Didn’t have a Good Experience at Halia

I wouldn’t recommend Halia at Botanic Gardens (next to the Ginger Garden) as the prices were just too high and the service seemed a tad snooty. I felt so disappointed, because I really wanted to love the place.

The waiter who served us was polite and professional, but the waitresses were unsmiling, abrupt and not welcoming at all. I also feel that we were rushed with our order and perhaps we ordered the wrong things in the end which spoilt the experience. Also the place seemed to be filled with tourists and you know what they say about tourist prices. Just felt it was cut throat, so I couldn’t quite enjoy the meal.

When I was drinking the ginger tea all I could think was, I could have several cups of this and way better, at Kampong Glam. If you had a good experience, I would love to hear about it as well. I don’t like to be unfair as I have read some good reviews since. It’s just that sometimes it’s one experience that can spoil the impression and which is why first impressions and consistency in how patrons are treated is so important. I was so silly not to check out the reviews first. It was a spur of the moment thing and I always thought since the restaurant was named ginger, that the dishes would have a strong ginger element. I wasn’t prepared at all for the fine dining prices. Perhaps if you come here on a cool evening it might be nice. I don’t know.

One positive thing I have to say is, the setting and food presentations were lovely but I couldn’t help but feel the prices were too high. Guess I am used to having restaurant meals within S$20 per person, and this was more than double. Might not seem a lot to many, but when you’re not prepared it’s kinda shocking when you look at the menu. And this was the set lunch. The ala carte prices were even higher.

photo by bookjunkie

From the outside, we never imagined this was a fine dining restaurant. We thought mid range at most.

photo by bookjunkie

It’s undeniably a pretty place, especially with all the surrounding green. Must be nice on a cool evening.

photo by bookjunkie

Somehow I can’t enjoy my meal when my companion is in discomfort, and found the food very bland. Both of us have to like the place for me to give it a pass.

photo by bookjunkie

photo by bookjunkie

I must say the chicken was very fresh, although a bit tough.

photo by bookjunkie

photo by bookjunkie

I wondered how the people outside were not baking in the sun. It can’t be comfortable to perspire while eating, but when we first came here they wanted us to be seated outside as well. Only when we were about to walk away they said there was a table inside as someone had just left. Maybe that was true, but it was not a good start.

photo by bookjunkie

photo by bookjunkie

photo by bookjunkie

photo by bookjunkie

photo by bookjunkie

I feel bad whenever I am critical, and hope I’m not being too unfair, but it was how I felt that day. Feels like I am the only one, but perhaps not, according to the tripadvisor comments.

About bookjunkie

Blogging about life in Singapore & recently cancer too.
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