Nivedyam - Elmbridge

The website needs to be updated as the restaurant is now called "Vai's Kitchen" since May 2020. I ordered takeout last night and was disappointed to find that t... read more The website needs to be updated as the restaurant is now called "Vai's Kitchen" since May 2020. I ordered takeout last night and was disappointed to find that the quality was not as good as I remembered from previous visits when it was Divedyam and Cocum. The menu now describes it as "Indian Fusion" rather than just Keralan/South Indian cuisine, so perhaps that's a different approach they are taking. The manager was very friendly and efficient.

I booked a reservation for Valentine's Day and was very excited. I was impressed by how the online profile page asked for food preferences, as we are vegetarian... read more I booked a reservation for Valentine's Day and was very excited. I was impressed by how the online profile page asked for food preferences, as we are vegetarian, so I filled it in happily. Upon arrival, we were taken to a room that was not very nice, but it was just a holding room until our table was ready. When our table was ready, we were seated in the brightest room in the restaurant. The ambiance was not great, but we were impressed by the food. It took a while for our order to be taken as they seemed understaffed. We mentioned we were vegetarian, but were surprised to see a chicken dish on the pickle plate. We were assured it would be taken care of, but it wasn't. The poppadoms arrived, but we were so hungry at this point. It took 1.5 hours for our dinner to arrive in full. The rest of the meal was okay, but the portions were small considering the prices. No one even asked us if we were satisfied with our meal. The only good thing I have to say is that the masala dosa was good. Unfortunately, this did not make up for an otherwise incredibly disappointing experience.

Delicious food. we had to force ourselves to try new things on the menu as we loved what we originally ordered. If I ever become a vegetarian, this place would... read more Delicious food. we had to force ourselves to try new things on the menu as we loved what we originally ordered. If I ever become a vegetarian, this place would have to take my meal.

We love it here. incredible fresh food. authentic. less heavy than eating from other parts of india. and also good prices. read more We love it here. incredible fresh food. authentic. less heavy than eating from other parts of india. and also good prices.

Impromptu Wednesday night dinner without booking but the restaurant was not busy, Wide range of choice, especially vegetarian which was perfect for our friends.... read more Impromptu Wednesday night dinner without booking but the restaurant was not busy, Wide range of choice, especially vegetarian which was perfect for our friends. Spicy Dal soup, super Masala Dosa pancakes, Onion Pakoda and Potato Bonda with Beetroot Thuran, Aubergine Thujal, Erachi lamb and CTM....The food was delicious, hot and more than sufficient. Service was quietly friendly and prompt. Atmosphere was rather quiet but I'm not entirely against that. Very reasonable at £15 per head including gratuity but without drinks. I think we would all be happy to visit again.