Sauma

A Northbridge favourite for casual Indian feasting.

The adage ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ rings true regarding this modern(ish) Indian stalwart. In a locality where venues come and go as fast as the nearby State Theatre raises and lowers its curtain, Sauma has been a fixture for Northbridge diners for over eight years. Staff provide a warm welcome, and while it’s not a groundbreaking menu, the offering is substantial, and there’s a casual sense of occasion among diners. Tables of friends, family gatherings, date nights, and pre-theatre crowds fill the space with an energetic hum.

Onion and cauli baji have addictive crunch, while chicken tikka aachari is perfectly executed with a fresh herbaceous sauce.

The food is made for sharing and centred around Chef Gurps Bagga memories of his Himalayan upbringing. It’s impossible to kick off a meal without pani puri, those crisp-shelled street snacks, which are made even more enticing with the option of (for better or worse) a tequila shot. Onion and cauli baji have addictive crunch, while chicken tikka aachari is perfectly executed with a fresh herbaceous sauce.

Even if the naan can edge towards stodge instead of lightness, a slow-cooked goat curry (bone-in for added flavour) and eggplant bartha have enough energy and lifted flavour profiles to keep things alight. Add plenty of choice on the drinks list, a handsome corner site, and atmosphere for days and no wonder Sauma continues to draw the crowds.