Cross Culture — Restaurant in Haddonfield

I had a friend visiting from India after 10 years, and I wanted to make the evening special. Based on the reviews, I made the mistake of choosing Cross Culture.

At first, things were fine. It’s BYOB, so we grabbed some craft beers across the street, and the appetizers were good. My friend liked them so much we ordered more. Since this was his first visit to the US, he asked if our plates could be changed before the main course — something that’s standard in India. I’m usually not picky about plates here, but it was his request, and after 10 years I wanted to honor it. The waiter looked annoyed right then, as if serving us was too much trouble.

We ordered our main course at 8:40pm, fully aware the restaurant closed at 9:30pm. At 9:00pm, we asked for a few more naans — just bread, nothing new for the kitchen to cook. That’s when the waiter lost it. He said, “you guys are killing me.” Shocked, I asked what was wrong, and he ranted that we had been “ordering again and again” and that we should just eat off our dirty plates because the kitchen was closing. There were still 30 minutes left before closing, and again, we weren’t adding anything extra to the main course — just bread.

When I pushed back gently, asking if this was really how he spoke to customers, his reply was: “well, the customer is not always right.” That was the final straw. It was clear he was frustrated simply because we took time to enjoy our beers and appetizers, asked for clean plates once, and then ordered bread later. Basically, because he had to serve us more than once.

I’ve never seen such hostility in a restaurant. This wasn’t a “bad day.” This was someone who carries negative energy and shouldn’t be anywhere near hospitality. He ruined what should have been a precious evening after 10 years with my friend.

Cross Culture completely failed to live up to its name. Respect and service are non-negotiable, especially when customers are paying and tipping 15–20% for it. If you value your time, your guests, or even basic decency, avoid this place...

The food here was delicious and the variety was decent (a lot of chicken could of used some lamb or goat too)! (For that this should be a 4 or even 5 star rating) BUT, I am very disappointed in the management/advertising here. We received a flyer in the Money Mailer just two days ago that advertised specifically a lunch buffet on weekdays for 10.95 and a weekend buffet for 12.95. We went today a WEDNESDAY and there was a buffet so we ate from it. My husband paid the bill and left a great tip (considering it was buffet). As we were leaving I asked him how much it was and the price didn't sound right. I looked at the receipt and we were charged for 2 WEEKEND buffets. I went back to ask about this and the man said that the weekday buffet has been gone for 3 months and the reason they had a buffet today was for a festival?! Why was there then advertising received 2 days ago saying that there was still a weekday buffet?!?! And if this was not the norm anymore than he should have said in the beginning we have a festival today and a lunch buffet here is the new price.. He did say oh next time you are here we will do something for you...empty promise I am sure because was not given a card or a name to mention or anything. Highly disappointed in the discrepancy that happened. Even though the food is wonderful beware them overcharging and making it out like it...

We ordered and picked up take-away tonight. Ordering and paying on-line was very straightforward and the food was ready at the designated time. Sadly, that was the best part of the review. We ordered Pakora, Chicken Tikka Marsala and Lamb Biriani. The Pakora was not freshly made and just seemed to be thrown into the container..some pieces were burnt others the batter was undone on the inside...The Chicken in the Chicken Tikka Marsala dish was “tough” and “dried out”....I have never before had an Indian Dish served anywhere that the chicken wasn’t moist and tender. The Biriani was just alright nothing special or exceptional. I’ve eaten at Cross Culture 3-4 times before and it’s been a hit or miss situation. Our Take-out order including tip was $50.00 and a complete waste and disappointment considering the Pakora and Chicken Tikka are now down the garbage disposal... Do yourself a favor and walk down the block to The Oriental Pearl....excellent food, superior service and never a disappointment no matter what...