Everyone has their own idea of what “spicy” really means.
For some diners, a mild kick does the job, while others are chasing a full-on fiery experience that leaves no doubt.
That gap in expectations is exactly what sparked an unexpected online drama at a small Chinese restaurant in Tulum, Mexico.
A Three-Star Review That Started It All
Anvita Kotha stopped by Wang Tulum, a modest, hole-in-the-wall spot, and later shared a three-star Google review.
While she admitted the food wasn’t bad, she made it clear the spice level didn’t live up to what she hoped for.
According to her review, she and her companion ordered dan dan noodles and dumplings in chili oil, expecting more heat than what arrived at the table.
“Not Spicy, But Not Terrible Either”
In her write-up, Kotha explained that even with extra chili oil — and a bit of added salt — the dish still didn’t hit the spicy notes she was craving.
Still, she didn’t dismiss the restaurant outright.
She mentioned enjoying other parts of the experience, including matcha lattes made with what she described as premium matcha powder, and appreciated the availability of outdoor seating.
The Owner’s Fiery Response
What might have remained a fairly ordinary review quickly escalated when the restaurant owner fired back with a sharp and sarcastic response.
Clearly offended, the owner mocked the idea that the restaurant should adjust its recipes to suit one reviewer’s taste, taking aim at Kotha’s status as a Google reviewer in the process.
“We Don’t Cater to Everyone’s Taste”
The response didn’t stop at sarcasm.
The owner went on a full rant, insisting that restaurants are entitled to cook the way they choose and shouldn’t feel obligated to meet every customer’s personal expectations.
Labeling the reviewer as “self-entitled,” the owner doubled down, saying they had no intention of changing their food to suit individual preferences and even suggested she open her own restaurant instead.
Social Media Takes Sides
Once the exchange spread online, opinions quickly split.
Some people applauded the owner for standing their ground and defending their cooking style.
Others felt the reaction was unnecessarily aggressive, pointing out that the owner appears to respond just as harshly to any mildly negative feedback.
The Bigger Debate About Reviews
The incident also reopened a wider discussion about online ratings.
Several commenters noted that a three-star review, while meant to signal something average or mixed, can still hurt a small business.
Others felt Kotha’s review was useful, arguing it helps future diners decide what to order — or what to skip — especially if they’re specifically craving spicy food.
From Backlash to Free Publicity
Not everyone saw the drama as a negative.
A handful of commenters joked that the heated exchange made the restaurant even more appealing, calling it accidental marketing that now had them curious enough to visit in person.
So, What Happens Next?
Whether this clash cools down or continues to simmer, one thing is clear: when it comes to food, taste is personal — and sometimes, a simple comment about spice can ignite a much bigger fire online.
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