Flavor of Himalaya — Restaurant in San Marcos

We have been to the Flavor of Himalaya in San Marcos three times during lunch. First time the experience was tolerable. The food was mediocre because it was neither Indian nor Nepalese but worth one try. But, the worst part of the experience was the waiter. We think he is Pakistani or Bangladeshi. Not sure. He had a chip on his shoulder; seem to think he knows it all, and refused to accommodate any request of changes to the order. Also. talks too much. Overall, we thought it must be a one time bad luck or experience. We tipped 25 percent in hopes to change his attitude for the next time. Since we never give any restaurant bad review until we have given them a second or third chance, we decided to revisit.

Again, the same experience with food, waiter, etc. The waiter out did himself with rude behavior this time. It was obvious he does not like his job. When we paid the check, he first looked to see how much was the tip. This time we tipped 20 percent. But, to be fair and accurate with our assessment of food, service, people attitude, and ambiance, we decided to return one more (last time).

The third visit was even worst than the first two. It seems that we keep getting the same waiter. Again, he out-did him self with more unacceptable behavior. He said he can tell what a customer wants just by looking at him or her. He gave a speech on how he is a professional and the best waiter and that customers are not sophisticated for him.

Over our visits we experienced kofta curry, dal, chole, lamb samosa, salad, chicken Tikka, lamb ghosh, Chicken Tandoori, nan, rice, mango ice cream, etc. The food ranged from spicy to no taste. Most people that do not know Indian or Nepalese food will find the food to be good to excellent. But, any person with experience with such ethnic foods will stay away from this place. Note that most customers seem inexperienced (white). We are exceptions.

Needless to say, we will not return to this restaurant. If they remove the waiter, we might give them one more chance. We do not recommend going to this place. If you decide to go, make sure to ask for another waiter. Food Quality/Taste: Mediocre to poor Potions: Poor Service: Horrible Ambiance: Good Cleanliness: Good Price: Too High for food and...

Visited on the 14th of December 2024, this was the worst Indian restaurant and service we have ever experienced. First of all, their rice was not fresh at all—it was very dry and yellowish. Secondly, we ordered chicken Tandoori and lamb Boti kebabs, specifically asking the gentleman for a spice level of 5 out of 10. Unfortunately, the meat was smelly and extremely spicy. While the chicken was acceptable, common sense suggests that if both dishes are requested at the same spice level, they should taste equally spicy.

The lamb kebab was horrible, so I asked them to replace it. After waiting 10 to 15 minutes, another waitress came back with the same dish, claiming they had somehow "modified" it. I don't understand what "modifying" means when a customer specifically asks for a replacement. In fact, she brought back the same food, likely rinsed under water and reheated, which is completely unethical and unacceptable. It still had the same horrible taste, as though the meat was rotten.

I then told them I would pay for both dishes but asked for fresh meat to be brought out. After waiting another 15 minutes or so, they finally brought a new dish, which was reasonably okay.

They didn’t even care to refill our water. I had to walk to the front desk twice to ask for water, and even the water glasses smelled terrible.

If you care about your health, I strongly recommend staying away from this so-called restaurant. They didn’t even apologize for the poor service and food quality.

Address: 727 W San Marcos Blv115, San Marcos 92078 Order ID:...

Excellent. This restaurant is a breath of fresh air for the area. The menu is extensive featuring appetizers, breads, vegetarian, chicken, lamb and biranyis. Also chef's special dishes and lunch specials. Rice and naan are standard fare. But the entrees are very well prepared with delicious sauces, fresh spices and vegetables. Taste is the ultimate quality to judge on and these taste darn good. I have eaten Indian cuisine all around the USA and Canada and I can recommend these. We tried the chicken Momo, a dumpling dish like pot stickers but with a different filling and sauce. To me more of an appetizer, but good. Butter chicken was as good as any around and at the top. Malai kofta was excellent, a thick creamy rich sauce and fresh tasty dumplings. Saag paneer was excellent as a standard fare. Chillii chicken has great flavor and almost a relative to a Thai dish. Lastly chicken karahi had a unique flavorful sauce different from the standard Indian curry, rogan josh or Tikka. A nice change. Give this restaurant a chance and I think you will be pleased and want to come back. No, I am not a relative or paid reviewer, just someone who appreciates a good...