Awana

Katiegi007

Poor customer service ruined the food 25th April 2009

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I decided to go to Awana as it was my father's 65th birthday. I also ordered a birthday cake for my father’s 65th birthday by email. This was not acknowledged by any of the staff. When we first arrived we were early and sat at the bar. We were then promptly seated right at the front entrance. This table was in a poor location as people and the waiters/waitress were constantly walking past our table. Furthermore it was extremely cramped as people were continuously brushing past me and the waiters were always touching me when walking past.

On the whole the food was fine; however the seafood batter was too oily and had not been drained properly. The ayam berisi – chicken with prawn was a strange combination and did not seem to work. The stuffed prawns inside the chicken were overcooked.

I was extremely unhappy with the service and atmosphere. I could not enjoy my food as the waiters/waitresses were constantly brushing past me and touching me. I felt that we had the worst table. The service was also rushed and somewhat clumsy, as plates and cutlery were dropped near us. I felt that I could not celebrate my father’s birthday in that sort of atmosphere. I do realise that Saturday is a busy day – but when people are within touching distance of you whilst eating it is very unpleasant.

At the end of the meal, the waitress asked me if I enjoyed myself and was surprised when I said I was not happy at all. She quickly processed our bill and did not ask me why I was unhappy. I felt that this was not appropriate and did not demonstrate good customer service at all. We paid £140 for three people, which seemed excessive for the level of customer service. The website markets Awana as a fine dining experience. If I had wanted good food and inattentive customer service I would have gone to Chinatown instead. Oh well, at least I got my service charge money back.

Angella

Delicious Durian Ice Cream To Die For 13th November 2008

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The ice creams on a Malaysian stand at the World Travel Market at Excel in East London were fantastic. Everybody crowded around eating more and more and more. The ice creams were presented in crisp cones with chocolate around the top.

I tried four or five of their ice cream flavours. The alluring pinky-orangey-red turned out to be chili and when she said hot she meant spicey - but I was not deterred because I knew there was durian to come. Cinnamon was good and different. Lemon grass which was so-so - more lemony than lemon grass - a bit disappointing as lemon grass is one of my favourite flavours, but I was just ready to try another flavour.

The durian ice cream was an absolute dream. If you haven't tried durian before, you must try it. A cross between chestnut, banana and sugared egg yolk (like the Spanish egg dessert yemas de Cartalenas).

Oddly enough, I don't like durian fruit, which smells like bad eggs, and you are banned from carrying durians on the trains in Singapore. However, the first time I tried durian ice cream was in a Thai restaurant in Singapore. I knew at once that I'd grow to like it, and would have to try it three times.

To be able to get durian ice cream in London is just wonderful.

I've looked at the restaurant menu on line and it's extensive. Amazing. This place is definitely on my wish list. I agree with all the other commentators that the food is expensive and you would be well advised to opt for their lunchtime deals at £10, £12.50 and £15. You can also sign up to be sent notification of their special deals.

I suggest you go to the restaurant with other ice cream addicts and try a few flavours. If you are catering for any special event I recommend the ice creams.

The restaurant name Awana means in the clouds and I was definitely on cloud nine after eating their durian ice cream. Just the words 'durian ice cream' make me smile.

RR123

Nice but pricey 2nd October 2008

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I recently ate at this restaurant for the first time and thought the food was of a very good standard and well served. It is very expensive though, so if you want to pay a bit less then consider going there at lunchtime when they run special offers that really bring the price down.

The staff were friendly but I did find that when they were at a bit of a loose end they would hover about near where we were sitting, which at times was a bit irritating. They did also put dirty plates on the same tray as the food we were about to be served. But fortunately an eagle eyed waitress stepped in and served us our food.

Good food, just choose your time carefully to go there so that you don't pay a fortune.

piggyeater

Exorbitant price 14th September 2008

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For those Malaysians who miss authentic Malaysian food, this place serves pretty good fare. Unlike some other places claiming to serve Malaysian food, this place seems to get it right, and its ingredient tastes like its been sourced properly from Malaysia.

The only gripe is the price. Two of us went and ordered 3 starters, 2 mains and rice, a soft drink and a margarita and the total bill came up to over eighty pounds. We expected probably about not more than thirty pounds per person. There are other equally good restaurants around for a cheaper price, although for Malaysian food, this is probably one of the best.