MAAZI Hoi An — Restaurant in Hội An

I'm a Punjabi-American (Punjab is the region of India and Pakistan where this restaurant's food is largely from) who grew up making food like this with my grandparents. I'm happy to tell you that the negative reviews about this restaurant are WRONG. The food is GOOD.

Is it perfect or as good as the Indian food you might get in London, New York, or India? Absolutely not. Are the prices a bit high and almost at the level you would pay in America? Yes - they are - but it's still good value for money all things considered.

This restaurant is in a very tough spot where it has to cater to a super huge range of tastes - the "white tourist"-demographic styles that is sometimes super watered down in flavor (like what you sometimes find outside London in the UK), actual Indian tourists who on average probably prefer food that is far more flavorful but also pungent than this - and are also spoiled by having this cuisine in their backyard for a fraction of this price, Vietnamese customers who maybe have a wide range of ideas about how this food should taste, and everything in between.

But we are in Hoi An. This is a small restaurant, and they can't completely change the dish for every single taste.

When you consider that, I am really impressed, and I hope this business prospers for many years.

Some reviews complained of small portion sizes - but my portions were incredibly generous.

My biggest let down is that I gave the restaurant some specific dietary requirements before I ordered (including no oil), and, although they promised they would do this, they did not. That's not great, but it's far from a deal breaker all things considered.

If I had to give one piece of culinary feedback, I would say that the garlic/cheese naan and tandoori chicken could have been more flavorful. Not spicy. But flavorful. Perhaps a bit more coriander or black pepper. But in the scheme of things, this is ridiculously minor. They are catering for a WIDE range of tastes in the middle of HOI AN.

I was far from disappointed with this restaurant; I cannot believe that you would be either if you are remotely realistic; and, I highly recommend it!

UPDATE: Unfortunately, I am removing two stars after yesterday's glowing review. I got real stomach pain and diahrea from eating here. I did NOT get food poisoning. I had not eaten anything else for almost 24 hours, so I know it came from this restaurant. I would accept this in Vietnam at a lower price point, but I can't accept bad hygiene - or, as mentioned in the earlier review, the restaurant agreeing to my dietary request and then just completely ignoring it - at this price. If the restaurant actually fixes these things, I will definitely update my review. It's a very solid restaurant overall - having staff that misleads customers about dietary requests or doesn't respect hygiene is a...

Nestled in a quiet lane beside the river, Mazzi is a hidden gem within Hoi An's ancient town, offering an authentic taste of India.

The menu at Mazzi boasts a wide range of authentic Indian dishes, and our choices for the evening were the Pani Puri, Garlic Naan, butter Naan, and Butter Chicken. Needless to say, we were not disappointed. The flavors were exceptional.

The Pani Puri, reviewed heavily on Google Map, was a suprise. The staff at Mazzi went above and beyond, demonstrating the unique way of eating this delightful street food. Their helpfulness and friendliness added an extra layer of enjoyment to the experience. The dish itself was a burst of flavors, with crispy puri shells filled with a tangy and spicy mixture, burst in your mouth. It was truly an interactive and immersive culinary experience that left us craving for more.

The Naan served at Mazzi was another highlight of our meal. Freshly baked and flawlessly textured, it was the perfect accompaniment to the main course. The soft and pillowy bread had just the right amount of char, and it paired beautifully with the aromatic Butter Chicken.

Speaking of the Butter Chicken, it was a true testament to the culinary expertise of the chefs at Mazzi. The pieces of chicken were cooked in a creamy tomato-based sauce that was rich in flavors. Although I think the chicken meat can be more tender, it is now a little bit overcooked. The dish struck a delicate balance between being mildly spiced and incredibly satisfying, leaving us wanting to savor every last bite.

Throughout our dining experience, the staff at Mazzi proved to be attentive, knowledgeable, and friendly. They were more than happy to guide us the way to eat the dishes. Their dedication to providing exceptional service added an extra layer of enjoyment to our evening.

While we sat on the second floor of the restaurant, it was a slight disappointment that there weren't many notable views to enjoy. However, Mazzi's serene location still added a touch of tranquility to the dining experience, allowing us to escape the bustling streets of Hoi An and immerse ourselves in the delectable flavors and warm hospitality that Mazzi has to offer.

By the way, noted that the front door of this restaurant is shared with another local Vietnamese restaurant.

In conclusion, Mazzi is a hidden gem in Hoi An's ancient town, offering an authentic taste of India. From the exceptional flavors of their dishes to the interactive and unique dining experience, it truly stands out. Coupled with the helpful and friendly staff, Mazzi is a must-visit for anyone seeking a memorable culinary adventure in Hoi An's...

I really dislike it when restaurants don’t include the total price on their menu. It’s frustrating. I know this is common practice in the Americas, but in the Old World (Europe and Asia), we generally expect full pricing to be transparent.

As for the food at Maazi in Hoi An, I tried the Daal Tadka (vegetarian) and Panipuri, and honestly, it was a big disappointment. As others have mentioned, the food is bland and overpriced. There’s nothing exceptional about it, and I don’t understand the high ratings at all. I wish I’d read the lower-rated reviews beforehand because they align completely with my experience. The portion sizes, especially for the price, leave a lot to be desired.

The experience was further ruined by the behavior of the staff. While I was struggling to crush the Panipuri, I noticed the waitstaff staring at me, which made me quite uncomfortable. I eventually mentioned it to the waitress, who apologized. However, after finishing my meal and paying, I saw the same waitress picking her nose while chatting with someone in plain view of the diners. That was just disgusting and completely unacceptable. Initially, I was going to give this place three stars, but after that, it’s a firm one-star review.

The only positive is the location—right in the heart of old-town Hoi An, near the river on a charming side street.

Would I recommend Maazi?...