Woodlands

Reviews 6

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S IYER

Were a couple from the UK who have been visiting Orlando every year for over 15 years and we have always enjoyed a lunchtime buffet at this restaurant. We have been prepared to tolerate the scowling manager who barks instructions at his customers, because we liked the food. We have put up with the uncertainty of not knowing whether the restaurant is open on a holiday that falls on its Tuesday to Friday schedule (the website never tells you and they never answer the phone or have a phone message, so sometimes weve driven forty miles only to find theyre shut). However, this New Years Day was our last visit to Woodlands Orlando. It wasnt that the advertised price has doubled in a few years, nor that the price we were charged at the till was still higher (even allowing for sales tax). Nor was it the managers refusal to give receipts (while odd, unprofessional and possibly a sign that he was not keeping records for the tax authorities, it is none of our business). What really got me was that there were only three main dishes on the buffet, and each of them was pretty bland. Everything else was a pickle or a side (e.g. rice, yoghurt, salad). Gone were the Chinese noodles that we love, and the mouth-watering matter paneer. There were no poppadoms.  Nor were there any delicacies, such as Gulab or bhel. The section where these used to be laid out had been reclaimed by the restaurant to seat more customers. They didnt even have lassi to drink! When the selection is this poor, there needs to be some other compelling factor to draw customers in, and sadly, there was not. So I personally bid Woodlands, Orlando farewell, and, judging from the comments made to us by other customers on the day, including a disappointed family sent away by the manager with a peremptory "We are full", we wont be the only ones who wont be patronizing this establishment any more.

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Reema Zaveri

We have been going to this restaurant for about sometime at least once a month, since we travel from De land and make it all the way up to the OBT its a long distance. Tried Aloo puri Oh God!! the most taste less, no salt fine added it but spices maybe they were short of it, not even asafoetida...comeon. Had samosas no taste at all, regardless Had dahi vada no taste, tasted pure stale Then when I informed it at checkout the lady said NO ONE COMPLAINED really, she said that, then the other host said the salt is on table to add well thanks I think I used it!! I was not talking on behalf of all the people who ate I was talking on purely what I thought was not worth the long drive & gas I spent did not expected any refund as we ate it although it went back as is whole plated on the dishes, since now the other girl asked so you did not ate I should have told her go check back your dishes or roll back your camera. Well she gave me a refund for the most tasteless n horrible samosa I had to gut down my throat after she double charged my card for one tab. I cant dispute yet since charges not yet been posted but I wish they had a little courtesy to handle it differently by apologizing which never came once but yes the host kept saying no one complained they ate the same food, she needs some customer service crash classes. How terrible it is to gut down the worst food worth a dime and double pay for it. I hope to see my refund. Good luck guys if you like atleast taste & rustic Indian flavors in your food.

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NI

Nitu Mahajan

Food: food is good, I have been eating here for a while and drive more than 20 miles for it. Depending on day and time quality of food changes. There is a LOT of room for improvement and with no competition they should consider all these: When we order food appetiZer and main course ALL of our food comes together and sits on table to get cold. Something any server must consider or ask. Staff: initially things were really good, same people who would take order, bring food and check on us later. But lately just too many new faces and no one person making sure table order is served and is as expected, no wonder with diff people taking order serving etc, no one checks on us. Id asked for check no body comes to collect it nor do they say if must be paid at counter. (Service restaurant should collect check if food is ordered on table). Cleanliness: a big factor. Bathroom of a restaurant speaks how clean the place and employees are coz they use the same restrooms. This has gone down in just last few months. Pretty filthy and a reason why I am considering before coming here again and again. Food (Sambar seems to be diluted with no veggies. Given I ordered 5 things and not a single Sam at bowl had veggies says the quality is not consistent. This place has authentic south Indian flavor and should really consider 1) cleanliness 2) customer service 3) assign one person for table who can answer questions about food.

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Jessica Rodriguez

The food was excellent! My friend and I enjoy trying different cuisines so we wanted to try Woodlands, however we werent keen on what dishes to order. There are a few pictures in the menu but its really a toss up on what to order. The menu is definitely authentic. The pictured food is "donuts" and they came with "samber" dipping sauce, one coconut based and the other.. I cant say what it was but it was good! The plate to the right is essentially fried cauliflower, and it was SO GOOD. It had amazing spice and even a little heat, but the way its cooked and seasoned almost tasted like shrimp to me. Not pictured is the paneer dish in a creamy red sauce with tomato and cilantro. This was also delicious. The atmosphere and staff were okay. It would have gotten five stars if the owners/staff would have expressed any semblance of warmth or friendliness. They were pretty serious, but also always nearby and ready to assist. Food came quickly. Overall it was a great experience, def recommend.

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Mukhunth Raghavan

Pretty terrible experience in my opinion. Expected traditional South Indian cuisine and was greeted with less than average food. Waiters and owners were extremely rude; even when I politely suggested some changes, the owner was not accepting of the faults. I ordered a paper masala dosa: dosa was fantastic but there was barely any masala inside it. Sambar was masala water; coconut chutney was flavourless powdery water. In the menu they mentioned charging $1 extra for sambar refils but the owner later on (rather rudely) told me that if we had asked they would have given us more. Dal chaaval was a better option than anything South Indian in the menu. I wouldnt actually recommend this place for anyone looking for South Indian food in Orlando. If you dont mind grumpy waiters and are okay with settling for pretty alright North Indian food, this place is okay.

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Nic Nowlan

Love this place. Being vegetarian its great to be able to pick anything out on the menu without worrying if there is something extra added that isnt vegetables. We arrived and the place was pretty full and soon was packed. We found out why. The food is delicious with many items I havent seen before. It looks to be family owned and operated. It certainly felt that way. The staff was extremely friendly and welcoming. The restaurant is also family-friendly. Other Indian restaurants in town, although good, seem a bit stiff and formal. For the food we sampled vegetable pullova, palak paneer, butter naan and masala dosai. Everything was great and we saw other items brought out for other tables we definitely will try on our next visit. So, so good.

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