The Café at Saanchi - Authentic Persian Cuisine & Silk Route Aroma - Dining Experience — Restaurant in Bengaluru

I honestly don’t understand how this place is still surviving in 2025 with such outdated and unwelcoming policies. The owner is very old and clearly stuck in a past era — probably not fit to run a business today. He has banned laptops (yes, in 2025!) and insists on reservations before you even think of entering.

I had this café on my list for months and finally made the effort to visit — after dealing with traffic, spending 10 minutes just finding parking, arriving tired, and really craving a hot cup of tea — only to be met with the most unwelcoming experience. When I entered, there was no one at the front desk, so I walked straight to the tables. That’s when the owner appeared and immediately asked if I had a reservation. Without even a smile or basic courtesy, he followed up with, “Are you going to use a laptop?” When I said yes, he outright refused service and told me to go to another café.

What’s even more frustrating: Nowhere in their Google Maps listing does it mention that laptops are not allowed. If this policy had been stated, I would have either come prepared for a tech-free visit, or simply chosen another place—saving everyone’s time. And banning laptops in Bangalore, a city where having a laptop is practically part of daily life, just shows a complete disconnect from the city’s culture and reality.

There’s a way to politely explain a café’s policy — this wasn’t it. His tone was dripping with arrogance and ego, and it was crystal clear he takes pride in that behaviour — which is the exact opposite of what hospitality should be.

Cafés are meant to be spaces where people unwind and relax. In the old days, this meant coffee or chai with a newspaper or book. Today, laptops have simply replaced those newspapers and books — they’re the modern equivalent. Refusing to acknowledge that just shows a refusal to evolve.

Why would anyone choose to visit a place where the atmosphere depends on the mood and ego of the owner? In 2025, with so many warm, modern, and welcoming cafés around, this one feels like a relic — and not the charming kind. If you value respect, comfort, and a bit of basic courtesy, your time (and tea) will be far better...

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Saanchi, a hidden gem that captures the essence of authentic Irani cuisine.

Saanchi's commitment to providing an authentic culinary experience is evident in every aspect of the restaurant. The menu boasts a wide range of traditional Irani dishes, each prepared with meticulous attention to detail. From the aromatic saffron-infused rice dishes to the succulent kebabs and fragrant stews, every bite was a flavorful journey through the vibrant flavors of Iran.

What truly sets Saanchi apart is the personalized service provided by the hosts. The staff members are not only knowledgeable about the menu but also passionate about sharing the rich cultural heritage behind each dish. They took the time to explain the ingredients used and the traditional cooking techniques, making the dining experience educational and engaging.

The hosts at Saanchi go above and beyond to ensure that every guest feels like a cherished member of the family. Their warm smiles and genuine enthusiasm create a welcoming atmosphere that is second to none. I truly felt like a guest in their home, and it made the dining experience all the more memorable.

The environment at Saanchi is another reason why this restaurant shines.

In addition to the exceptional food, personalized service, and delightful environment, Saanchi also offers a range of flavorful beverages, including traditional Persian tea and refreshing sharbats. These delightful concoctions perfectly complement the dishes and add an extra layer of authenticity to the overall experience.

Whether you're a fan of Iranian cuisine or a curious food lover looking to explore new flavors, Saanchi is an absolute must-visit. The authenticity of the food, the personalized service by the hosts, and the inviting environment all combine to create a dining experience that is truly unforgettable. I left Saanchi with a newfound appreciation for Iranian cuisine and a warm feeling...

In a sea of bland, Insta-serving, trend led cafes across town now, the Cafe at Saanchi stands out for its distinct unique character and vibe.

Met up with college friends here for a quiet lunch a few weeks ago.

For starters, the space itself is absolutely lovely. It's on the terrace of a buckling that houses boutique shops and itself looks like a beautifully curated space. The tiled roof, the view of the neigbourhood tree tops and that little notice about a surcharge of Rs.50 for those working on their laptops all gave me an old school Bangalore feel, which I personally loved.

Then there is the owner of the cafe whose name I won't type in fear of mangling it completely (please forgive me). He was wonderfully friendly and welcoming and took the time to explain every dish to us. He also regaled us with stories of his own time in Bangalore over the decades, which as long time/ life long Bangaloreans ourselves, we loved. Thank you for your service, sir, you made the experience incomparable.

And last, but not least, the food. Finding Persian food in Bangalore - atleast the kind served here - is a rare experience, so that was a huge plus in and of itself. Since we had vegetarians in our party, we ordered a good mix of the dishes on offer and were not disappointed in any of them. The flavours aren't as intense as Indian food is, but they are different and good in their own way. You can see that the ingredients are celebrated in the preparation of the dishes. I personally loved the buttermilk like ayran the most, with its strong tang a lovely cooling point on a hot day.

Overall, highly recommend. I hope it...