Satya

Best Indian dosa ever! Nice environment and really good food. A little bit overpriced but great food!

Satya seems to be the place that everyone raves about when the subject of Sandringham and its glorious supply of Indian foods comes up. And fair enough too, it is definitely one of the best options on the strip. With a menu that transcends the usual butter chicken — tikka misala — naan bread that is becoming a standard around Auckland, Satya has the options, and the expert knowledge, to provide an experience above and beyond some of the other eating houses around. The staff here are one of the highlights — they serve with a smile, happy to provide advice about what dish to go for, and you can bring your own wine — which is always a highlight for me.

You know it’s a proper Indian restaurant when you don’t recognise all the things on the menu. This place goes beyond the standard tikka masala/​butter chicken/​cheese naan genericness that you see so often, and gives a more authentic Indian experience. (Disclaimer: I have never been to India. Authenticity not verified.) Sandringham is well endowed when it comes to food from the Indian sub-​continent, but even amongst the plethora Satya holds its own, even to the point of standing out. While it’s not the cheapest Indian meal you can get in the area, it’s one of the most consistent and probably one of the nicest. Plus they sell deep-​fried chillies, which sounds like a terrible idea until you eat one and realise that it’s an excellent one. Takeaways are fine but dine in with an Indian beer and you get the full experience.

I don’t think it would be overstating things to say that for me Satya is a spiritual experience. Sounds dramatic but a couple of Christmases ago when all our babies were away with their other families (boohoo), my husband and I went to Satya for Christmas Dinner. We had noticed a sign in the preceding days saying they would feed everyone who came in the door on Christmas Day and provide a free drink as well. We weren’t even planning on going except that when dinnertime hit, it was Satya we wanted. So off we went to our local Satya in Sandringham Road.
We explained we would like to pay for our meal (much affable arguing and outright refusals) so we agreed to disagree, ordered from the choice of Chicken, Beef or Vegetarian curry and took our table for two. The place was heaving. Unfortunately many of the bodies that were partaking of such outstanding hospitality clearly were a long way from starvation mode. This made me really sad but it was Christmas so I got over it.
Our curries arrived with naan and rice and the portions were more than generous. I was sad again when I noticed some diners rudely demanding more bread, more rice, another drink from the staff who were frankly working their arses off and maintaining their cool in the face of such appalling behaviour. Karma will come for those greedy bad mannered BLEEPs I guess but it was pretty shocking.
Our meal was, as always, oustanding and it was nice to try a mild curry with potatoes which is something I would never choose for myself. It was creamy and perfect as are all Satya’s dishes.
As we left we insisted on paying what we usually pay plus a generous tip. They were so gracious and grateful that it literally brought tears to my eyes. I think we nearly hugged. We often order delivery from here and are more than happy to pay a little extra to see the lovely friendly faces of the staff members at our front door holding a bag of steaming healthy goodness. Namaste.

Where to start on the Satya menu? That’s easy: Dahi Puri, please. This delicious entrée doesn’t have «must try» next to it on the menu for nothing. It has six pieces, and the mix of yoghurt, boiled potato and chick peas with tamarind chutney and ground spices doesn’t only stimulate the taste buds, it makes you greedy — you won’t want to share.
Satya’s south Indian cuisine is full-​flavoured and a long way from the butter chicken you’ll find at your local food court. Deliciously affordable is also a plus. BYO wine (last time I went); you really shouldn’t be eating your Indian anywhere else.