Over the years I’ve tested a myriad of new products some good, some not so good. This week I was given a voucher to try a new food delivery system called Menulog. The term ‘food delivery system’ conjured up images of an elaborate Wallace and Grommit contraption, or a tablet that would cover all my nutritional needs. The researcher in me had to give it a go.
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Buddha Bar © The Ponder Room
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The website boasts over 3,500 restaurants in W.A and is free to use. Once I opened the website I was asked for my postcode and then given a list of 26 restaurants to chose from. This selection also offered 90 specials. There was a mix of Italian, Thai, Indian, Chinese and Pizza which was a category of its own apparently.
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Buddha Bar © The Ponder Room
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opening hours;,
promotional offers;
minimum order ($);
a speed of delivery rating out of 10;
an overall rating out of 5;
and a few reviews.
You could take a day looking at all the special promotions on offer e.g. 10% off, meal deals, free items or 10th meal free.
On this occasion I narrowed down my options by comparing the minimum spend, (since I was trying to keep within the voucher limit), and the overall rating. After that I pressed ‘pre-order’ which took me to the restaurants menu where items could be clicked and added to your shopping cart. This was much easier than having to find the paper menu in the bottom draw.
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Buddha Bar © The Ponder Room
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You can opt to pick up your meal or have it delivered. I selected a delivery time of 7pm. The meal arrived at 7.10pm and was piping hot.
It was a nice touch to be handed a crisp brown paper bag rather than just the plastic bag.
The food was delicious.
My Vegetarian Korma ($14.50) was full of big pieces of vegetables, which made you feel like you were eating something substantial. The rice ($3.50) and naan ($3.00) met the usual standards. With money left over I added in a serve of Gulab Jamun, fried dumplings in sweet syrup ($6).
As I put the leftovers in the fridge I pondered about this new experience:
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The website was very easy to use with no Wallace and Gromit loops or hastily added patches.
- I can see Menulog being a godsend when people drop in unexpectedly. Being able to quickly order in a Buddha Bar Tasting plate will be very handy.
- I can also see it throwing down a challenge to my usual ‘tin of tuna surprise’ homemade meals. I’m going to have to get a bit more creative.
- I did get a bit confused with the pricing until I realised that the $10 delivery fee was added on, but once you have used the site once you’d know this. It also keeps your orders on file so you can click the same order next time, which is handing when you can’t remember the name of the dish you ordered.
- An English friend told me they have had a similar system over there for a while and that it’s very popular. I can see why. I will definitely be using this again and making a trip to Buddha Bar.
- Well done to all behind this initiative, it’s clear that a lot of work has gone into it.
- I’m off to clear out the bottom draw in the kitchen that used to be full of old takeaway menus. Know what to put in the bottom draw I ponder ???
Stay tuned for information about a competition where you will get an opportunity to try Menulog.com
In the meantime for more information go to http://www.menulog.com.au/
For the Buddha Bar go to http://www.buddhabar.com.au/
6 Comments
That sounds terrific . Just what is needed when folk drop in for a Friday night quick drink which extends into “What meal can we get delivered? Looks like we’ll be making use of this service.
sounds like a good plan there Anon
I tried this once a few years ago when I was in Melbourne and was too tired to go out to eat. Got a meal delivered to my hotel room and was really happy then. I can only imagine that things have improved in the system since.
Great idea BIQ and probably cheaper than room service, I’d never have thought of that
Great photos and love the reference to Wallace and Grommit.
Thanks Chris, Always a good day when you can work in a Wallace and Grommit reference hey