My partner and I asked for 'Indian hot' food as Indian restaurants in Australia often cater for an Australian taste, which tends towards milder, sweeter food in most Indian restaurants. A person from India (or the UK), asking for ‘hot’ in Australia often finds it ‘medium hot’ or even ‘mild’ as they are used to more heat. The waiter refused to acknowledge the term ‘Indian hot’ and rather than accepting the spirit of the request, and just serving it hot as desired, he became pedantic. Although he reassured us the food would be just as in India, he talked over us, became corrective, bossy, confrontational, and it created an awful atmosphere, so we left without ordering and found somewhere nearer home and more pleasant in Mooloolaba, where the waitress volunteered the term ‘Indian hot’ herself! Customers are not looking for a sparring competition, just friendly staff, common understanding, and nice food.