Reviews for Rainforest Malaysian Restaurant

by Amy O.
20th May 2012

I love Malaysian food and this was some of the best I’ve eaten outside of Malaysia, the roti was very authentic, perfectly flaky, and the dipping sauce was delicious. We variously had beef curry, masala thosai (hope I’ve spelled that correctly!) and a seafood noodle dish which I cannot remember the name of, but all were excellent, everyone was very impressed with the flavours and the authenticity. I had read the previous reviews on this website, I’m not sure how old they are, but the service was fine, there were a few large groups there so we expected a bit of a wait for our food and we did not think the wait was excessive at all. Overall, this was an excellent meal and I cannot wait to go back to try more of the great-looking menu!

by Krissy
18th May 2012

Just had the most amazing food and great service at the Rainforest here in Dunedin. When I read the negative reviews on here I was a bit dubious but I was blown away by the exciting flavours, fresh ingredients and stunning food. Ignore all the bad reviews and make a booking is my advice. I am just sorry it has taken me this long to eat at this restaurant and I will definitely be going again!

If you are worried it is all spicy food never fear as you can have a range non spicy to the hottest and spiciest food. We made the wise choice and shared our dishes amongst 7 of us and that way we got to try a bit of everything. Reasonable prices too.

by Tim
29th April 2012

To “Chris” complaining about how she/he was unable to redeem his/her voucher… you had a lucky escape. I had long wanted to dine here, but it certainly didn’t meet expectations. We waited 20 minutes for our order to be taken and 40 minutes for our meals to arrive. The food was pitiful – overpriced, tasteless, and not much of it. You couldn’t pay me to return.

by Chris
25th April 2012

Unfortunately I can’t comment on the quality of the food because I have not eaten there, nor will I ever. I purchased one of their $35 “Treat me” coupons for dinner for two, and had unfortunately let it expire. I called 5 days after the expiry date to see if they would still honour it, but when I was asked when I could come and I told them that the earliest was in 3 days, I was told (for some reason) this was too late and that it had to be within 2 days. (I could not do this as I was out of town.) When I then offered to send two friends in my place within the 2 day window, I was told this was “bending too many rules.” When I asked if I could instead just come by myself in 3 days and use the coupon towards a single meal instead of two (effectively paying just the regular price), this was also bending too many rules. It became clear that they were just looking for excuses to not have to provide anything at all for the money I paid. I understand that this is contractual, but I am unimpressed with their business strategy. It was clear from this interaction that coupons were issued to make a quick profit on those unable to cash them in quick enough, rather than to get new customers the door (which I proposed to do in a number of different ways). This treatment appears to be consistent with that received by others who have attempted to use coupons or frequent-customer cards, and it definitely does not signal a business that is able to profit on the quality of it’s product and service.

by Laurina
15th March 2012

We were pleasantly surprised by the friendly service and the great food we got served at the Rainforest Restaurant. We like mainly the Malaysian foods and we went to dine 4 times this year. We took some friends around recently who were equally impressed. Tonight we were a bit disappointed as we bought a “Treat Me” voucher for $35,= for a main meal + dessert for 2 people. Unfortunately we hardly ever eat deserts for health-reasons and opted for an entree instead, assuming that we could pay the difference. After the friendly waitress discussed the matter with the manager by phone, it appeared that this was not possible and we had to pay another $34.80 for the entrees + an extra. For people with a Treat Me voucher, don’t assume as we did, ask first.

by Simone
24th February 2012

My family and I ordered a takeaway from Rainforest Malaysian Restaurant, and have never been so disappointed. There was barely enough rice to feed two people, the curries where tasteless and watery, we ended up throwing them out and having cheese on toast. I complained to the restaurant via email and received, nothing, not even an apology. We have advised friends and family to give this place a wide birth, and I am advising you guys too.

by Lilly L.
15th January 2011

had penang char kuey tiaw (CKT) & Chef’s special chicken kurma (CSCK).
Firstly, there hs NEVER been beef used in authentic CKT but chicken can be a good substitute. Its sweet and blend. Not what a Penang CKT would taste like.
Then,CSCK, u hv to be kidding me!!too diluted man!!Mind you, no vegies in real Malaysian Kurma.
Overall, not recommended at all and not worth the money.
In fact,living in Malaysia for more than 30 years and migrating to NZ and living in North Island for 4 years,with many Malaysian cuisins ard, this is by far the very first Msian restaurant in NZ which is the most expensive.
Sorry but seriously, from a Malaysian to a Malaysian, u hv to seriously check ur taste pallet and authenticity of the recipes used.
But the service was good and warm, I must add.Nevertheless, it will take a lot for my return.
I do believe in ‘room for improvement’ though.As for now, its a no no.Sorry.Truly a disappoinment!

by foodiemum
21st April 2010

I went with another Malaysian.By far one of the best Malaysian restaurant in NZ or Melbourne in term of the authentic taste, pricing, variety in menu and service(fast and friendly). Very tasty food and the owner who served us was lovely to talk to. Wish there is a restaurant like this in our hometown. Would definitely visit again before leaving Dunedin.

by hanna's
1st May 2009

we have now been there twice, amazing service each time, fantastic food, $16 for a decent sized meal and they did a wonderful job of catering to special needs – ie making a gluten free laksa for one guest, and a beef fried rice for another (he had also mentioned he wanted an omelette and some chicken – they also served him two chicken satay skewers and a poached egg on top!!). All around 5/5 and the place was packed.

by Elmers
17th April 2009

We eat at the Rainforest every week. The portions are generous(we always have some leftover to take home), the service attentive and speedy, and above all, the food is amazing. I have sweet dreams about the dhal. Lots of choices for vegetarians and carnivores alike Waitstaff is becoming more experienced all the time. This place is a real find.

by Foodie Ozy
30th December 2008

I am from Sydney visiting here and was recommended this restaurant and wasnt disappointed. It is by far the best Malaysian restaurant I have been to – beats all the Malaysian joints in Sydney. The food is authentic and is what you would get in a mamak shop back in Malaysia. I found the pricing quite moderate. Will definately dine here when I next visit Dunedin.

by Ranger
22nd December 2008

Went to the restaurant and the food was great and the service was great. I pride myself in being able to eat quite alot and i have to say the portions are huge and very well worth the money (which is not expensive at all). Its really true to its authenticity keep up the great work. Will definietly be back.

by martin lewis
6th December 2008

Took my family to this restaurant and was really impressed.Service vastly improved from opening days and same great authenthic flavours that I crave for.A+ value for money!

by Anon
24th November 2008

I was very unimpressed with The Rainforest. We had to wait 1 hour and 20 minutes for our food to arrive, while people around us arrived and left in the time we were only being served. Once the food had arrived, the stir-fry I ordered was cold, as though it had not even been heated. I requested it to be heated, and was told the reason it was cold was because of the weather (as it was a very cold day). But I do not think this is a valid excuse. The Rainforest had very poor service, and while the food was great once it finally arrived I will not be going back.

by Malaysian
12th November 2008

Well.. I don’t think their prices are worth for the amount of food they serve. OK taste wise and need improvement on their serving consistency.

by jon
25th October 2008

great, tasty, authentic(or as close as u will get in the south island) food. very well priced as well. nice atmosphere although the friendly service needs a little attention.
would highly reccomend

by dissapointed
3rd October 2008

Have dined in this restaurant 3 times now, due to different events held there. All 3 times the food took a really long time to be served (approximately 1 hour – 1.5 hour wait), which is really unacceptable considering the place was not packed. While the food when it arrived tasted good, at the end of the day we were just disgruntled hungry customers who wanted to leave the place as soon as we could.

by ely rodrigues
22nd September 2008

i was initially quite hesitant to eat out at this restaurant, especially since so many Asian restaurants claim authenticity in their particular cuisine and fail to impress.
rain forest however delivers this promise extremely well. The food is not only flavoursome but the variety in the menu will want have you coming back for more time and again.

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