For some of the best Mangalorean seafood — and other coastal delights — in Delhi, come to Sana-di-ge in the centrally located Commercial Centre on Malcha Marg.
Sana-di-ge is something of a culinary miracle in Delhi. A seafood restaurant, not only has it survived for several years here — it has positively thrived. The thing is, seafood places in Delhi are few and far between. While there is a discerning clientele that appreciates seafood in the landlocked capital, the number is small. But with Sana-di-ge that seems to be changing. The restaurant is full day on day, so clearly patrons of seafood in Delhi are increasing.
The name, Sana-di-ge, comes from the Tulu language, referring to the ceremonial brass lamp that is lit on auspicious occasions in coastal Karnataka. The restaurant is located in one of Delhi’s greenest neighborhoods — Malcha Marg, Chanakyapuri — and is spread over three floors with a hydraulic lift to get you from one floor to the next.
The restaurant is known for its authentic flavours, original coastal recipes and fresh ingredients. Indeed, the success of any seafood restaurant depends on the freshness of the ingredients. At Sana-di-ge the seafood is flown in from Mangalore every alternate day. Guests can ask to see the live crabs, lobsters and catch of the day before it is cooked to guarantee freshness.
Apart from the flavours of Dakshina Kannada, offered in brass plates lined with plantain leaves, guests can also sample seafood from Goa, Maharashtra and Kerala from the pretty extensive menu at Sana-di-ge.
The place fills up fast, so reservations are recommended, especially for the coveted al fresco seating on the first floor.
Along with the food, Sana-di-ge depicts the culture of South Kanara not only through its décor but also through the staff attire. Indeed, the first thing I noticed were the stunning interiors. The ground floor is just a reception area, and you are soon ushered upstairs. An outdoor table had been kept for me but since it was a warm day, I opted to stay indoors.
The stunning Sol Kadi was a promising start to my meal.
One of the highlights of Sana-Di-Ge are the chutneys, which come in a cutting-chai caddy, to be scooped up with a variety of papads while you wait for the proper food to arrive. I think this is their version of bar snacks.
Soon the first dish arrived: a divine chicken ghee roast. It was a burst of flavours in my mouth and, as you know, ghee makes everything better.
Next up was the prawn butter pepper garlic. A Delhi favourite, Sana-di-ge does an excellent version here, the prawns doused in the creamy emulsion.
An array of interesting dishes followed, including a fiery fried fish and a mutton sukka. The standout dish, however, was the crab milagu fry, crab pan tossed with pepper corns, then stuffed back into the shell for serving.
Although quite stuffed myself, I pressed on with the Malabar stew and Mangalore mutton curry.
The biggest surprise was left for last, though. In a restaurant focused on seafood, unexpectedly good were the desserts. I sampled a trio of them: gajar halwa, malai coconut (which came in a coconut-shaped container) and the kesar phirni.
Chef Sukesh has done a stunning job of maintaining consistency and high standards so far from the sea, so hats off to him. Since the menu is so large, I’ll just have to keep going back for more — and maybe that’s the secret of Sana-di-ge’s unusual success.
Sana-Di-Ge, Commercial Centre, 22/48, Malcha Marg, New Delhi, Delhi 110021
Overall rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Max: 5 stars)
Food: 8/10
Service: 7/10
Interiors/Décor: 7/10
Vibe: 7/10
One dish we loved: Crab milagu fry
One dish that didn’t work for us: No such thing at Sana-di-ge
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