Restaurant Review – The Sanam Tandoori Restaurant

Cooking in a traditional way has always been the priority at the Sanam on King Street Alfreton, and for the past 25 years they have stuck to that premise. Over that period of time they have seen restaurants come and go, some change hands. Their philosophy of providing quality food at a fair price has stood the test of time and they are immensely proud of their track record.

The chef was trained in the art of blending spices by a leading international chef which explains the extensive and mouthwatering menu on offer at the Sanam.

There’s everything on the menu you’d expect but  straying onto the ‘chef’s specials’ section if you fancy something a little more exciting will really excite your taste buds. The sauces at the Sanam are rich in flavour and there’s plenty of substance to them.

The Mirch Masala dish is full of strips of stir fried chicken with peppers, onions, tomatoes, ginger, garlic and a subtle tweek from the chef to add that special zing.  The ginger is delicate in flavour and doesn’t overpower the meal. The blend of spices ensures a very balanced flavour.

We always feel that you get what you pay for where food is concerned and the Sanam has that fine balance of quality food at a very reasonable price. Having dined regularly and had numerous takeaways from the Sanam it can be difficult to pick something new from the menu and not default to old favourites and so it was good to be able to chat to a chap who had come to fetch his takeaway and find out what he enjoyed. It was annoying to find that he had ordered the same as me! So no help there.

I’m not a fish fan but the fish dishes at the Sanam are very popular and having taken the grandchildren along for an evening meal one the chef prepared a delightful salmon dish which they polished off with aplomb. Oh, they did have some fries too!

The starters at the Sanam include regular favourites such as: Chicken Pakora, Daryayi Bazran  served with a delicate mixed nut chat, fresh salmon marinated in fresh dill yoghurt, garlic and chefs special spices and roasted in a tandoor. Adraki lamb chops, juicy slices of lamb chops, marinated in garlic and spices, cooked in a tandoor  and served with salad and sauce.

Mains include:Jalfrezi Chicken a firm favourite of mine, the characteristic of this dish is the puree made of tomatoes, green peppers and onions which is then poured over the curry. Perfect.

I’ve said this before in write ups on Indian restaurants that proper naan bread makes a lot of difference to a meal, and the Sanam specialise in them.  They are cooked in a proper oven and are head and shoulders above the anaemic ones that are often passed off as naan.

So we go to the Sanam confident in the knowledge that we will get what we enjoy and it will be well cooked, nicely presented, quality food.

All in all a cracking night out is assured. Advanced booking is always a good idea. Call  01773 830690