Although not listed in the Times
Food Guide as one of the top romantic restaurants in Bangalore, Sahib Sindh Sultan definitely
deserves to be on that list. Located in Forum Mall in Koramangala, SSS is a
place which is on the third floor, away from the maddening crowds, and is
flanked by the pub Firnagi Paani (run by the same group).
Ambience: As soon as you enter you are transported back into
another era… sounds corny, I know, but you really feel the effort which has
been put into the ambience here. It has been made to look like a 19th
century station platform with train bogeys. You can sit on the platform or in
the coaches, and it is the coaches that I would definitely recommend over the
platform, simply for having a slightly brighter ambience as compared to the
relatively sober exteriors. Palace on Wheels too expensive for you? For a small
slice on what the interior décor would be like, you should sit in one of the Coaches
at SSS.
There are also occasional
announcements about the departure of the trains, to impart a more realistic
feel. The waiters are also dressed as ‘conductors / ticket collectors’, and it
all add to the ambience and the experience.
Food: North Indian and Mughlai is what you would find at Sahib
Sindh Sultan, and yes, the food is rich, and well made to a very high order.
I’ve had the chance to sample both Vegetarian and Non-Vegetarian Fare, and both
are excellent.
To start with, try the Sultani
Sherbet, a mocktail. It comes with Saffron, and tastes quite nice. A kind of
mild flavour… though you need to shake the drink occasionally to make sure the
solid particles of saffron and silver foil mix and add to the taste of the
drink.
Then was starters, I had a palak
kabab (really dory if I don’t remember the name of the dishes), which was
really nice… and I normally can’t stand palak. Also, the non vegetarian kebabs
are nice, much better than normal restaurants where everything tastes the same…
do not expect a chicken kebab as an over fried morsel which you get at
Empire’s… at Sahib Sindh Sultan, the food id quite authentic, and the subtle
flavours between dishes is palpable when you try them.
For the main course, I’ve tried
out both the Rotis and a vegetarian / non-veg curry, as well as the rice… all
are well made, if very rich… don’t count your calories when you come here. The
Biriyani is fragrant and very nice as well, as is the Dal Makhni.
To finish off, you are offered
Paan, which you may or may not choose to have, depending on personal taste.
I’ve not had a chance to try out
the deserts here though.
Service: Service is fast, courteous and efficient at Sahib Sindh
Sultan. I have already mentioned the uniform of the waiters, and they do
mention if a particular dish will take a long time… and normally do deliver the
dish on time, as needed. Otherwise, they do not pester you too much.
Others: One thing which detracts it from being a romantic
restaurant is the crowds. Yes, unfortunately, SSS gets quite full on weekends,
and you will have to book a table perhaps even a day in advance… I didn’t get a
7:30PM table for four on Sunday when I called around 12 PM. Hence, the coaches
make even more sense, for you at least get a bit more personal space as
compared to the platform.
SSS is populated both by diners
and also people who come from Forum after shopping.
Every time I have ended a meal at
SSS, I was always asked by the waiter as to how we found the food (no feedback
forms), and to which I always reply, Excellent.
A nice place, with a great
ambience, and definitely a place for a romantic meal, especially in the coach.
A Meal for 2 with 2 Mocktails,
Starters and Main Course, will cost around Rs. 700 (add more for
desserts).