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Discovering Authentic South Indian Cuisine at Sambarpot: A Hidden Gem in Lajpat Nagar
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Food Review: Sambarpot: Where Every Bite Tells a Story of South Indian Heritage and Hospitality
Address: I-1a, Ground Floor, 2, Road, Central Market, Delhi 110024
Delhi, renowned for its culinary diversity, boasts a plethora of gastronomic delights ranging from global flavors to traditional Indian delicacies. Yet, amidst this vibrant culinary landscape, the availability of authentic South Indian cuisine often seemed limited to me, until my recent discovery which led me to Sambarpot in the heart of Lajpat Nagar, Delhi. Intrigued by the rave reviews this place has received, my family and I embarked on a culinary journey to explore this hidden gem, eager to indulge in the authentic flavors of South India. Upon stepping into Sambar Pot, we were immediately captivated by its charming yet minimalistic decor, reminiscent of traditional South Indian aesthetics.
SAMBARPOT, LAJPAT NAGAR, DELHI.
The rustic wooden furniture, adorned with greenery, coupled with the presence of traditional artifacts on its walls, exuded an inviting ambiance. Furthermore, I was pleasantly surprised seeing the sight of a Panditji performing evening aarti to the statue of Lord Krishna further which enhanced the cultural richness of the space. Upon exploring the interiors, we were pleasantly surprised to encounter a charming wall adorned with artwork created by children, including drawings and paintings.
Intrigued by this delightful display, we inquired further and learned that Sambarpot actively engages young guests by encouraging them to unleash their creativity through art while dining with their families. This thoughtful gesture not only adds a personal touch to the ambiance but also fosters a warm and inclusive atmosphere, making it a place where everyone feels welcome and appreciated. Sambarpot, helmed by its visionary promoter Mr. Subba Rao, stands as a testament to South India’s culinary heritage. Inspired by his grandmother’s lovingly prepared meals, Mr. Rao envisioned a space where the fresh flavors and aromas of authentic South Indian delicacies and some fusion recipes could be savored in Delhi’s plush NCR region. As I perused the menu, I was delighted to find a wide array of dishes, ranging far beyond from classic old favorites like dosa and idli to more tantalizing options such as appam and Malabari porotta and the list was endless.
COLD FILTER COFFEE
Upon perusing the menu, we were greeted with an abundance of drink and food options that left us feeling spoiled for choice. For thirst-quenchers, the selection was diverse, offering refreshing lassis, rose-infused beverages, and the irresistible filter cold coffee. As we delved into the food menu, we were met with an impressive array of offerings, including tantalizing dishes like Malabari porotta with vegetable kurma, appams with vegetable kurma, and a variety of idlis and dosas meticulously crafted with fresh ingredients and cooked to perfection using traditional South Indian techniques. We got to meet Chef Rajadurai who gave us a peek into the menu that included delicacies of vast variety starting From lassis, refreshing rose infused drink, Buttermilk, Filter cold coffee,and the lavish food menu which includes Malabari Porotta with vegetable kurma that is kadala curry, Appams, Rice and Rava Idli, Dahi Idli, Button Idli, Idli Vada, Moong Dal Dosa, Onion masala dosa, Unicorn Masala Dosa, Mini pesarattu upma, Mysore masala dosa, Podi dosa, Butter masala dosa, Neer dosa, Gunpowder masala dosa, Rava paneer masala dosa, Andhra special thali, and the variety was endless.
MALABAR PAROTTA
The taste experience at Sambarpot was nothing short of sensational and we began our culinary journey with filter cold coffee, we ordered refreshing delight.. Unlike its creamy counterparts, this rendition was wonderfully balanced, offering a smooth texture without overwhelming richness. Its sweetness was perfectly calibrated, not overpowering but complementing the robust coffee flavor beautifully. With each sip, we savored the invigorating blend, making it an ideal choice for a rejuvenating pick-me-up that hit all the right notes.We started with the crunchy papads, which provided a delightful crunch with every bite. Paired with the aromatic South Indian rasam, the combination was a symphony of flavors, with the crispy texture of the papads complementing the comforting warmth of the rasam. Each bite was a blend of crispy and savory notes, leaving our taste buds craving for more.
PAPAD RASAM
Next up, the chili idli presented a fiery kick that awakened our senses. Stir-fried in a delectable gunpowder and distinct sauce, the idlis absorbed the flavors beautifully, offering a perfect balance of heat and sweetness.Idlis were infused with layers of rich flavor that tantalize our taste buds . It was a culinary adventure that left us craving for another round of this spicy delight. Served with podi, ghee, sambar, and chutney, each component of this dish contributed to its irresistible flavor profile.
DELICIOUS DOSAS
The podi added a hint of spice, elevating the dish to new heights of culinary excellence. It was a dish that embodied the essence of comfort food, leaving us feeling satisfied and content.for the main course, our culinary journey at Sambarpot took an indulgent turn with the Darbar dosa platter, a symphony of flavors and textures that left us utterly spellbound. This platter featured a trio of dosas, each a masterpiece in its own right. First up, the mini pesarattu upma dosa, a delightful combination of savory moong dal dosa and flavorful upma, offered a tantalizing contrast of textures with every bite. Its unique blend of ingredients and spices showcased the culinary ingenuity of South Indian cuisine.Next, we savored the mini mysore rava dosa, a crispy delight that captivated our palates with its robust flavor profile. Made from semolina and infused with a medley of spices, this dosa boasted a crunchy exterior that gave way to a soft and flavorful interior. Paired with sambar and an assortment of chutneys, it was a symphony of tastes that left us craving for more.Completing the trio was masala dosa, a timeless classic that never fails to impress.Mini masala dosa offered a tantalizing blend of flavors and textures in every bite. The crispy exterior of the dosa gave way to a savory, spiced potato filling that melts in your mouth, creating a delightful contrast.
FOR GET TOGETHERS
Each bite was a balance of crunchy, tangy, and aromatic sensations, making it a satisfying and flavorful snack.Amidst this culinary extravaganza, the Unicorn Masala Dosa emerged as a true showstopper, capturing our attention with its vibrant presentation and exquisite flavor profile. Adorned with a colorful array of ingredients, this dosa was a feast for the eyes, with the spices and seasonings blending to create a culinary masterpiece that left us in awe.And let us mention again here the signature Onion Pesarattu, a crispy moong dal dosa that epitomized the essence of Andhra cuisine. Served with flavorful accompaniments, including chutneys and sambar,Moong dal dosa presented a blend of earthy and nutty flavors, coupled with a subtle sweetness that distinguished it from traditional rice-based dosas. Its thin, crispy exterior yields to a soft, fluffy interior, offering a satisfying contrast in texture. Light and easy on the palate, each bite carried a delicate graininess, enhancing the overall dining experience. This wholesome dosa was not only flavorful but also a delightful departure from the usual, making it a refreshing choice for our mealtime indulgence.In essence, the Darbar dosai platter and its accompanying delicacies were a testament to the culinary excellence of Sambarpot, offering a symphony of flavors and textures that delighted our senses and left us longing for more. It was a dining experience that transcended mere sustenance, transporting us to a world of gastronomic bliss.
LAVISH THALI
Our culinary adventure at Sambarpot culminated in a spectacular crescendo with the indulgence of the Andhra special thali, a feast fit for royalty. As the platter was presented before us, we were greeted with an opulent spread that promised to take our taste buds on a journey through the diverse flavors of Andhra Pradesh.The thali boasted a tantalizing array of dishes, each meticulously prepared to perfection and brimming with the rich culinary heritage of the region. Starting with the pickle and gunpowder, we embarked on a flavor-packed journey that unfolded with each passing dish. The rasam offered a refreshing burst of tangy flavors, cleansing the palate and preparing it for the next course.The ghee-infused rice provided a comforting base, complemented by the hearty flavors of the dal and the aromatic spices of the sambar.
As we sampled the thali.The rice, delicately flavored with ghee, was soft and aromatic, providing a comforting base for the array of dishes that followed.The sambar was hearty and flavorful, with tender vegetables and aromatic spices infusing each spoonful with warmth and comfort. The pooris were crispy with satisfying crunch that contrasted beautifully with the softness of the other dishes.like potato sagu that was delicious, melting in the mouth and hearty.The tadka curd was creamy and tangy, with a hint of spice from the tempering of mustard seeds and curry leaves, offering a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the other dishes.The buttermilk served with the huge thali was refreshing and cooling, with its creamy texture and tangy flavor offering a soothing accompaniment to the spicy dishes.As we embarked on the sweet finale of our culinary journey at Sambarpot, we were greeted with an array of desserts like Yayasam which had a velvety texture, infused with the warm essence of cardamom and the subtle sweetness, taste of roasted nuts and fragrant spices its taste was delicious and left us longing for another spoonful. We also tried the kesari bhath, a traditional South Indian dessert, and that was a vibrant and aromatic delight. Made from semolina (rava) cooked in ghee, sugar, and flavored with saffron and cardamom, it offered a burst of sweet and fragrant flavors with every bite.
SAMBAR RICE
The golden hue of the dessert, tinged with the rich aroma of saffron, was a feast for the eyes as well as the palate. Each spoonful melted in our mouths, leaving behind a lingering sweetness that brought joy to our hearts.The sweet paan was the perfect conclusion to our culinary odyssey, offering a refreshing and palate-cleansing experience. Wrapped in a betel leaf and filled with a flavorful mixture of betel nuts, spices, and sweetened coconut, each paan leaf offered a burst of complex flavors that tantalize our taste buds.
CHEF RAJADURAI
The aromatic essence of rose petals and fennel seeds lingered on our tongues, leaving a lingering sweetness that lingered long after the last bite. Our experience at Sambarpot was truly wholesome, leaving us with a strong desire to return soon. We were delighted to discover a dedicated counter offering a variety of South Indian snack packets that can be bought too, perfect for munching on the go. From the refreshing cold filter coffee that gave us the perfect kick without being overly creamy, to the inviting ambiance and attentive service, every aspect of our visit left a lasting impression. It’s clear that Sambarpot is a gem worth revisiting for its delightful offerings and welcoming atmosphere.
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She has been there and done that. After graduating from Delhi University, she completed her diploma in Journalism from Bhartiya Vidya Bhawan, Delhi. Down the line, she completed her internship with National Herald Newspaper successfully,, and went on to Join Mainline Business daily, Business Standard. She also dabbled in image management and brand consultancy. She is a prolific writer on lifestyle entertainment, branding, lifestyle, travel, and politics.
Contact her at [email protected]
