What happens when Bangalore's best coastal cuisine restaurant decides to expand northwards? Well, nothing short of sheer magic!
Last week I was invited to a bloggers table at Sana-di-ge, a newly opened coastal cuisine restaurant in the heart of Malcha Marg market, New Delhi. The property has a capacity to serve over 120 people at a given time.
 |
| Sana-di-ge |
Sana-di-ge is essentially a Tulu word that refers to a brass lamp lit on auspicious occasions in the coastal belt of Karnataka.
Owned by the famous MRG Hospitality and Infrastructure group - the same name behind the Goldfinch boutique chain of hotels in Bangalore - Sana-di-ge is a seafood specialty restaurant for those who're unwilling to compromise on authentic taste and quality. It's the kind of property that has eluded Delhi for a long time. I kid you not!
In this blog post, I present the top 10 reasons to visit Sana-di-ge.
- The menu is absolutely flawless. From Soul Kadi (welcome drink) to crab meat soup ... from Anjal Masala Fry to Mutton Tellangana ... there were so many firsts at Sana-di-ge; you'll find it hard to contain your excitement!
- Sana-di-ge has a beautiful and breathtaking decor with ample space to move around inside their premises. The restaurant is divided into four levels - basement, ground, first, and second. The slow-moving, transparent elevator at Sana-di-ge is yet another highlight; get inside the elevator to take a classic tour of one of India's finest coastal cuisine restaurant.
- Once the sun goes down, Sana-di-ge offers its patrons a chance to enjoy an intimate, alfresco dinner. If you're planning to organize a private party with your loved ones, this is the place to be!
- Owing to its prime location, Sana-di-ge provides a much-needed respite from the humdrum fine-dining options available in the vicinity like the Moti Mahal Delux and Amour Bistro.
- You'll occasionally run into a bureaucrat, a diplomat, or a think-tank who're now finding their working lunch options become much swisher, courtesy Sana-di-ge. I was lucky enough to meet noted food historian and TV presenter, Ashish Chopra, whose first book, NE Belly (2006), showcases little-known recipes from the north-east.
- Sana-di-ge serves the best, authentic summer coolers - be it Ginger Minger (made of apple puree and apple juice) or Ping Pong (made of pomegranate, raspberry, and cranberry). These mocktails taste much better than they sound actually, I can assure you that. If you're a fan of mixology, the gin-based Watermelon Bramble should be your perfect summer drink.
- Want to try a unique, delectable South Indian dessert that'll leave you asking for more? Well, then don't forget to savor the Elaneer Payasam at Sana-di-ge. Served in an unorthodox coconut shell and made with a unique combination of coconut cream and pulp of tender coconut, this has got to be the best payasam served anywhere in Delhi-NCR.
- At Sana-di-ge, all masalas and ingredients used in cooking are imported from Mangalore. Even the ghee is homemade, which is why I believe that the culinary fare is authentic to its core.
- Dressed in traditional South Indian attire, the servers are alert and fully informed about the coastal cuisine at Sana-di-ge. You can also meet the Master Chefs and understand the story behind each offering.
- Sana-di-ge is the only place I know where mini wooden boats are used to present the bill.
 |
| Soul Kadi |
 |
| Ashish Chopra - Noted Food Historian and TV Presenter |
 |
| Ping Pong |
 |
| Ginger Minger |
 |
| Elaneer Payasam served in a Coconut Shell |
 |
| Elaneer Payasam |
 |
| Server at Sana-di-ge |
 |
| Mini wooden boats for bills |
Welcome Drink
Soul Kadi
[My Rating: 5 out of 5]
Flavored with garlic, this Mangalorean homemade chilled sweet and sour welcome drink sets a precedent for an unforgettable fine-dining experience at Sana-di-ge.
Soups
[My Rating: 5 out of 5]
You can choose from a wide array of delicious soups here. However, my favorites are listed below:
- Crab Meat Soup
- Vegetarian Lemon Coriander
- Chicken Lemon Coriander
 |
| Crab Meat Soup |
Salads
Papad - Masala/Plain
[My Rating: 4 out of 5]
Fond of popadums? If your answer is in the affirmative, then go for the scrumptious masala or plain papads, considered a specialty in South India.
 |
| Papads |
Starters
Paneer Ghee Roast
[My Rating: 5 out of 5]
Marinated cottage cheese (paneer) roasted over the griddle with homemade ghee and spices.
 |
| Paneer Ghee Roast |
Baby Corn Pepper Fry
[My Rating: 5 out of 5]
Baby corn tossed in three ingredients: black pepper, butter pepper garlic, and curry leaves.
Basale Pakoda
[My Rating: 4 out of 5]
Ponnanganni Keerai (Dwarf copper leaf) mixed with herbs, spices, and then flour, before being made into crispy fritters. Best served with chutney.
 |
| Basale Pakoda |
Mushroom Pepper Fry
[My Rating: 5 out of 5]
Fresh mushrooms tossed in two ingredients: black pepper and curry leaves.
Bhatti Paneer
[My Rating: 4 out of 5]
Cottage cheese coated with gram flour, marinated with Indian spices, and then cooked in a clay oven.
Anjal Masala Fry
[My Rating: 5 out of 5]
The Tulu word Anjal is used to describe an Indo-Pacific king mackerel or seer fish. This yummy dish is made of seer fish cubes tossed with homemade masalas; the end result is flavorful, not too spicy or dry.
 |
| Anjal Masala Fry |
If you have room for more, go for the following delightful coastal dishes:
- Chicken Ghee Roast
- Prawn Butter Pepper Garlic
- Mutton Pepper Fry
- Clams Sukka
- Tandoori Chaamp
 |
| Clams Sukka |
Mains
Chicken Dhansak
[My Rating: 5 out of 5]
Boneless chicken chunks cooked in lentil gravy with Indian spices, garnished with coriander leaves.
Mutton Tellangana
[My Rating: 5 out of 5]
Mutton cooked in homemade onion gravy and black pepper.
You could also try the following options in mains:
- Vegetable Gassi
- Falguni Subzi
- Prawn Gassi
Coastal Breads
Neer Dosa
[My Rating: 5 out of 5]
This utterly thin pan cake is prepared from rice batter, and is a popular delicacy from Tulu Nadu region in Karnataka.
 |
| Neer Dosa |
Kerala Parantha
[My Rating: 5 out of 5]
If you're not sure which coastal bread to choose from, simply order this multi-layered pan fried Indian bread that'll surprise you with its soft texture and crispiness.
 |
| Me at Sana-di-ge |
Finally, Sana-di-ge is not just a revered Bangalore establishment but a cozy fine-dining restaurant that truly understands the pulse of a Delhi foodie.
