A Sunday drive to The Kelpies, Marg and Hector have done this before back in 2014. The plan last time was to visit Sanam Tandoori Restaurant (5 Callendar Rd, Falkirk FK1 1XS), but due to Falkirk’s confusing road system we ended up elsewhere. Hector was determined to return for the Main Menu having been impressed by the Lunchtime Menu on a solo visit in 2015, Tempus Fugit.
The Kelpies were seen in late afternoon, winter sunlight, my idea. The sun set around 16.00 leaving us an hour before opening time. We did walk in to Sanam at 16.40 and were asked to return in ten or fifteen minutes. At 17.00 three tables were already occupied.
The Chap who first spoke thanked us for coming back. Service is not a topic I mention often in this Blog, at Sanam it is something quite Special. Never intrusive, helpful, and a bit Quirky.
Drinks were dealt with first: only a Small Bottle of Sparkling Water (£1.45) was available, Marg’s Soda & Lime cost the same. The Menu was provided, Tender Lamb did not feature in any of the Chef’s Specials or Popular Dishes, only Lamb Tikka. A Lamb Curry (£8.45) with an extra £1.50 to have it served as a – Bhoona – would be my fallback. We would take advice.
The Waiter was eager to ensure we would have our choices, Tender Lamb was not a problem. I liked the given description and so enquired about the Handi (£10.95), a Dish which can through experince, be anything the Chef designs. The Waiter was positive that this would meet my requirements. I thought Marg might go for an Interesting Korma, she had already decided upon the Nashilee (£10.95). A Chapatti (£1.00) for Marg and a Plain Paratha (£2.50) completed the Order.
For a brief moment I considered a Starter, then accepted that after – yesterday’s feed – at Yadgar (Glasgow), this could not be justified.
If we’re still hungry, we can order a Starter as Dessert – I suggested to the Waiter. Hector has a history of doing so.
Two long tables were set adjacent to where we sat, the corresponding groups arrived and the complex task of taking their Order got underway. This would give me the Opperchancity to see many more Dishes later in our visit. The arrival of our Order was heralded by the Mature Waiter uttering his distinctive mantra:
Charming young lady – as he placed our Order on the table.
The Chapatti was folded, a decent size, enough for Marg. The Paratha was served – Whole – as I believe they always should be. It showed signs of Layering but was far from Flaky. This was a – too doughy – Paratha to be considered Perfect. Little did I know when I started, it would all be eaten, a rarity.
As the Naan Breads arrived at the nearby tables I have to declare I was impressed. They were Large enough to share and had a decent Girth. Short of going over and asking for a piece, I can say no more. Should I ever return to Sanam, it will be a Naan to accompany.
Lamb Nashilee
Marg’s Karahi appeared to be filled with an interesting mix of Meat and Fruit, featuring large pieces of Mango with Tomatoes and a Fresh Coriander Garnish. The Masala was pleasingly Thick and certainly not Excessive.
A bit chewy, the Lamb – was an early comment.
This has Mango, a bit sweet.
It has a Kick as well.
Marg ate the lot, usually something comes Hector’s way, not tonight.
Asked at the end of her meal for an overall verdict:
It wasn’t the most memorable one, but pleasant.
Lamb Handi
Once more the blended Masala was pleasingly – Thick. The Heat of the Karahi was established accidentally, ouch, the contents were also – Hot! The Meat was plentiful, I counted ten Large cut pieces, none were as – chewy – as Marg had implied in the Nashilee. Sadly, it was most evident that Meat and Masala were strangers until moments before presentation; the Meat was giving off no sense of Spice whatsoever. As I ate I waited for the Masala Spice to kick in, this never happened. This Curry was in no way demanding. The Ginger Strips and discrete Larger Pieces of Onion in the Masala offered a slight diversity in Texture. There was an underlying Fruity Flavour giving a slight Sweetness, this was in no way – Strong.
The Menu: Very tasty and fairly hot dish – sorry, it was not.
There was nothing here to dislike, one had simply hoped for – better. In terms of – Handi – Ambala Deli Bar (Glasgow) have set the standard for – Distinctiveness of Flavour. At Sanam, I was left to puzzle what Chef was trying to create.
Both Marg and Hector ate every morsel, two shiny Karahi proved there was nothing wrong with our Dishes. The Waiter, remembering my comment at the time of ordering, asked if we now required – Starters. There was no need, we had eaten well. The White Coffee impressed on my first visit, (back in the days when Hector could drink Coffee and sleep at night) and so Marg was encouraged to order Coffee (£2.55). This also arrived impressively – Hot.
The Bill
£30.85 We were charged at a lower price for the – Tender Lamb.
The Aftermath
I tend not to leave a second Calling Card, and so we left with little fuss. The staff at the counter bade us farewell. The atmosphere created by the staff at Sanam is particularly welcoming.
Warning to the Curryspondents: with Lord Clive of Crawley resident from mid-week, there could be a Curry overdose this week.
