Let me begin like this: In a city like Bangalore where it is a little difficult to find authentic north Indian food restaurants, Mast Kalandar attempts to create a place for itself. Although I liked the food quality quite a bit, the restaurant chain needs to understand that food is one of those products that must fit into all aspects of the definition of ’logistics’ - right product at the right place at the right time at right price.
Not once, not twice, I have faced a problem with their poor delivery time an umpteen number of times. But recently I faced a terrible experience. I had ordered two mix and match paranthas. I placed the order at 12:45 PM after struggling with the telephone attendant for 10 minutes to make him understand what I actually wanted. Anyways, the order got placed and knowing their timing standards I assumed I would get my food latest by 1:45 PM. My colleagues and I were terribly hungry. 1:45 PM - no sign of the delivery boy.
I called them up and enquired for the same. I was told that I would get it in the next five minutes. 2 PM - same thing, same phone call and same response. Our hunger level went past the toleration level and we decided go out somewhere to eat and to cancel this order at 2:10 PM. I called them up for the same but five minutes later their manager called me up and said that I would get the order within next five minutes.
We were already on our way out, so I told him that it was not possible. Period. We went to a nearby restaurant and I received a call at 2:40 PM - guess what! It was the delivery boy from Mast Kalandar, saying I could get the food for free! So, disappointing! After their so many five-minutes assurances and even after their manager’s assurance that I would get my food in five minutes, I actually got the food delivered after almost two hours! What a shame! In food industry how could one do that?!
Another day we had gone to their outlet in Koramangala. We placed an order for four ’The Great Indian Maha Combo’. That also took them some 40 minutes to serve!
Prior to that we had gone to their outlet at Jayanagar 4th Block. Order placed at 9:15 PM. Served at 9:50 PM! Plus, the place was shabby. We had to request the staff their so many times to clean the table etc.
In a nutshell, it is a SAD place. Please visit them only if you are NOT hungry and have all the free time from this world!