Blu Ginger

6 Average

Food  6      Ambience  6      Service  6      Value  6     

Food is quite nice but the crowded conditions and noise make the whole experience not so fun. They have packed in the tables and packed the chairs at each table so you've got your neighbours elbows in your meal, and can join in the conversation at the next-door table without raising your voice. It's Ok for a group but there's really much better Indian restaurants around.

May 14, 2012 

5.3 Average

Food  7      Ambience  7      Service  2      Value  5     

I've been here 3 times, and the food was Ok but the service was Terrible. Usually the staff realise you're there about 20 - 30 minutes after you've arrived. The first time I went I had to get up three times to ask to be served. I also had to go up to the bar to order my drinks because no one came to serve us.

The mains took over an hour to come out. There seems to be a lot of staff about, so I can't understand why the service is so poor. It's a shame because the food is pretty good, and the decor is nice. The place just needs better staff, or a decent senior staff.

Apr 18, 2012 

5.5 Average

Food  6      Ambience  8      Service  5      Value  3     

I went here twice before, the first time was amazing. Had the banquet and thought the food exquisite, the decor beautiful and refreshing for Canberra. Service was okay but slow. (this was over a year ago).

The second time I went with two others and got a seat and waited over 20 minutes for someone to acknowledge us. The waiters were oblivious to us and so we voted with our feet, left and went across the road to Cream.

Last night went for another birthday dinner. We all arrived at the door at 7.32 for our dinner reservation and were told they were about to phone us to give our table away (7.32 people no joke!). Wow.. Crazy!

I understand they want to make money but please give us a chance to arrive.
We all ordered the banquet, papadums came out straight away as did entree. Entree meals I found were a bit too dry and chicken over cooked. And then a bit of a wait for our mains. Sometime after 9.00 they arrived.

The main meals were rich and tasted nice, but I believe for the amount of money you pay, you don't get much. A bit tight for the high end price. I think the service in general was pretty good on the night.

The food left me less impressed. A shame as the first time I tasted their food I was blown away... and the food was still good but time to go exploring.

Oct 15, 2011 

4.8 Average

Food  5      Ambience  9      Service  1      Value  4     

We have dined here many times with a large family and as a result spend a decent amount every time. The first time we dined here we were blown away! The interior, service and food was spectacular.

We often dine out and have been to most restaurants in Canberra - Especially Indian ones. We turned up around 8.15 on a week night, and the restaurant was not busy at all. When asked if we could have a table for 6 and were told it had to be "quick". I was taken aback by this comment given that we were going to spend a fortune and therefore they wouldn’t be losing money by staying open for us. But at the same time, it was 8.15! What kind of restaurant closes that early?

The staffs were absolutely pathetic. We were not given enough cutlery for the table and had to request more several times. We had our entrees and then moved on to our mains. When clearing the entrees the waitress asked us to keep our cutlery. Yes, our dirty cutlery that that curry all over them. She then proceeded to put the dirty cutlery on the table with no plate or anything to rest them against.

The food took about 1.5 hours to come out and when it finally came out we were made to feel very rushed. Given that we were asked to be “quick” I would have expected speedy service from the kitchen. The bill came shortly after the last dish came out and the waiter kept asking if we were done when obviously we were not, given that we still had our cutlery in our hands. We tried to have a word with the waiter and explain that this was not proper service. He rolled his eyes and sulked off. When walking out I said "thank you" and I got another roll of the eyes.

The service style was also very bad. It was not proper waitressing At All! Very lazy! In a dark past, I, myself was a waiter which makes me completely understand the drains of hospitality. I always make it a point to be nice to waitresses as I know their job is hard! However, if you give me bad service, I will be upset. Simple things like not scraping the food into one bowl right in front of the customer. (Very poor and lazy service).

This restaurant has unbelievably brilliant potential but it certainly was below pathetic last night. I would have got better service from a food-court assistant. I suggest you don't go here. You will save yourself A Lot of money.
Also, there is no point complaining to the senior staffs. They do nothing and don't seem to care about their staff.

What this restaurant needs to do is train their staff and possibly put more staff into the kitchen. If they are allowing paying customers through the door, this is not how they should be served.

Jul 20, 2011 

5.3 Average

Food  1      Ambience  10      Service  6      Value  4     

Food was very bland. Curry dish was served in a plate which was hard to believe. Would not recommend it to anyone, there are far better Indian restaurant in Canberra. First and probably the last experince.

May 28, 2011 

1.3 Not Recommended

Food  1      Ambience  2      Service  1      Value  1     

Went the the Canberra outlet on the 27th December. The evening started ok. Ordered at 7:30pm and the entrees arriving about 20 minutes. After that there was no service. 50 minutes later we asked the staff a number of times when are we going to get our mains. The rest of our meal came at 9:15pm. After our first bite we found cardboard in one of our currys. Not very happy and left. Do not recommend to go to this place! A number of other tables that night had the same level of service and left as well.

Dec 28, 2010 

8.5 Highly Recommended

Food  8      Ambience  9      Service  9      Value  8     

My farewell lunch was held there last Wednesday. 50 + people and not one complaint. Service was excellent as was the food. Even some of my friends that don't like spicy food enjoyed it. We were treated very curteously and looked after very well. I can highly recommend this restaurant as one of the better Indian restaurants in Canberra. Thanks for a great event and you'll be seeing a lot more of us in the future.

Sep 20, 2010 

5.8 Average

Food  6      Ambience  5      Service  6      Value  6     

Disappointing for what appeared to be a promising Indian experience. Food had way too much cream (even accounting for the 'authenticy' of it) and meats were overcooked. Prices were over the top. Try elsewhere in Canberra for Indian.

Aug 18, 2010 

7 Recommended

Food  7      Ambience  8      Service  6      Value  7     

We've been here a few times for the eXpress lunch menu. The nice interiors make it a pleasant location for watching passersby in the busy north quarter district. The food here is consistent but the latest service was a bit slow despite all attempts for a quick lunch requested by a designated time. Despite a minor billing error, I'd go back again and this is a welcome addition to the local dining scene.

Jun 06, 2010 

1.8 Not Recommended

Food  1      Ambience  3      Service  2      Value  1     

Ordered Chicken Biryani for takeaway but instead got Lamb Biryani. It tasted horrible and also the lamb wasn't properly cooked. Went there on a friend's recommendation but honestly I wouldn't recommend it to anyone.

Jun 02, 2010