There are so many good restaurants that are opening up in Gurgaon that for someone like me who resides in Gurgaon does not feel like going to Delhi to check out the new eateries opening there. However I have been longing to try out Sanadige at Malcha Marg in Chanakyapuri of which I had heard some raving reviews from my friends about its coastal cuisine focussing on Manglorian region.
Located on the corner plot of the same market that houses Moti Mahal, Sanadige looks elite from outside. I ask the meaning of Sanadige and am told ‘Sana-di-ge’ is a ‘Tulu’ term for the word ‘brass lamp’ that adorns the restaurant. The dimly lit lamps lend a touch of class to its interiors. The restaurant is spread over 3-floors with a terrace and it has a provision of hydraulic lift for anyone who needs it.
To start our meal, we are served with 6-kind of dips – Tamrind, Coconut, Roasted bell pepper, a pickle, mint and tomato. A person who is fond of the dips can actually make a good meal only by this.
I love the spicy Denjirasa (Crab meat soup). The soup tastes like a version of rasam with the buttery crab cutting down on the spiciness of soup with each sip. The Kori oruval is the boneless chicken cooked in Andhra spices and chilli paste. The chicken chunks are juicy though it could have done with a bit more spicyness that chef agrees on cutting down to appeal to the masses.
But my favourite here are Meenpacche masala (Kingfish marinated with green chili and spices cooked on hot pan inside a banana leaf) and Maanjitawa fry (Pomfret fillet prepared on hot pan). This pomfret seems easy to do and I will surely try it at home soon. It is marinated in lemon and salt water for around 15min, and later in dhania, jeera, red chilli using mustard oil. It is later pan seared in coconut oil. Try it and you will surely love this.
I am already full but still order for crab masala fry. These Sri-Lankan mud crab cooked are simply the best I have had not only in Delhi-NCR but in India. There is enough meat and I am forced to take the second helping of the dish.
I am not fond of desserts but here again the Eleneerpyasum which is a dessert made of coconut cream & pulp of tender coconut is so beautifully made and served in an artificial coconut shaped bowl that I can keep coming back to Sanadige just for this dessert. I end the meal with filter coffee and sweet paan to finish off the beautiful evening.
There are many things that go on in favour of Sanadige for me. Their preparation by a Manglorean chef, Sukesh, to lend authenticity is one but more importantly is their sourcing of seafood. The seafood comes here every second day from different parts of the country. Chef even showed us some live crabs. Thankfully it also goes beyond basa and sole in the fish section. Even though Sanadige is celebrating its anniversary, but it’s still a discovery for me.
Ratings (Out of 5)
Food: 4.5 | Ambience: 4.0 | Service: 4.5 | Overall: 4.5
Meal for Two: Rs3000 ++ | Wheel Chair Friendly: Yes | Credit Card: Yes | Alcohol: Yes
Address: Sanadige, Malcha Marg, Chanakyapuri, Delh | Phone: 011-40507777
Disclaimer: This review was done on an invitation from the restaurant. Due judgement and care has been applied by the author to remain objective and unbiased in the review, but readers need to consider this review keeping this fact in mind.
