Bringing ice into an Indian restaurant? OK to do?

[Papa Deuce]

I've been to 2 Indian restaurants that supply you with a nice glass of water, but the water has no ice, and they don't have ice even if you ask.... ( we asked last night, and were politely told "no". )

I guess it is an Indian custom, or something, but my family likes their water to be nice and cold. So we are contemplating bringing a thermos of ice with us next time.

Think that is reasonable?

 

[Christine]

Well, I think it would be kind of tacky.

I'm sort of a "when in Rome" kind of person. I realize the Indian restaurant is in the U.S., but if I go for ethnic cuisine, I just go with the flow with what the restaurant does. It's just not a big deal for a 1 hour dining experience.

 

[phorsenuf]

I've been to 2 Indian restaurants that supply you with a nice glass of water, but the water has no ice, and they don't have ice even if you ask.... ( we asked last night, and were politely told "no". )

I guess it is an Indian custom, or something, but my family likes their water to be nice and cold. So we are contemplating bringing a thermos of ice with us next time.

Think that is reasonable?

You messing with us?

 

[Stevania]

Well, I think it would be kind of tacky.

I'm sort of a "when in Rome" kind of person. I realize the Indian restaurant is in the U.S., but if I go for ethnic cuisine, I just go with the flow with what the restaurant does. It's just not a big deal for a 1 hour dining experience.

I don't think it is tacky at all. Some people can not drink luke warm beverages, the heck what the "Romans" do.

I would just bring a small zip lock bag full of ice in a cooler. When I got out of the car, I would discreetly slip it in my purse and then use as needed. No need for anyone to "know".

 

[LuvCuteBoys]

I see nothing wrong with that... of course, you can't make any stops before going to the restaurant or you'll have a mess. LOL.

 

[Papa Deuce]

You messing with us?

Not at all... but I wouldn't want to offend the folks that work there, but we also really like cold water, not warm water.

 

[phorsenuf]

Not at all... but I wouldn't want to offend the folks that work there, but we also really like cold water, not warm water.

Have you ever ordered other drink from them like soda or mixed drinks. Is their ice in those?

 

[dismom2]

No offense, but can't you do without for one meal? Or, maybe order some other chilled drink? I think it's very odd to take a cooler with ice in a restaurant; I would never do it, but that's me.

 

[DisneyBlonde]

Oooo..not sure I would chance insulting the people who will be preparing your meal.

Surely they are aware that ice is served in almost every beverage, in almost every restaurant. If they don't have it, there must be a reason?

 

[Pumbaa_]

I would in a heartbeat. if you like hte food and can't get ice in your beverage, i sure would bring my own.

 

[okeydokey]

I wouldn't. I would respect their tradition or custom.

 

[Piecey]

I'd get take out and go home and drink my water with ice.

I think it's super tacky to take it with you.

 

[Papa Deuce]

I'd get take out and go home and drink my water with ice.

I think it's super tacky to take it with you.

Would that be your answer as well, if the restaurant is not at all fancy? Because it definitely isn't even close to fancy.

 

[MonkeyDishwasher]

You could always call and ask (or stop by before your next visit) if it would cause any sort of issue. They may be alright with it, or they may actually be offended. The best any of us can do is speculate, the best they can do is answer your question.

 

[MushyMushy]

What?? I've never heard of this custom.

I'm certainly no expert on Indian custom, but we go to every Indian restaurant we can find and have been to them in several states. I've never seen one that didn't have ice. I also grew up eating traditional Indian food (hot, hot, hot) because one of my best friend's parents were from India. They kept ice in the freezer.

I'm betting the owners just don't want to spring for an ice machine.

Regardless of the reasoning, I wouldn't bring ice in. Just seems silly to me. If you want something cold, how about a lassi?

 

[Papa Deuce]

You could always call and ask (or stop by before your next visit) if it would cause any sort of issue. They may be alright with it, or they may actually be offended. The best any of us can do is speculate, the best they can do is answer your question.

I decided to ask on a food forum hosted by an Indian woman. She did not comment one way on the other about it being offensive, or being a custom, but she said if it were her, she would bring the ice.

MushyMushy.... none of my family enjoys a lassi... we tried one about a month ago.

 

[Piecey]

Would that be your answer as well, if the restaurant is not at all fancy? Because it definitely isn't even close to fancy.

I would think it was tacky if you took ice into Burger King.

That is just me, though.

If you have a problem with the way the restaurant serves, don't go.

 

[tar heel]

I've also been to a lot of Indian restaurants. The only one I can think of that doesn't have ice is a grocery store/bakery counter service/combination and they have a cooler of cold drinks. I recommend a Limca. They're delicious and just exotic enough to be a treat for your children.

I think it would be a little weird for you to take ice. I prefer ice myself but could certainly drink a drink without it.

 

[CathrynRose]

I like ice. I always ask for extra ice.

I'd bring ice.

However, their lack of ice might make me question everything about their establishment, and I might not ever go there again - because of my love of ice.

Do they keep anything cold? Makes you wonder.... Hmmm.....

 

[paintnolish]

Okay, a friend actually explained why they don't take drinks with ice. Unfortunately, I don't remember-something to do with balancing energies or something? Anyway, I don't think it is weird or tacky when Indians ask for no ice in their drinks at the restaurant I work at, so why should it be any different when you bring in ice? You're not asking for anything special or causing them trouble.