Cafe Saanchi: a place to unwind, celebrate or just sit still

Shaista Yacoob

The Cafe at Saanchi, a very unusual name, indeed. But when one walks into the cafe one cannot help feeling an aura of peace and positivity that could well be found in Saanchi , a city rich in Buddhist culture and tradition.

This is a charming cafe nestled in the cosy lap of this erstwhile part of Bangalore, on the third floor of an old bungalow in Richmond Town .It serves some delicious authentic cuisine from regions in and around Central Asia, Afghanistan , Iran and Minor Asia. The novel concept: to serve food from these regions but original recipes of food cooked in their homes on a day to day basis and bringing that into the café’s kitchen.To capture the actual essence of the places. This is not just a restaurant where you can find famous food from these countries but something that is delectable.

The ambience is very artistic with the infusion of natural light streaming through the glass tiles of the ceiling spreading its warmth and cheer wherever the rays touch anything at the cafe .What takes my breath away is the beautiful fusion of the new and the old. I say this because in the current times that are oh-somodern you can still find rare and antique furniture, art and artefacts blending in so seamlessly. The trees outside give a sense of being away from the city while you are right in the centre of it. One can’t help but sink into the calmness the cafe exudes.

Sitting here this winter afternoon, as the sunlight streamed into the café, I had a delicious lunch with Chef Kyou who has been running the cafe since 2017. As we sat talking about how and when he came to India in the 80s, he served me the most delicious Persian tea, infused with rose petals and saffron. The taste is very distinct with just the right amount of taste of rose petals.

The food then served was a delight both visually and to the sense of taste. Pasha platter, as it is called, is a platter of differently flavoured dips served with an assortment of breads. My favourite dip being hummus Beiruti, something I would love to go back to anytime.

The spiral kebab, a starter made of tender chicken breasts marinated in Iranian spices and herbs, and rolled and served in a skewer was outstanding. Each flavour is very subdued yet leaves an unforgettable taste on your palate.

Berry Paulo is a signature dish made with barberry from North East of Iran served with chicken in a gravy base with tomato and red capsicum. Cooked to perfection, the taste of berries that linger on your mouth is one of a kind.

Kyou or Kyourmars is an exceptional chef. He hosts many cultural events, private dinners and the cafe is very welcoming to all. It’s not a typical restaurant where you go formally to eat and leave. You can walk around, see the beautiful artefacts arranged around the cafe, and the chef is always around to share with you the story behind his food.

When I asked him about his journey – how he became a chef - he says that his first teacher was his grandmother who he keenly watched as she cooked . The rest was reading and learning through books and various courses he attended in Iran and Dubai. His first cafe was in Tehran. 

you is a connoisseur of art and poetry and it is evident that the cafe is not just about food. It’s about culture, tradition and friendships. It is where one can go to unwind, or celebrate or just sit still.

If you are looking for a cafe with a character and soul, Saanchi is where you need to be!