Aju Mathew Thomas
2 years ago
I recently had the opportunity to dine at Monsoon Empress with my family for lunch. We arrived around 1 pm, finding the place nearly empty. The restaurant, located on the ground floor next to the reception, is an open space offering both à la carte and buffet options. The lunch buffet, priced at 1.1k + Tax, seemed like the preferable choice for a comprehensive dining experience, but unfortunately, we opted for à la carte due to some in our group not being too hungry—a decision we later regretted. ► Menu: The menu items are accessible online by scanning the QR code on the table, though I didn't get a chance to explore it thoroughly. Their lunch buffet was a decent spread containing good number of items. The dessert section had 10 number of items such as Payasam, Caramel pudding, coconut Truffle balls and a handful of different cakes and Mousse. The main course had Travancore chicken biriyani, Pulao, and indian breads served at the table. There was one starter each from both veg and Non Veg. The side dishes 2-3 items each from Veg and Non Veg were there along with 2 differe types of soups. ► Decor: The ambiance is well-maintained with pleasing interiors. However, being in an open area next to the reception, privacy might be limited as people move about in the lobby. Common washrooms for both genders are situated close to the dining area, with separate restrooms on the other side. Currently, there's a Thai food festival happening named Thai-ffic at Xian Restaurant this month, providing an alternative for those interested in indulging in Thai cuisine. ►Service: Their hospitality was really good. Staffs are polite, friendly and attentive. Thanks to their Manager Ullas and their attendants namely Albert, Savio and Srinjana for their hospitality. I was happy with the hospitality shown by them. ► Food: This is where the disappointment set in. Opting for à la carte, we ordered the following items: 1. Travancore Chicken Biriyani (1) - ( Rs 708 including tax) 2. Mixed Fried Rice (1) - (Rs 590 including tax) 3. Chicken Tikka Masala (1) - Rs 590 ( Including tax) 4. Chilly Fish (1) Rs 649 (Including tax) 5. Steamed Rice (1) - Rs 236 (Including tax) 6. Double Omelets - Rs 295 (Including tax) 7. Curd - Rs 141.60 (including tax) While the flavors were commendable, the portion sizes and prices were disappointing. We ordered 2 plates of Mixed Fried Rice for 3 people but received them in a single bowl, claiming both plates were included. The prices for items like curd and double omelettes seemed unreasonably high compared to the quantity offered. The waiting time for the orders was around 20-25 minutes, and although the biryani tasted good, it was served cold, likely taken from the buffet. Overall, the dishes felt overpriced, and the quantity offered, especially for the Mixed Fried Rice, was insufficient. The fried rice was good in taste. Overall, we liked all the dishes that we ordered in terms of taste. The disappointnent part is with the portion size and the price is really exorbitant especially for the Mixed Fried Rice. For 2 plates of fried rice, we paid Rs 1180 in total and we received the dish in a single bowl and it was insufficient for even 2 people. I personallty felt quantity of the dish offered was not shown justice to the price incurred. In retrospect, choosing the buffet option may have been a wiser decision. However, for those seeking a more value-for-money buffet experience, exploring other options in Kochi from premier hotel brands might be a preferable alternative to what Monsoon Empress has to offer."
₹3000 for two
South Indian, Continental, North Indian, Desserts
