Bringing ice into an Indian restaurant? OK to do?

[Papa Deuce]

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.

That is sort of what the lady at the forum said... "you're not hurting their bottom line", and in the USA ( though I am not 100% in agreement ) "the customer is always right".

 

[Sparx]

i would order soda or something, and see if that came chilled, if it didn't, i might ask WHY they don't have ice. i don't think i would EVER bring my own ice in, though. i don't know, i'd rather just order take out and bring it home to my ice, rather than bring my ice to it.

 

[moon]

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".

ITA. If I can't have ice, and can't bring any, I'd rather go without that kind of food than go without ice. I won't drink any luke warm beverage

 

[JR6ooo4]

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.....

you mean.... like the meat?

MIkeeee

 

[SandrA9810]

They've got to have some sort of freezer for food and such, so there's no reason why there wouldn't be ice in the kitchen. But if you're just bringing a little baggie in your purse... no one will notice. Just be careful of all the sweat the ice will make on the outside of the bag. Double bag it with a wash cloth or something in the middle of the two.
Even if they cool the sodas in a can or something, that's still not cold enough. And a big waste of money to buy sodas like that.
Take out is another good idea.

 

[dazeddaisy]

Why not ask why they do not serve ice? You could call, or next time you are there.

If enough people say something they might start serving ice. For all you know they lack of ice might be due to room in the kitchen, or the fact no one has said anything. It might also be because the place is run by people who know tourists decline ice in India.

Knowing alot about Asian culture I have never heard of ice being an issue. In fact I am pretty sure ice is offered through out India. Although as a tourist I always declined. As I said that might be an influence.

BTW I think it is tacky to bring ice in. It might even go against some kind of health code. (the water you bring in is contaminated. you get ill and blame where you ate etc etc)

 

[shortbun]

I'd get carry out before I'd take ice into a restaurant for my drink. The three establishments we frequent all keep our glasses full of ice water without fail. They have a guy who's job it is to fill peoples glasses with ice water. In fact, it's a joke between my husband and me to see if we can get our glass completely empty before he gets to us. It's never happened.

LOL, watch out PD, people are going to think you are eccentric!! I can just hear the conversations now...'look honey! That guy over there brought a little bag of ice for his water! lol!'

By the way, did you know that Americans are world reknowned for their love and need of ice in everything? Not a bad thing, just an interesting part of our identity.

 

[The Orchid]

I would take the ice in.

 

[phorsenuf]

I asked before but maybe you missed it. Are there other drinks served with ice (soda, iced tea etc) or is it just the ice that comes without?

 

[Papa Deuce]

I asked before but maybe you missed it. Are there other drinks served with ice (soda, iced tea etc) or is it just the ice that comes without?

Lassis is all I saw. But we don't like them, so we won't be ordering them.

 

[phorsenuf]

I did find this at allexperts under ice;


Traditionally, drinks in the United States are served with ice; in Europe they are served with or without ice. In India and other parts of the world, it has traditionally been viewed as unhealthy to drink a libation with ice. Many older Indians still refuse to use it.

So I would guess that if you brought it in they would be offended.

How would you feel if someone brought their own BBQ sauce to your BBQ restaurant?

 

[BeachGirlFLA]

I can't drink my water unless it's ice cold, either. I'd bring in ice...you're the customer.

 

[DebbieB]

I traveled to Pune India on business in March. The company gave us a list of restrictions for our safety, no ice, no tap water, no fresh vegetables. At the beginning of the meal, they would ask if you wanted bottled water, they would bring a liter size to the table, which we were charged for, even at the free breakfast the hotel offered. If we wanted a soft drink, they would bring it in a can. I can't remember if we were ever offered ice, I don't think so. I do remember on the plane coming home when they asked if I wanted ice with my drink I said yes, I really missed it!

 

[Bob NC]

Maybe if the restaurant is a little warm you could bring your own fan. If the table is deemed too short, could you bring your own? I really like a comfortable chair, maybe I'll bring my executive swivel.

Sheeeesh....this is a riot.

 

[MushyMushy]

I did find this at allexperts under ice;


Traditionally, drinks in the United States are served with ice; in Europe they are served with or without ice. In India and other parts of the world, it has traditionally been viewed as unhealthy to drink a libation with ice. Many older Indians still refuse to use it.

So I would guess that if you brought it in they would be offended.

How would you feel if someone brought their own BBQ sauce to your BBQ restaurant?

That's actually a good point.

I'm kind of surprised at the number of people who would think it's okay to bring ice into a restaurant. Seems a big to do about nothing for just one meal. Personally, I love ice water, but I would be able to survive a glass without it.

 

[BeachGirlFLA]

The way I look at it is if his family can't stand water that isn't ice water and they don't like the other drinks offered there, why should they as customers have to suffer from not being able to drink anything with Indian food (which is obviously spicy.) They're not demanding that the owners make ice available for them, nor are they taking their business away from the restaurant and I would definitely prefer (if I owned a restaurant) to see someone bring ice into my restaurant than to lose a customer. I have a friend who I eat with who doesn't like the fact that the chairs in one of the restaurants that we go to are so hard (she has hip problems from an accident she was in several years ago) and she brings a towel with her to sit on. I kind of look at the two things the same way.

 

[wdwfan16]

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?

Are you serious!?

I love my water ice cold but I drink what is offered.

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

Yes

 

[MushyMushy]

The way I look at it is if his family can't stand water that isn't ice water and they don't like the other drinks offered there, why should they as customers have to suffer from not being able to drink anything with Indian food (which is obviously spicy.)

A little adaptability is always a good thing too.

I think we as a society (not referring to PD here, now I'm just generalizing) have become so used to getting what we want, when we want it, and how we want it that we'll be as rude as we have to be to get our way.

If this were my family, I'd see two options. Just drink the water as is and get used to it -- yes, you can get used to it. Or get the food as take out and enjoy the ice at home. Bringing my own ice would not even occur to me to do.

 

[Alexander]

I traveled to Pune India on business in March. The company gave us a list of restrictions for our safety, no ice, no tap water, no fresh vegetables. At the beginning of the meal, they would ask if you wanted bottled water, they would bring a liter size to the table, which we were charged for, even at the free breakfast the hotel offered. If we wanted a soft drink, they would bring it in a can. I can't remember if we were ever offered ice, I don't think so. I do remember on the plane coming home when they asked if I wanted ice with my drink I said yes, I really missed it!

I think this is probably the key here...For your own safety....you know, don't drink the water in foreign countries--since ice is made of water...well....

Good grief, they (the restaurant) are in the USA, if you want ice, bring it in. I'd be willing to bet rather than get strange looks from other customers, they'll ask where you got the ice because they want some too.

If all they serve are those drinks you mentioned and luke warm water, I'd bring the ice--lukewarm water is gross! Why is this such a big deal? I understand customs and all, but you are not in India, you are in the USA. How about adjusting to OUR customs?

 

[wdwfan16]

I did find this at allexperts under ice;


Traditionally, drinks in the United States are served with ice; in Europe they are served with or without ice. In India and other parts of the world, it has traditionally been viewed as unhealthy to drink a libation with ice. Many older Indians still refuse to use it.

So I would guess that if you brought it in they would be offended.

How would you feel if someone brought their own BBQ sauce to your BBQ restaurant?

The OP owns a BB! restaurant? If so, then I love your analogy.

Maybe if the restaurant is a little warm you could bring your own fan. If the table is deemed too short, could you bring your own? I really like a comfortable chair, maybe I'll bring my executive swivel.

Sheeeesh....this is a riot.

The way I look at it is if his family can't stand water that isn't ice water and they don't like the other drinks offered there, why should they as customers have to suffer from not being able to drink anything with Indian food (which is obviously spicy.) They're not demanding that the owners make ice available for them, nor are they taking their business away from the restaurant and I would definitely prefer (if I owned a restaurant) to see someone bring ice into my restaurant than to lose a customer. I have a friend who I eat with who doesn't like the fact that the chairs in one of the restaurants that we go to are so hard (she has hip problems from an accident she was in several years ago) and she brings a towel with her to sit on. I kind of look at the two things the same way.

First he is not forced to eat at this restaurant. Second I love Indian food and grew up in an Indian area and ate lots of really hot Indian food. I eat at Indian restaurants often and the regular food is NOT hot. They tone it way down. I have to ask them to heat it up to what I am accustom to.


An analogy between somebody who has a medical problem and a ice demanding customer is .