The moment I heard about a new Indian Restaurant coming up in the Franklin Park area, I was like alright just another addition to the existing array of restaurants that line up on RT-27, but wait a minute, Samudhra is not your typical Indian restaurant you are used to go for a quick meal. It's a beautifully designed place serving a delicious fare. Like everyone has been saying, it's upscale, it's warm, it's energetic. The place has been done very tastefully, and can be seen a lot of thought process behind it.
We sat in the main dining area, which is separated by a wall that offers a semi private space for larger groups. The service was great and to the point. Now coming to the most important part, the Food! We got a few cocktails which were just ok, the $8 watermelon mocktail was not acceptable, two tiny chunks of soggy watermelon, a lot of syrup and some sparkling soda I guess. We ordered a lot of appetizers (see below) which were pretty much a hit or a miss, and we were so full, that we ended up not ordering any curries or naan, but with a Hyderabadi palate, how could we not try the Biryani :)
Here's how the food fared.
Paneer Tikka Kabab - Soft, flavorful & perfectly grilled
Dahi Ke sholay - Dahi felt like sour cream, bland and not much to mention. It was compensated as we sent it back.
Mirchi Bajji - Served Andhra style with chopped onions and squeezed lemon juice
Chatpata Gobi - A variation of Gobi 65, the flavor was good, but the Gobi was undercooked.
Tarkari Kabab - Not acceptable, even after it was taken for a replacement. They just couldn't get it right to grill. The inside was tasting like raw veggies and flour. It was compensated!
Kodi 65 - Highly recommended. Not too spicy, juicy chicken chunks, a different take on chicken 65
Machi Tikka Kabab - Salmon cubes marinated in Indian spices and grilled in Tandoor - Superb!
Lamb Chops - If you like Lamb, go for it. You'll love it.
Murgh E Kalmi - Highly recommended! Tender & juicy leg quarters with a very flavorful masala that coats the chicken
Jhinga Masala - Large shrimp, sauteed in a spicy South Indian style masala, was in between an appetizer and an entree
The gosht biryani was way too dry and the rice was dry too. Do not expect a Hyderabadi Biryani. The subzi pulao faired better than the biryani, and our vegetarian friends liked it.
Moving on to the desserts, the Qubani ka Meetha was delicious, rich and presented in a way that enhanced the joy of eating this Hyderabadi dessert :), however the Malpua Rabri disappointed badly, the Malpua was like a fluffy bread and the Rabri could've been way thicker, it was like flavored milk not a Rabri.
All in all, Samudhra was still promising and since we did not try any of their curries the rating is only for the appetizers and desserts. Oh, by the way the ambience, service and the food presentation were in tune with the prices :) !
We will probably give it another shot for a special occasion! read more