Lekali Meats: A Mixed Bag of Reviews from Hurstville Locals
Lekali Meats, located at 263 Forest Rd, Hurstville NSW 2220, is a butcher shop drawing a range of opinions from the local community. With a rating of 3.3 out of 5, the experiences reported appear to be quite varied. The shop operates with extensive hours, open from 8 AM to 10 PM every day of the week, making it a convenient option for Hurstville residents. Accessibility is a plus, boasting a wheelchair accessible entrance. Payment options are modern, accepting credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments. The establishment’s “about facilities” highlight quick visit planning, catering to those grabbing a fast-paced meat purchase.
The Good: Quality Meats & Marinated Delights
Several reviewers consistently praise Lekali Meats for the quality of their meats. A recurring theme is the excellence of their marinated options, particularly the lamb. As one satisfied customer put it, “one of the best place for all varieties of meat including their own special marinated lambs, chickens and porks.”
Here’s a breakdown of what customers enjoy:
- Marinated Lamb: Many reviewers sing the praises of Lekali Meats' marinated lamb, guaranteeing a delicious taste and recommending it as a "must try".
- Variety: The butcher shop is often described as a "good Nepali butcher" with a wide range of meat products available. This caters to different culinary preferences and needs.
- Reasonable Prices: While not the sole focus, several customers note that prices are "fair," which, coupled with quality, makes it a compelling option.
- Knowledgeable Staff: Positive experiences mention staff who are knowledgeable about their offerings, aiding customers in making informed choices.
- Consistent Quality: One long-term customer states, “I have bought different meat products from this butchery in different times. The products received from this butchery found to be always excellent."
One reviewer even gave Lekali Meats an impressive 8.5/10, highlighting the overall positive experience.
The Bad: Freshness Concerns & Customer Service Issues
Unfortunately, the reviews aren’t all positive. A significant and concerning recurring complaint revolves around the freshness of the meat. A particularly alarming incident involved a customer purchasing pork that was "not fresh at all," exhibiting a "strong off-putting smell, was greyish in color, and had a slimy, sticky texture." This highlights a serious potential health risk.
Beyond freshness concerns, customer service consistently emerges as a significant area needing improvement.
Here’s a summary of negative feedback:
- Spoiled Meat: The incident described above emphasizes the importance of stringent freshness checks and quality control procedures.
- Rude Staff: Multiple reviewers cite rude or dismissive customer service. One complaint specifically mentioned a staff member appearing “annoyed by seeing customers." This impacts the overall shopping experience.
- Inaccurate Orders: Another customer reported receiving a significantly larger quantity and a different cut of meat than what they ordered (halfg kg of boneless mutton replaced with over 1kg of bone mutton with no prior consultation). There were complaints regarding being forced to purchase ext