Food Quality: Three out of Five Customer Service= NEGATIVE TEN out of Five
As an Indian native residing in the NYC for 17 years, my dining experiences have been diverse. On 09/28/23 my family and I stopped at SPICE KITCHEN for a buffet lunch while in Pennsylvania for my daughter's birthday trip. Our group comprised five adults and four children, two of whom had food allergies, so we packed home-cooked meals for them. In total, five adults and two children dined at the restaurant.
Upon arrival, we noticed the nearly empty restaurant with only one staff member at the reception. Our dining experience was marred by an inadequately stocked buffet, which was quickly replenished with excessively salty dishes, undercooked meat in chicken tikka masala, burnt tandoori (bbq) chicken, and unclean utensils. When we expressed our concerns to the staff member, we were met with the response that five prior patrons had not complained about the food.
I suggested that he taste the food himself to confirm our complaints, but he referred again to the five previous customers who had consumed it without issue. The staff member mentioned involving the manager but left for the front desk without informing us of any resolution. After a five-minute wait, we asked if they could prepare one dish from the buffet with reduced salt to salvage the meal, to which he agreed. We requested Chana masala (chickpeas), with particular consideration for my vegetarian mother who has to take medicines after the food, and received one portion of it.
Upon settling the bill, unexpected discrepancies arose. We were charged for 8 adult meals instead of 7, which I didn’t catch right away, and two children were billed at the full adult rate. Furthermore, we were charged separately for the Chana masala (chickpeas), an item already included in the buffet. The staff member’s explanation for this was that we requested it with reduced salt so, it’s not a part of buffet. To maintain family harmony, I paid the full amount, though with no intention of returning.
Later, I discovered that the bill inaccurately accounted for eight buffets instead of seven. When I called the restaurant for correction, I was met with the assertion that my son, who has food allergies, was charged as if he had been eating restaurant food. In reality, my son was consuming his home-cooked meal. Attempts to resolve this with the staff member were unproductive, and the manager remained conspicuously absent throughout the ordeal, failing to address food quality, billing discrepancies, or provide assistance over the phone.
Others have experienced similar issues as well and received nasty replies from the restaurant.
PS: I do recommend SPICE ROUTE in Bartonsville, PA, where we ate the next day. The food and service are...
Read moreWe recently visited Spice Kitchen Restaurant and had one of the most disappointing experiences we've ever had with Indian food in the U.S. Over the past 3 years of living in America, I’ve tried several Indian restaurants, but this was by far the worst.
We were returning to Michigan after a weekend trip to New York City and decided to stop by Spice Kitchen for a bulk takeaway order, as we didn’t have time to dine in. Upon entering, we were initially greeted by a courteous front desk staff member—a bearded gentleman who was humble and welcoming.
However, the experience quickly deteriorated. While placing our order, a clean-shaven man who appeared to be the owner took over. His attitude was unprofessional and dismissive, as if he had no interest in taking our order. We ordered the following items: 4 chicken Fried Rice spicy 1 Mutton Biryani 1 Lamb Biryani 2 Pepper Chicken Fries 1 Veg Fried Rice 1 Chicken biryani We were told the food would be ready in 20 minutes. Shockingly, we waited nearly 1 hour and 30 minutes before receiving our order. Despite our long wait, we were still hopeful the food would be worth it. Unfortunately, that was not the case.
Once we were back on the road and finally opened our parcels, we were devastated. The food was bland, flavorless, and did not meet even the most basic expectations for Indian cuisine. We specifically requested spicy food, and the person at the counter even assured us that everything is spicy in our restaurant. In reality, the food lacked any spice whatsoever so mild that even a child could eat it without hesitation.
The chicken fried rice looks like rice and some veggies fried in oil and added boiled chicken. The pepper chicken tasted more like chicken curry made in coconut oil, lacking the distinct pepper flavor. The goat and lamb biryani didn’t resemble authentic flavors and tasted nothing like what one would expect. Mutton and lamb biryani looks and tastes like turmeric rice with boiled meat pieces It was clear that neither the taste nor the quality met the standards of good Indian cuisine.
We spent nearly $200 on this order, and it felt like a complete waste of money. What should have been a convenient and satisfying meal turned into a huge disappointment. We were left heartbroken by the...
Read moreI recently had the pleasure of dining at Spice Kitchen, and I must say it was a truly delightful experience. Located in a charming corner of the city, this restaurant not only offers a warm and inviting ambiance but also delivers an array of tantalizing flavors that are sure to leave a lasting impression.
Upon entering Spice Kitchen, I was immediately greeted by friendly and attentive staff members who promptly seated me at a comfortable table. The restaurant's décor tastefully combines elements of traditional and modern design, creating a cozy yet contemporary atmosphere. The lighting was just right, setting the stage for a relaxed and enjoyable dining experience.
The menu at Spice Kitchen showcases a wide range of culinary delights from various regions, promising a diverse and exciting gastronomic journey. From aromatic curries to sizzling tandoori grills, there was something to satisfy every palate. The selection of vegetarian and vegan options was particularly impressive, catering to the preferences of all diners.
I started my meal with the vegetable samosas, which arrived hot and crispy, accompanied by a tangy tamarind chutney. The flavors were perfectly balanced, and the filling was a delightful blend of spices and vegetables. For my main course, I opted for the chicken tikka masala, a classic Indian dish known for its rich and creamy tomato-based sauce. The chicken was tender and succulent, and the sauce had just the right amount of spice, leaving me craving for more.
The service at Spice Kitchen was impeccable throughout my visit. The staff members were knowledgeable about the menu and were able to recommend dishes based on my preferences. They were attentive without being intrusive, ensuring that I had a comfortable and enjoyable dining experience.
One aspect that could be improved upon is the wait time for food. Although the flavors were undoubtedly worth the wait, some dishes took longer than expected to arrive at the table. However, this minor inconvenience was quickly overshadowed by the exceptional taste and quality...
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