Karma - Oxford

On a Monday night, it may seem like an odd choice to dine out, but sometimes it's necessary and I'm grateful that restaurants are open. We had the restaurant to ourselves, which was quite nice. The atmosphere was welcoming, with jazzy Indian music playing in the background and attentive staff. The Cobra lager on tap was reasonably priced compared to the pub nearby, and I had a feeling I would enjoy this place. The poppadums arrived with a variety of sauces, including a flavorful onion chutney. Although I prefer a chunky lime pickle, everyone at the table seemed to enjoy the crispy snacks. Just as we were finishing up, we were surprised with some delicious samosas. The pastry was fine, but the flavorful filling was the highlight. For the mains, we ordered a variety of classic Indian dishes, mostly vegetarian options. Each dish had its own unique twist and was executed perfectly. The dhal was outstanding and it's hard to pick a favorite among the dishes we tried. The korai dish was saucier than expected, but the sauce was fantastic. The mattar paneer had a perfect balance of creaminess and flavors. Overall, we were pleasantly surprised by the quality of the food and will definitely be returning, especially since it's just a short walk from home.

This is my go-to spot for curry in the neighborhood, which is becoming hard to find these days. I typically order the vegetarian jalfrezi, which has a nice blend of green chilies that add just the right amount of heat. The staff members are extremely friendly. I wasn't a fan of the odd patio structure they constructed and then dismantled halfway, though. It was a bit strange.

I decided to treat myself to dinner after getting paid, ordering 2 curries, 2 sides, poppadoms, and 2 sauces from this restaurant. Unfortunately, one of the sauces was incorrect. The chicken makhani curry I ordered was bland, with tough and strange-textured chicken that seemed poorly cooked - possibly microwaved. The poppadoms were extremely oily, to the point where even a fish and chip shop would be envious. The chicken tikka bhuna curry was average at best. The only positive note is that they did pay attention to the allergy notes I provided. However, they should fix the misleading £10 off coupon on their website. Deception is not appreciated by customers.

For what I was charged extremely disappointing. I ordered 2 chicken dishes where one was heavily infused with chilli and onions the other lacking chicken and mainly sauce. I got it delivered and was surprised when I had a call to say he was outside when the app showed it wasn't even out for delivery yet. I got no complimentary salad sauces. The food was cold and what taste there was left in your mouth was awful. Went to bed hungry. Would never give 1 star as they are obviously trying. Sorry wount be re ordering.

Short version: First time one starrer, now I know not to trust the other ratings especially since they had a 4 star food hygiene rating. Served old food, manager said it was a taste difference and would not take any criticism. Gordon Ramsey where are you? These guys need you! Lost what could've been a two year client. If you are reading this, spend a bit more and get delivery from elsewhere or just eat elsewhere!! You have been warned! Long long version: Needed dinner as we were working in the area, the lower staff member was lovely and helpful and that's the only good thing that I will be writing. Coming from a Pakistani household, this style of cooking is an everyday occurrence and living out from home, I wanted to be reminded of the taste. We ordered two biryanis; one chicken and one lamb both rubbish. The vegetable curries that came with them tasted like food left out for a few days, but we were so hungry that we ate the biryanis and are now facing the repercussions. We went to return the curries and complain my first time complaining and I've eaten some bad stuff before, so this is telling). We spoke to the same member of staff and told her about the curries being off and the biryanis only being eaten due to sheer hunger. She went to tell the kitchen and returned to say that we could get a replacement dish for free but no refunds. Why would we eat from here again after you gave us out of date food?!? :S This is when the manager came and started saying about how tastes are different and that he saw the kitchen staff make it today. Well today must have been a while ago with the way that stuff tasted! I spoke about how I have eaten many biryanis and curries #brownandproud) and that his were awful, but he just started going off about tastes being different and that spicy food is nice. First of all, the food wasn't spicy at all sir! He stood firm in his belief that his restaurant was great and even claimed that busy restaurants go through their food quickly so they prepare new meals everyday... it had 2 people eating and 3 guys drinking, and we had walked passed it yesterday and it had been empty. Busy where????? Because it wasn't there! Unfortunately folks, we left due to him refusing to speak sense or listen and he refused to give us our money back so now we're £22 down and feeling awful in our bellies. The lower staff member definitely looked very sorry for us and I'm sure she brings packed lunches with her! Never eating here again and definitely telling everyone I know to steer clear actually might report to Oxford's food health department considering it was old food and that I feel unwell now)