Dinner at Sanam Tandoori, Falkirk

We might not have planned it exactly, but having spent a slightly drizzly day wandering around Falkirk’s shops, I ended up buying a gorgeous dress from a lovely independent boutique called Quest, and I needed an excuse to wear it, so, even though it was a drizzly Sunday, we decided to give Sanam Tandoori a go.

The first good sign was that even on such a day, it was busy. We showed up at about 8 pm, without a reservation, reasoning that almost nowhere was ever busy in Falkirk, except on Saturday nights, and we almost ended up getting turned away. Luckily, after a short wait, they found us a table for 2. Next time, we’ll definitely book.

We settled down, ordered a couple of beers and a starter of fish pakora, which I always choose when I see it on menus because it’s not always an option. The batter was light, crisp and surprisingly spicy. The fish was chunky, firm and tender. We fought for the last piece.

 

Fish pakora

 

For my main, I chose a lamb tikka Nashidar because, again, I’d never seen the dish on any menu before. It features mushrooms, onions, ginger, garlic sweet corn and brandy! Brandy! Obviously, I was trying this. As with many of the dishes available at Sanam Tandoori, they offered extra green chillies for more kick. Having not dined here before, I decided against it and my meal was absolutely delicious just as it was. Fresh, fragrant and moreish, but all the same, I do like a little spice, so next time I think I’d add those chillies.

Naturally enough we chose a side of rice and a Peshwari naan to share. The naan was the kind that’s pink in the centre and drizzled with honey and was perfect for scooping up our curries with.

The only downside to the meal was being completely incapable of finishing it all. I don’t know what’s becoming of me. Honestly, I was ashamed. Still, they say every cloud has a silver lining and the staff were kind enough to box up our meals for us to take home – if anything they were even better as a leftover meal the next day.

Sanam Tandoori really impressed us – it’s good to know that there’s great Indian food available right on our doorstep and it’s easy to see why the place is so popular. We’ll definitely be back soon.