The warmth of a mother's love

On Delhi’s Malcha Marg sits the beautiful Sana-di-ge, a seafood restaurant that has a unique conception story. Its comforting ambience, authentic dishes and warm service is only a part of its success. The key to its success is the way it holds on to its tradition and the blessings of a mother’s love. To know more about this restaurant, BW Hotelier spoke with Akshay Shetty, Group General Manager - Hospitality, MRG Group.

Can you share the story behind the inception of Sana-di-ge? What inspired the founders to establish this restaurant?

Sana-di-ge is the brainchild of Gaurav Shetty, Managing Director of MRG Group, embodies more than just a culinary endeavor; it is a testament to the love and care of a mother for her son. The authentic and delectable food served at Sana-di-ge is a result of the dedicated efforts of Asha Shetty, consort of K Prakash Shetty, Founder of MRG Group. Her secret recipes have been nurtured and passed down, reflecting her deep affection for her family.

Behind the creation of this remarkable restaurant lies an interesting story. When envisioning Sana-di-ge, Asha presented Gaurav with a challenge – to craft a menu that would not only delight seafood lovers but also cater to vegetarians. Recognising that Gaurav had grown up enjoying both seafood and vegetarian dishes, Asha wanted him to have the best of both worlds. Thus, she set out to create innovative and enticing vegetarian options to complement the already cherished seafood offerings. Her dedication to this task was the seed that blossomed into the concept of Sana-di-ge.

With her vision and hard work, Sana-di-ge came into being, but it was Gaurav who elevated the humble restaurant to new heights. Through his efforts, Sana-di-ge gained recognition on a global scale, becoming one of the most authentic coastal cuisine restaurants in India.

Sana-di-ge is not just a place to relish exquisite flavors; it represents the profound bond of love, care and emotions shared between a mother and her son. Celebrating love, heritage, culture and values, Sana-di-ge stands as a testament to the remarkable relationship between mother's dedication to her child and the relentless pursuit of culinary excellence.

What is the unique concept or idea that sets Sana-di-ge apart from other restaurants? 

Sana-di-ge has gained popularity for its unparalleled experience and authentic cuisine, catering to both seafood and vegetarian preferences. Each recipe is a result of years of experience, innovation, and a deep commitment to preserving the heritage value. These cherished secret recipes have been passed down through careful hands since the first restaurant's inception in 1999.

Our team of chefs, hailing from Mangalore, has been trained under the watchful eyes of Asha, ensuring that they uphold the best culinary traditions. With more than two decades of experience, they have become well-acquainted with our finest offerings. Every dish we serve not only delights the taste buds but also holds great nutritional value, as our clients' health and dining experience are of utmost importance to us.

We take immense pride in maintaining the highest food quality standards, which is why you'll find the same delightful taste in all our restaurants across India. Our core spices and ghee are sourced from a single trusted supplier in Mangalore, and all ingredients pass through rigorous quality checks before reaching our kitchen. At Sana-di-ge, sourcing and procuring ingredients are treated with paramount importance, especially for coastal cuisine, where the freshest seafood and finest ingredients are essential. Regular shipments of fresh seafood arrive from Mumbai, while the best ingredients are sourced from Mangalore to ensure an authentic coastal experience.

Our commitment to quality extends beyond the kitchen. A dedicated quality control expert oversees every detail, from meticulous checks during procurement to precise temperature control for ingredient storage, guaranteeing their freshness.

Not only do we serve exceptional food, but we also go the extra mile to add a personalised touch to our services. Guests are welcomed with warmth and hospitality, creating a sense of closeness and connection in our peaceful and soothing ambiance. When this is paired with our delectable cuisine, it culminates in the most joyous experience for our patrons.

Our tagline, 'Think Coastal, Think Sana-di-ge,' rings true for all our loyal customers who repeatedly choose our restaurant for coastal delicacies and memorable moments with friends and family. Sana-di-ge stands apart as a different and unique dining destination, where every aspect of the experience is carefully crafted to delight our cherished guests.

What is the culinary philosophy or vision that drives the menu and food offerings at Sana-di-ge? Can you highlight any signature dishes or specialties that have become favorites among your patrons? 

At the heart of our business philosophy lies the belief that good food creates beautiful memories. We are driven by a passion for exceptional cuisine, a desire to share the flavors of coastal delicacies with the world, and most importantly, to witness the smiles that light up our patrons' faces when they dine with us. Our commitment is to offer an unforgettable experience, characterized by high-quality food and world-class services for every guest who walks through our doors.

Sana-di-ge is not just a brand; it is an emotion that we pour into every dish we serve. Our culinary offerings are a fusion of culture and tradition, presented with a modern flair, aimed at touching and enchanting the hearts and souls of everyone who experiences our hospitality.

Our menu boasts a delightful array of dishes, each with its own devoted following. Among the favorites are the Neitha Kori (Chicken Ghee Roast) - succulent chicken chunks pan-tossed with authentic spices and clarified butter, the Mushroom Varuval - fresh mushrooms deep-fried and pan-tossed with South Indian spices, finished with nuts and curry leaves, and the Paneer Ghee Roast, a labor of love that takes 8-9 hours of preparation to ensure maximum flavor.

Our Tawa Fry Anjal is a fresh kingfish marinated with lime, turmeric, salt and South Indian dry spices ground masala finished with coconut oil and shallow fried in hot griddle. And not to be missed are our delectable Lobster dishes, a true indulgence for seafood enthusiasts.

Among our desserts, the Elaneer Payasam stands out as soulful combination of fresh coconut milk and fresh tender coconut pulp. It took two years of dedication and refinement to develop this perfect and presentable dish, making it the most popular dessert that our patrons simply must order.

Our passion for good food, dedication to authenticity, and commitment to excellence in every aspect of our service have allowed Sana-di-ge to transcend the boundaries of being just a restaurant. We aspire to create cherished memories with every meal and leave a lasting impression on all those who dine with us.

How has Sana-di-ge evolved over the years since its establishment? 

Over the years, we have undergone a transformative journey, expanding our offerings to cater to diverse segments of our clientele. In addition to our renowned seafood menu, we have introduced specialized menus to accommodate varying preferences and dietary requirements. Our commitment to embracing the evolving hospitality industry while upholding our core values and heritage remains unwavering.

For those following Jain dietary guidelines, we proudly present our Jain Menu, thoughtfully curated to adhere to the principles of this ancient tradition while delivering rich and flavorful dishes.

Our Vegan Menu caters to the growing number of individuals seeking plant-based options. With a delightful array of dishes, we ensure that vegans can indulge in our authentic coastal cuisine without compromising on their principles.

To bring smiles to the faces of our young patrons, we have designed a Special Kids' Menu. This carefully crafted selection includes some delightful dishes, ensuring that the little ones enjoy a memorable dining experience with us.

In tandem with the ever-changing landscape of the hospitality industry, we periodically introduce exciting promotions, always striving to offer fresh experiences and exclusive offers to our valued guests. These initiatives are undertaken while remaining true to our heritage and the essence of Sana-di-ge.

As we continue to evolve and embrace new opportunities, our dedication to providing exceptional cuisine and outstanding service remains our top priority. We take great pride in accommodating the diverse tastes and preferences of our cherished patrons while preserving the authenticity and traditions that define Sana-di-ge.

As an established restaurant, what do you see as the future vision and goals for Sana-di-ge in terms of expanding its presence?

Sana-di-ge is embarking on an exciting venture, as we plan to open multiple new restaurant locations in strategic cities of Mumbai, Gurgaon and Dubai. Through these expansions, we aim to introduce innovative dining concepts, reaching out to a wider audience in diverse regions. Our meticulous selection of cities ensures that aficionados of our cuisine can easily access our exceptional dining experience.

With each new restaurant, we look forward to connecting with fresh communities and sharing our unwavering passion for coastal flavors. The immense following and accolades received from both locals and visitors have fueled our decision to expand, aligning perfectly with the rising demand for our unique and cherished culinary offerings.

This expansion represents a natural progression for Sana-di-ge, a journey that will allow us to further enchant food enthusiasts nationwide, providing them with an unforgettable and authentic gastronomic experience that we hold dear to our hearts.

Finally, what do you believe is the most remarkable aspect of the Sana-di-ge dining experience that keeps guests coming back for more?

Though profits are a crucial aspect of any business, our ultimate mission at Sana-di-ge goes far beyond financial gains. We are driven by the desire to create moments of sheer delight for our cherished customers. Our dedication to elevating the dining experience from a mere meal to a memorable journey is evident in every aspect of our service, and this commitment shines through in the care and devotion we put into our culinary offerings.

What truly sets Sana-di-ge apart is our unwavering focus on providing a unique and exceptional experience to our patrons. This commitment to excellence has garnered us a loyal and extensive repeat clientele. When people think of coastal cuisine, they immediately associate it with Sana-di-ge, knowing that it is a place where they can create joyful and cherished memories.

Our ability to deliver such a distinctive and memorable experience is what makes Sana-di-ge truly exceptional, and it is the reason our patrons love to visit us time and time again. We take immense pride in being a destination that not only serves exquisite cuisine but also nurtures the warmest and happiest moments for all who step through our doors.