Pros 
Cons A Mixed Bag of Experiences: Himalayan Butcher & Grocer Reviews
Himalayan Butcher & Grocer, located on Beamish Street in Campsie, NSW, is a long-standing fixture in the community, boasting extended opening hours – a convenient 9 AM to 11 PM every day of the week. They offer a variety of payment options including credit and debit cards, and NFC mobile payments (though, as some customers report, receipt issuance can be inconsistent). The shop is accessible for wheelchair users, and quick visits are definitely possible given their layout. However, a significant number of recent reviews paint a complex picture, showcasing both loyal customers and concerns regarding quality and service. This article delves into those experiences, compiling feedback to offer a balanced view of this Campsie deli.
Recurring Quality Control Issues: A Pattern Emerges
The most prevalent criticisms levelled against Himalayan Butcher & Grocer revolve around consistent quality control failings. It’s clear that this isn’t simply a matter of isolated incidents but a recurring issue impacting multiple customers over time. The reports are disturbing and necessitate addressing:
- Hair in Meat: Multiple reviewers allege finding hair – goat hair, and what one customer described as a "pube hair" – embedded in the meat purchased. This is not a one-off complaint; several customers mention recurring issues with hair contamination, significantly impacting their dining experience and raising serious hygiene concerns.
- Meat Freshness and Smell: Several users highlight a noticeable decline in meat freshness over the past year. Descriptions of “disgusting” smells emanating from marinated chicken and mutton suggest inadequate storage or aging practices. This impacts the usability of the meat, forcing customers to discard purchases.
- Mislabeling and Product Substitution: Perhaps the most alarming account details a customer being sold “local chicken” that was, upon closer inspection, standard chicken. This indicates potential deceptive practices and a lack of transparency regarding product sourcing.
- Foreign Objects: Reports of glass and plastic pieces found within chicken keema are particularly concerning. Such contaminants pose a serious health hazard and should be entirely preventable with proper food preparation protocols.
- Skin-off Meat Concerns: Issues with skin-off baby goat, particularly the presence of a significant amount of hair, have also been reported.
It's worth noting the long-term customer who acknowledges a decline in quality after four years of patronage, demonstrating a consistent downward trend. The repeated warnings to "check your grocery item" before leaving clearly suggest a lack of confidence in the shop's quality assurance processes.
Upselling and Transactional Concerns – Beyond the Meat
Beyond the meat quality worries, several reviews highlight frustrating transactional practices that significantly detract from the customer experience. These issues chip away at trust and foster dissatisfaction, even for those otherwise willing to support the business:
- Weight Discrepancies: A common complaint involves staff consistently overshooting the requested weight of meat. Customers describe being asked if it’s “okay” to provide 1400gm or 2600gm instead of the specified 1kg. While minor variations are understandable, the frequent occurrence and the repeated questioning suggest a deliberate upselling strategy.
- Missing Receipts: Several customers express frustration with the lack of receipts, despite paying full price. This creates transparency issues and makes it difficult to verify purchases or address discrepancies.
- Unresponsive Customer Service: Attempts to contact the shop via phone for assistance have been unsuccessful, further compounding the frustration caused by these issues. The repeated unavailability of the phone number raises concerns about responsiveness to customer inquiries or complaints.
- Payment and Bags: One customer was charged the full amount, but the items weren’t placed into their bag, causing confusion and concern about the transaction’s accuracy.
| Issue | Description | Frequency | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight Upselling | Frequently exceeding requested meat weight | High | Financial impact, frustration |
| No Receipts | Customers not receiving receipts after purchase | Moderate | Lack of transparency, difficulty resolving issues |
| Unresponsive Phone | Difficulty contacting the shop via phone | High | Hindered customer service, inability to address concerns |
Calls for Action and Community Sentiment – A Divided Nepali Community
The recounted experiences have spurred strong reactions within the local Nepali community, with some advocating for action. Several reviewers have suggested reporting the shop to either the health and food safety team or by urging Nepali community members – "Nepali vayera nepali lai nai esto garnu napaross" – to raise the issue.
While there’s a clear desire to support Nepali businesses, the consistent reports of poor hygiene and deceptive practices have led to significant disillusionment. One reviewer expressed disappointment, stating they “will definitely take action” if the situation doesn’t improve. The underlying sentiment is one of wanting to uplift the Nepali business while simultaneously demanding a baseline level of quality and ethical practice.
Despite the prevalent negative reviews regarding quality and service, one review stands out, showcasing a uniquely positive experience, albeit with an extremely unusual occurrence - the finding of a hair described as adding "extra flavour." While humorous, it highlights the underlying issues of cleanliness that should not be considered a flavour enhancer. The review demonstrates that perhaps, with stricter hygiene practices, Himalayan Butcher & Grocer could potentially regain its reputation as a source of fresh, premium meats that it was known for earlier.