Flame India Restaurant| Lunch Buffet — Restaurant in West Chester Township

I've tried this place several times, and honestly, it's become one of our favorite Indian restaurants to eat at. The food is authentic and delicious... we're never unhappy with the flavors no matter what we eat.

HOWEVER... the customer service could use some REAL work. This is not my first incident dealing with a rude waiter, but it'll probably be my last, and I'll just order to go.

After a long day of work, my husband & I decided to eat at Flame because we love their food. It was an hour before closing. Being that I've worked in a restaurant, I know the "why the hell ya'll coming in here so late" look. Been there done that... but I was already tired, and I just wanted to sit down and eat a meal that I didn't have to cook.

The entire time we were there, I was rushed to order and reminded at least 5 times that they were closing soon. The lady waitress was a lot more suttle then the male waitress... which I've had before... and he annoyed me then. However, I REALLY didn't like the polite/rudeness insinuating that we need to hurry up, eat, and get out so they could go home.

People, what makes or breaks a restaurant, is the service from beginning to end. People should feel welcomed from the time they walk in the door until the time they leave. I don't care if the customer walks in 10mins before closing... YOUR STILL OPEN SO THEY ARE STILL YOUR CUSTUMER. SERVE THEM, CHANGE YOUR HOURS, OR GET OUT THE BUSINESS!!

The other thing that pissed me off was the last time I was there, the male waitress said they they didn't have plastic containers for a doggy bag. However, this time, in his rush for us to go home, plastic containers showed up🤯 So your telling me, I went home last time with Tikka marsala spilling out the side of these square styrofom containers... when you had the small closed lid plastic containers the whole time?!🤬

Look, I really love this food, I mean for real... but that doesn't mean you all get to be rude, rush your customers, or play us like we're stupid. If I'm spending my money at your restaurant... you treat me like I spent MY money at your restaurant, because it's my money and the money of the other customers that keep your doors open!!

When we left, the male waitress offered my husband a free mango smoothy. I didn't care, by that time I was super pissed off and ready to go. I had already had a long day, I was tired, and I didn't need the service that was given to me.

So work on it, Flame India. Get your customer service right and watch your net worth increase... but at this point, I'll be ordering to go if I order at all. I'm all about Quality, food and service. The food is Awesome, the service......

Let's start with the good

1. Only Indian food place that is serving Buffet post covid in Cincy. This is HUGE, Not one restaurant in Cincinnati is doing it. We all missed it and they have it. Do you want to spend 30 bucks plus just on one dish/entree? Or you want to maybe get a variety and dessert/appetizer/salad included. To me, this is a no brainer. Don't get me wrong, I drop 30 plus on single dishes all the time, but sometimes you are in the mood for a buffet, and this is currently the only game in town. Yet even on the busiest time, they are surprisingly empty, more on that later

2. Good service, selection and pleasant waitstaff.

3. Bang for the buck and quality is there, except for one BIG red flag which I will cover in my not so good.

Not so good

1. They took away Vege Biryani/Egg Biryani away from their buffet selection about 3 weeks ago, I am assuming it's a cost-cutting measure but it really limits your options. Just raise the prices. Don't sacrifice selection.

2)The Ambiance and lights inside are dark as heck, which explains why not that many customers go there. Compare this to Anbar or any other popular Indian Restaurant in Cincinnati that is always busy. This one is an easy fix. They need better and nicer décor/lightning.

The REALLY bad:

1. one biggest red flag is their Chicken Tandoori. it is really BAD. The texture, the smell and the taste. You can taste the salmonella like taste. I am not saying it has it for sure , but the quality of Tandoori Chicken is horrible. I have no idea where they are getting it from or what corners they are cutting, but I would NOT touch it. This one has Gordon Ramsey screaming and saying "Did you cook this RAW" written all over it.

2. Which is such a shame because the rest of the dishes including chicken curry and your typical run of the mill Chicken dishes are fresh and delicious. Something is just off with their Chicken Tandoori. I can't put my finger to it. But if I were you, I would keep my finger, my hand, and my thumb away from it.

Overall, good food, good service but 3 areas of improvement are needed to get this place to its full potential.

1. get better lightning

2. FIX chicken Tandoori immediately, I am not sure if it's a chicken supplier issue or whomever is cooking it is messing up, but the texture, the smell, the taste of it SCREAMS salmonella. Health inspectors would have a field day with it.

3. Bring back Veg/EGG biryani to the buffet. Raise prices if you have to by 5 dollars for the starting price of buffet, but these items need to be addressed, if you want to see more customers in your...

Flame India Restaurant is one of the best Indian restaurants I have had the pleasure of dining in while in the United States. The restaurant offers a wide variety of delicious and authentic Indian dishes, but what truly sets Flame India apart is their excellent buffet.

The buffet at Flame India is extensive and features a diverse range of dishes that are sure to satisfy any palate. From flavorful curries and biryanis to mouth-watering tandoori dishes and fresh naan bread, the buffet has something for everyone. Each dish is carefully prepared with fresh and high-quality ingredients, ensuring that every bite is packed with flavor and authenticity.

But it’s not just the food that makes Flame India stand out – the service is also exceptional. The restaurant is led by Mr. Hary, who is a true professional and ensures that every guest feels welcome and well taken care of. The staff is friendly, attentive, and always available to answer any questions or make recommendations. They go above and beyond to ensure that every guest has a memorable dining experience.

Overall, I highly recommend Flame India Restaurant to anyone looking for a delicious and authentic Indian dining experience in the United States. Whether you’re in the mood for their excellent buffet or want to try one of their many a la carte options, you won’t be disappointed. From the flavorful food to the excellent service, Flame India truly is one of the best Indian...