By TTI Desk
We got a chance to experience food from the popular restaurant – ‘Sana-Di-Ge,’ New Delhi, located in one of New Delhi’s greenest neighbourhoods – Malcha Marg, Chanakyapuri. The name Sana-Di-Ge means a brass lamp in Tulu. The restaurant is known for its authentic flavors of coastal recipes – Mangalorean, Goan, seafood and fresh ingredients. It is said to source fresh seafood every alternate day and guests are welcomed to see live crabs, lobsters, catch of the day etcetera before they go under the chef’s knife, to ensure freshness at its best.
The pandemic has seen a rise in online food delivery space and restaurants are on their toes to ensure that they maintain the freshness and quality in home deliveries as well. And Sana-Di-Ge hasn’t disappointed us. The packaging was eco-friendly, and the food delivered was aromatic and fresh. The journey of flavors started with the traditional Kurumilagu Rasam (a spicy soup prepared with tamarind and tomato, spiced with freshly ground roasted peppercorns). The soup was spicy yet refreshing and it just set the palate for the day. Then came the starters where we had the least expectation as coastal cuisines mainly focus on main course rather than starters. But to my surprise, the starters were yum!
We tried Paneer Ghee Roast (cottage cheese pan tossed with authentic spices and clarified butter), Mushroom Kalimirchi (crispy mushroom with curry leaves, fresh pepper and garlic), Baby Corn Butter Garlic (golden fried baby corn tossed in butter with pepper garlic sauce), which unfortunately turned cloggy when we ate them (but the flavor was good) and Anjal Tawa Fry which is fresh anjal slice marinated with lime, turmeric, ginger-garlic paste, coated with Mangalorean spices and shallow fried in coconut oil. We recommend Anjal Tawa Fry as the fish was cooked to perfection and the smoky flavor was true to its taste.
We had high expectations from the main course and gladly we were not disappointed. At first, we tasted Avail (a mélange of local vegetables tossed in the paste of coconut, cumin and other spices – a delicacy from Kerala) to begin with and the aromatic flavors from the dish awakened our senses. Then we tried Alambuarepu (flavourful mushroom curry spiced with Mangalorean spices) and Malabar Stew (a mélange of farm fresh vegetables simmered in coconut milk & finished with spices). Both the dishes proved why Sana-Di-Ge is not just a favorite of non-vegetarians, but also for vegans. For non-vegetarians, we recommend Kori Kundapuri (a chicken specialty from Kundapur of Dakshin Kannada region) and Konju Manga Charu (prawns cooked with raw mango and finished with creamy coconut milk), as both the dishes carry a distinct flavor and showcase the rich heritage of the coastal cuisines, carried forward by the Shetty household. Not to forget the flavor rich Thengina Kayi Anna (rice tossed with fresh coconut, crackled mustard seeds, and curry leaves) and super light Neer dosa (rice pancake), which is a perfect companion for these delectable dishes.
Then came the most talked about dessert – Elaneer Payasam (combination of coconut cream and fresh tender coconut pulp), which is one of the most popular dishes from the Shetty group. However, what we missed was the beautiful presentation as compared to the restaurant where it is served in a green coconut. Still, our senses could travel to southern India with this dessert! For us, the highlight was the deliciously rich and mouth-watering Badam Halwa (a traditional dessert made of almond paste, clarified butter and sugar) which was truly amazing. In case you’re on a diet, we advise you to stay away from it as you won’t be able to resist and will end up indulging!
Overall, a lovely gourmet experience we had by Sana-Di-Ge and would recommend to all who are missing their favorite restaurant, to order their take-away menu. Yes, you will miss the warm hospitable staff and cozy ambience of the restaurant, but the take-away menu is as good and will fill the gap with the same quality food and satiable flavors.
Also, if you are looking to get a feel of Onam in Delhi, do treat yourself with traditional Kerala treats at Sana-di-ge Delhi. Promotions starts from 18th, till 22nd August 2021 | Cost : INR 1599 + taxes (Vegetarian)
For Reservations, please contact at +91 40507777, +91 8197590773 , +91 9870651064