Wai Kika Moo Kau

I am very sorry to say that from regarding this place as my vegetarian home-away-from-home when I'm frequently in Brighton I’m now swearing I'll never go there again. And this was not down to the food, but the terrible, appalling service and an incident that played out in a most shocking way!

After a lovely day in Brighton my partner and I arrived at Wai-Kika-Moo-Kau. We sat down and ordered. He went for the halloumi pitta bread (£7.60 - to quote the menu - 'overflowing with hallumi and peppers') Out came the food, the portions looked generous as we had commented upon. HOWEVER...about 5 forkfuls into his meal my partner realised that his generously overflowing pitta was anything but! closer examination revealed the pitta was stuffed with salad, no pepper and 4 ungenerous pieces of halloumi balanced on top for good measure - accompanied by a couple of handfuls of oily chips and half a plate of salad.... We both like salad as much as the next person - however resent paying £7.60 for a plateful of the stuff...

We called over the lady serving us and explained the problem. She didn’t seem to understand. We explained again, still a lack of comprehension. Slowly it became apparent that it was not that she didn’t understand, but that she did not want to help. She initially refused to take the food back, and then eventually did with many tuttings, sighing, and not one apology. My partner decided he would wait for me to eat my food then go elsewhere for food so I didn’t have to wait.

Out came the bill. We checked it over, and were surprised to see that the pitta we had sent back with five forkfuls missing was still included in the price! I spoke to the same lady and was utterly shocked when she told me ‘I can’t take that off the price’! I reminded her that he had sent it back because he was not happy with it, she told me ‘we can’t refund eaten food‘. I was shocked as he had not even eaten a quarter of it! I told her this and was told ‘well you have to pay’. After a moment of shocked silence I informed her that we would not be paying. She told me once again that we had to. I repeated, slowly clearly, that we would not be paying for the dish. With this she replied in a rude, petulant and non-caring way - ‘well if that’s how you feel - don’t pay for anything,…and don’t come back!’… I found this response unbelievable - that someone in the service industry could be so rude, and in today’s economic times would turn down business seemingly because they were throwing a tantrum - I have never been treated so rudely in any restaurant! Not only did they lose the entire bill instead of just 7.60, they also lost the future custom from me, my family, my friends, and every single person I can convince! What was even more worrying was that this woman who threw her toys out of the pram like an angry toddler appeared to be the manger that day - I do hope she’s not the owner.

In the end we didn’t pay for anything - So I’d like to say one more time, cheers again for the free meal w.k.m.k - would much rather have had an apology, good service and been able to go back there again and again, but oh well.
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Overall rating
Food 5 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 2 | Value for money 5
Monday, June 27, 2011

Got the info about this restaurant from a Rough Guide and as usual it was spot on. Excellent atmosphere, nice service and tasty food. I had a veggie cheese burger with feta, which was great, but I also tried haloumi in a pita - the best dish ever!

The atmosphere of the whole street is amazing and owners made sure that this restaurant fits there perfectly. Go, if you are in Brighton!
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Bartek
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Monday, August 02, 2010

I think this place has gone down hill. I went for lunch the other Saturday and did not find the food as good as what it used to be don't get me wrong, the food wasn't terrible it just wasn't as good as when i last came in summer 2008 and I returned because of the great atmosphere and food, i just didn't sense that this time.
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Harry
Overall rating
Food 4 | Service 5 | Atmosphere 5 | Value for money 4
Thursday, October 22, 2009

I love this place!!! I'm a vegan and have been to a lot of vegetarian restaurants in London and Brighton, and this place knocks the rest out of the water.

It's not as fancy as some places in Brighton, but I think that makes it more welcoming, a bit more like a cafe (it's only open til 5pm unfortunately, but great for brunch, lunch or early dinner)

The menu is vegetarian, with a lot of vegan options. The food is fantastially affordable - me and my friend had mains and milkshakes for under £20. All day breakfast is great, as is the tofu burger. Cajun sausage salad is a lovely healthy option with a twist.

Milkshakes are so good I want to move to Brighton to get one everyday. Fresh banana and fresh strawberry milkshakes are very highly recommended!

Vegan cake was nice, possibly a ittle oily, but great taste.

The service speed varies a little, but is never awfully slow - it's just down to the fact that the number of full tables varies hugely - and there are always one or two waiting staff - so they are either very attentive, or a little less so - but any practically minded person would understand this.

Overall this place is phenomenal value and great for vegan, vegetarian or meat-eater alike.
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Katie G
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 10
Wednesday, July 22, 2009