Nestled away from the humdrum of city life, Sathe's Diner allows you to exist in tranquility in a cosmopolitan that can overwhelm you at times. Now, one might easily misinterpret Sathe's Diner to be an authentic Maharashtrian restaurant by the name of it but you will be surprised to discover a chic, multi-cuisine & aesthetically pleasing diner inside this place.
Located in Aaram Nagar, below Rangshila theatre in Andheri's Versova, Sathe's Diner became a popular spot soon after its launch. The diner sees writers, actors and people who prefer a silent space to be productive whilst enjoying a good cup of coffee and a sandwich. The interiors are a blend of warm lights and white paint across the place that easily allows you to get cozy, relax and rejuvinate.
Food Front
Sathe's Diner is Lalit Sathe's long-time dream come true. He worked at Prithvi Cafe for quite a few years, dreaming of owning a similar cafe that people look forward to visiting over and over again.
Summer Rush |
The multi-cuisine non-alcoholic diner offers a spread of delicious food and beverages. The manager at Sathe's Samson Pereira served us with 2 beverages to begin with. Summer Rush looked refreshing and one should have it as a afternoon beverage when one craves for a cold, minty, sour yet sweet blend of concentrations. Sathe's special coffee on the other hand will remind you a Starbucks frappe....only a coffee with a dominating chocolate flavour. It is creamy and has a thick texture that leaves a chocolaty after taste.
Sathe's special coffee |
Chicken Kebab |
Following the beverages, came a serve of chicken kebab. It was grilled to perfection in their in-house tandoor. The dish imparted a smoky and charred flavour. The kebab's texture unveiled itself, layer by layer and one can feel the juiciness with each bite. It was crispy on the outside while mildly soft and spicy on the inside...exactly how a perfect kebab is supposed to taste.
Crackling Paneer |
In a vegetarian starter, Chef Ravi Nikam served us a dish he called 'Crackling Paneer'. It is his latest take on tandoori paneer. Only, this paneer was marinated in Indian spices, dipped in 'papad chura' and deep-fried until golden brown. One bite of this and you can sense a flavor bomb. The crunch of papad along with the paneer almost melted in the mouth It was served with a side of classic mint chutney that complimented the dish perfectly.
Butter Garlic Chicken |
If you visit Sathe's diner, the one dish you cannot miss is the butter-garlic chicken. Prepared in melted butter, the flavors are rich and well-rounded, offering a satisfying blend of creaminess and umami with a touch of warmth. The smooth, velvety texture and decadent richness coats your palate with every bite. The garlic is the star of the show, lending its bold, earthy aroma and a hint of sweetness.
Chef Ravi Nikam serving his speciality, Cigar Roll |
Next up was the Cigar Roll, which was an advanced form of cheese balls. Their cheese filling was infused with herbs, jalapenos and chilli flakes to give it a unique flavor. At the heart of the cheese cigar roll is a gooey, creamy filling. Well, the only addition that can be made to this serving is a side of cheese dip with the crispy jalapeno chops. The golden, deep-fried pastry shell is thin yet crisp, providing a satisfying crunch. The cheese leaves a rich, slightly salty aftertaste that lingers pleasantly on the palate.
Chicken Dum Biriyani for the main course was the star highlight of the evening. The long-grain basmati rice was perfectly cooked, each grain fluffy and infused with the delicate aroma of saffron & cardamom. The chicken was tender and juicy, marinated in yogurt, herbs, and spices like turmeric, cumin, and chili powder. The slow-cooking (dum) process locked in the juices, ensuring that every piece is flavorful and moist. The aftertaste is warm and lingering, with the spices leaving a pleasant heat on the palate.
Ukdiche Modak Ice-Cream |
After we almost reached a food coma, the chef introduced us to desserts we could not say no to. Their dessert menu included 'Ukdiche Modak' ice-cream and Belgian chocolate ice-cream. Who does not love ukdiche modak and the 'saran' filling inside it? The ice cream was a nostalgic ode to the ganpati celebrations in Maharashtra. The texture of ice cream was creamy yet filled with dessicated coconut crunch. The Belgian chocolate ice-cream on the other hand has chunks of biscoff biscuits infused in ice cream that gave it a crunchy texture.
Sathe's is an inclusive diner
Upon entering the Diner, you are transported to a bohemian arena with the aroma of fresh Arabica Coffee beans being blended at the Barista corner. Another impressive aspect of this place that makes the interiors stand out is the fact that they moulded a tree that was intruding the space into a green corner with a mini water stream flowing through it.
This makes it a perfect corner for visitors to grab a coffee and read a book alongside the sound of flowing water. This unique place has also received appreciation from renowned actors such as Piyush Mishra, Ahana Kumbra, Johnny Lever and more who frequently visit Sathe's and recommend it too.
