Elektra - Himalayan Alchemy House

what once was a favourite place of mine left me leaving in TEARS. i was scared to talk to the gracious woman serving us to let her know that i didn’t like my order and that my past favourite drink the rose milkshakes cream tasted sour and the drink itself was bland only tasting of the vegan milk. the chef/ owner came to tell me he tasted both and i am wrong. he came with such a rudeness and anger inside him it completely shocked me - considering i’ve been here 2 times before and really loved the experience and food. plus the other lady who works there that has purple hair is so kind and understanding. he got really personal at the cashier for which he waited to serve us so he could try and charge me for my meal i didn’t like. he said that he doesn’t want customers like me and tried to talk over me when i was calmly trying to express how i felt. it ruined my morning when he told me i need help and mocked me for saying that his cafe was my favourite as i’ve only been twice before. i have coeliac disease and lactose intolerance so i struggle finding safe places - it really hurt hearing him laugh and judge me for simply expressing i used to enjoy his establishment a lot. when i started to tear up when i said “i’m unsure if he’s struggling with things at the moment and maybe that’s why he’s angry but i didn’t feel comfortable with the judgemental energy coming from him” he mocked me for almost crying and when i left he was almost yelling - saying i need help and told my friend that “ make sure she gets help” . this really hurt me to know there are people out there that make you feel like it’s bad to simply speak your opinion (in a polite manner) and that it’s wrong for showing any sign of emotions. the way he handled the situation was so extreme and he acted from a hurt place. i wish he didn’t take my distaste for his food so personally - the situation would of been a lot calmer as i was there with a new friend who i was excited to take to this cafe. what a shame and a hard way to start the day. 💔 i would like to add he tried to charge me for the milkshake and the avo toast i got to replace the porridge that had no flavour. the avo toast was delicious (apart from some unripe bits) but overall was really yummy and i finished it all, he then after our argument at the cashier desk when i said i thought i didn’t have to pay for the milkshake he got really rude and in a rage said fine then don’t pay for anything it’s a gift to you. but the way he said it was almost like he knew he had to do this to make up for how bad the experience really was … almost like he knew it would look better on paper for him to offer that. i tried to pay but he was so passive and extremely fake nice saying no no it’s a gift!!! after reading the other negative comments i can see this is a common theme for him and the fact he continues to defend himself in the comments after people share their experience really shows how much he doesn’t understand customer service and how he brings whatever he’s dealing with in his life into his work place .

This is one of my favourite places in Melbourne. They have the best chai I have ever had and I have had many chai lattes in my life. It is large and served in clay mugs which is perfect. All the milks and even let me bring my own since I am very picky. The food is amazing with lots of vegan, gluten free options and lots of options for meat eaters too! The staff are so friendly and always remember me. Love all the decor, such a warm vibe inside!

So many gluten free options for coeliacs!