Santoor Fusion Dining has been a staple for Indian food in Dhaka since 1993, and during our recent visit, we were reminded of why they have managed to shine for so long.
Their Indian food needs no introduction, and we were mind-blown once again just by how consistent they remain. Their cheese masala dosa, chicken tikka masala, malai kulfi, and chutney, both coconut and mint, were delectable and definitely worth a visit, and if you've somehow managed to miss going to this absolute gem of a restaurant in the last 32 years, now's your time, and it's definitely worth it. We recently visited the Gulshan branch.
Food
We began our meal with cheese masala dosa, a South Indian classic, and they got it right. From the crisp of the dosa to the well-seasoned sambar, and the coconut chutney which was satisfyingly savoury, everything truly hit the spot.
At first glance, the potato masala filling looked a little small but it turned out to be just the right amount of filling. The savoury flavour thoroughly whetted our appetite. The sambar struck just the right balance between being tangy and savoury, and the coconut chutney was refreshingly well balanced, steering away from being excessively sweet, to our pleasant surprise.
Next up, we had the chicken tikka masala, which was an utter show-stopper. The tender chunks of chicken tikka doused in a thick, creamy, savoury gravy were exceptional. The chicken had a subtle spice level and the perfect charring.
The gravy had us going back for seconds, and the masala in which the chicken tikkas were simmered created a delectable base. Undoubtedly, their version of this cult favourite was our favourite dish of the day.
The mutton dum biryani followed soon after. It retained the flavours of a well-cooked dum biryani, with the potatoes cooked exceptionally well. The meat was tender and incredibly soft. Typically a heavy dish, this biryani was incredibly light on the palate, but equally soul satisfying.
The potatoes were the cherry on top of this already satiating biriyani.
Then, we had the chicken kasturi kebab with parathas, and while our expectations were high, this dish was a bit of a letdown. The kebab was evidently overcooked as it was overly charred and chewy, with the char bordering on burnt.
That said, the chicken kebab was served with a mint chutney on the side, and the chutney was outstanding. The chutney was a mix of tangy, sweet, and savoury. It paired well with both the parathas and was a great accompaniment to the biryani as well, but it was not able to save the chicken kasturi kebab.
We ended our meal with their pistachio malai kulfi, which was undeniably fresh and super creamy, packed with flavours of both pistachio and malai shining through. This light yet satiating classic dessert won our hearts over and left us smiling as we savoured every bite.
Ambience
Located on the 10th floor of Hamid Tower, Gulshan, Santoor exudes an old-time charm in its atmosphere that’s hard to miss. The deep maroon-shaded furniture, netted dividers, and brown partitions subtly break up the space without making it feel closed off. The large, open windows let in the natural light. The space is comforting, with dim lights, and will definitely make you feel nostalgic in the best possible way.
Verdict
Santoor proves that consistency is key. Having stood the test of time, Santoor has always been known for serving high-quality Indian food, and we can confirm that they still maintain their standards.
We thoroughly enjoyed the cheese masala dosa, the chicken tikka masala, and the malai kulfi. They were all top-notch, we highly recommend visiting Santoor with your family and friends for a delicious and nostalgic dining experience.
Their service is also excellent, with friendly staff members who are impressively well-informed and courteous, which was a breath of fresh air. They set an example for new restaurants, demonstrating how establishments can sustain themselves through consistency in both food and service.
