a waiter greeted us by asking what we wanted to eat. After letting him know we didn't have menus he brought them to us and asked what we wanted from the menu Ha asked if he would take our drink order which he agreed to take. After returning with tea and other drinks he quickly asked us if we were ready to order. Which only gave us a few seconds to decide. We made our choices and told him at which he insisted on us changing our choice to something else I don't know why but he claimed it was much better choice. I think they were out of some items if you ask me.

As soon as some people at my table were finished he came by and asked if there was anything else needed, I said no but, since we were still eating and talking I figured we could sit there until everyone was finished. He came back with the POS device for us to pay the bill, WE WERE STILL EATING!!!!!! I GAVE HIM MY CARD BUT FELT HE WAS RUSHING US OUT OF THE PLACE....

After paying for the bill I asked for a iced tea refill and after bringing the refill he returned with the POS device to charge for iced tea refill, REALLY, CHARGING FOR ICED TEA REFILL!!!

IT'S BASICALLY WATER!!!!!!!!!!!!

on top of everything else, as we walked in there was a person laying across one of the booths knocked out.....looked homeless but I believe it was an employee which I understand but, does not look good to be laying asleep in the dining area where customer come in...

I do not think this place will remain open too long, most orders I say were to go and I guess is what We should have also done...i don't recomend in dining at this...

--- Update Aug 11, 2023 --- Service has improved A LOT. Happy with the service. There's been updates to the menu as well with new items added regularly. The addition of the bar and their signature Indian cocktails is a welcome addition.

--- Original Review --- Excellent good, great ambience, and overall and good experience. There is an area of improvement and I've listed it below.

I came here with my family for dinner on a Thursday night. The place wasn't crowded at all; just a few customers. Plenty of parking so that's never a concern. There's a good number of seats available but this place is busy over the weekends.

Things we Liked: Food!! Delicious, flavorful, and I like the special signature twist on several good items. e.g.: Maggie Noodle Roll. Everything is cooked fresh. The momos took time to come but agreeably it's because they have to prepare it from scratch. Ambience is good. A welcoming place and they have a nice seating area in the front, if you have to wait.

Things To Improve Upon: Service. I know it's not just us because I've heard this from many people. They really need to improve the quality of service. The wait staff isn't trained in the hospitality expected at restaurants in the US. Waiter wasn't aware of some of the menu items. He'd blank out and would have to find out from the kitchen. Again, training helps.

I hope they iron out the kinks. This is a really good Indian fusion restaurant in Pearland, and I really hope they succeed. Improve the quality of service, and this is a...