Balaka - Woking

I am not sure why TripAdvisor deleted my previous review, as it was legitimate. We made a reservation on Balaka's website for last Sunday, but when we arrived, the restaurant was closed. Despite receiving two reminders leading up to our reservation, three of us traveled 30 minutes to get there. When I called the restaurant the following Monday, all they had to say was that they were closed. There was no sincere apology for the inconvenience caused.

Unfortunately, it seems that there have been changes in both the management and chefs at this restaurant. Since they first opened, we have always been satisfied with the quality of their food and service. However, on this occasion, our take-away experience was disappointing. My wife ordered a chicken dish but received beef instead. The meat in both her dish and my lamb dish was tough and tasteless, to the point where we couldn't finish our meals. Despite our long history with this restaurant, I chose to address my concerns privately through email. Unfortunately, I received no response, explanation, or apology. This, unfortunately, is my public review.

Oil floating on top of the dahl. Poured it off and still soaking in oil. Generic curry sauce. Selected 3 curries they all had the same taste. Won't be going back for a takeaway. Friendly staff though. And I didn't have to wait long.

I ordered a takeaway for my family x 4 curries) I had lamb pathia which was excellent, my wife had chicken korma also excellent ,1 son had a chicken phal , again excellent and very hot, other son had garlic chicken with extra and also very pleased. We will visit the restaurant next week and will leave another review.

We had a fantastic meal at this restaurant about six months ago, but our recent experience was a disaster. It seems like there may be new management or some changes happening. Our drinks order was incorrect and the poppadoms we received were greasy, stale, and clearly just reheated in a fryer. The replacements they brought out were even worse. It was such a disappointing experience that we actually considered leaving, but ultimately decided to go to the nearby Cricketers restaurant instead.