Ssaanjh — Restaurant in Brookline

Ssaanjh: A Culinary Masterpiece of Indian Flavors and Artful Presentation

Location: Ssaanjh, 1012 Beacon St, Brookline, MA 02446 Visit: Saturday Lunch

If you’re looking for an Indian dining experience where flavor meets artistry, Ssaanjh is the place to be. From the moment my meal arrived, I was captivated—every dish was plated like a masterpiece and tasted just as good as it looked.

What We Ordered Dahi Puri – A delightful combination of sweet and sour yogurt mousse, mango, avocado, potato, and raspberry. Every bite was a burst of flavors, perfectly balanced and refreshing. Pani Puri – Served with tamarind chutney and starfruit, adding an extra layer of tanginess and freshness to this classic street food. Beetroot & Peanut Croquette – The prettiest dish of the afternoon! Heirloom beets, peanut chutney, and lemon sour cream made for an unexpected but delicious combination. I loved how the subtle nuttiness of the peanut came through without overpowering the dish. Farm Fresh Vegetable Biryani – Made with hand-picked veggies, caramelized onions, saffron, and nuts, this was a comforting yet elevated version of the classic biryani. Chili Cheese Naan – Spicy! But in the best way possible. A truly unique take on naan that packed some heat while still being incredibly flavorful. Garlic Naan – Fluffy, garlicky, and the perfect companion to the curries. Desi Murga Curry – A bone-in chicken curry cooked with Indian herbs and spices, offering deep, rich flavors. Ssaanjh Dessert Pot – A showstopper! Rose mint chocolate soil, ice cream, and edible flowers made for a visually stunning and flavorful dessert. Chai Martini– A unique and delicious cocktail that paired beautifully with the meal. The warm spices of chai in a martini? Genius.

Final Verdict: Food: 10/10 – Every single dish was a perfect blend of spice, sweetness, and innovation. Truly one of the best Indian meals I’ve had. Ambiance: 7/10 – A small, intimate space with only a few tables, but still cute and inviting. Affordability: 7/10 –Average prices for an Indian cuisine restaurant. Given the quality and presentation, it's worth it.

If you’re craving Indian cuisine with a modern, elevated twist, I highly recommend Ssaanjh! Every dish was a feast for the eyes...

Still taking baby steps into Indian food, but this was the best I’ve had in Boston so far.

Heard mixed reactions from my Indian colleagues, so I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. Boston’s Indian food scene has been really underwhelming, so I was excited to try this new elevated casual spot. Came here for lunch this past weekend and most dishes we tried had really well-balanced flavors that weren’t overwhelming with (unfamiliar) spices.

Pani Puri – Had no idea how to eat this at first. Apparently you need to pour the mango water into the crisp shell, which surprisingly holds everything without leaking. Lightly zesty and sweet, a refreshing start to the meal.

Amritsari Samosa Chaat – Our server initially suggested we skip this to avoid feeling too full before the entrée, but I’m glad we didn’t. I’ve never been sold on samosas, but this dish completely changed my mind. The chickpeas weren’t mushy at all and the dish was topped with earthy-sweet strands of carrots and beets that added some freshness. Surprisingly light for a chaat.

Shrimp Koliwada – Most straightforward dish of the meal. Lightly battered, well-seasoned fried shrimp.

Achari Salmon – Salmon was slightly overcooked , but the creamy onion topping saved it. It had a hint of umami, maybe from salmon roe (saw it in the description but didn’t see any) or seaweed, and some cream cheese. I wasn’t sure what made it distinctly Indian, but it worked. Probably not something I’d reorder, but I just needed some extra proteins for the day.

Saanjh Special Butter Chicken – Might be the best butter chicken I’ve ever had. Made mostly with chicken thighs, so the meat was tender and juicy. The curry had just the right level of acidity, and the drizzle of rogan oil on top added an umami-rich finish.

Garlic Naan – SO good. Thinner than the typical naan I’ve had, which made it airier and lighter. Topped with big chunks of garlic that, surprisingly, weren’t overpowering at all. They serve rice with the mains, but the...

I recently had the pleasure of dining at this incredible fine-dining Indian restaurant, and I must say, it exceeded all expectations! From start to finish, every dish was a masterpiece.

We began with an array of appetizers that were nothing short of spectacular. The vegetarian options, like the crispy and flavorful kale & sakarkandi chaat and the bursting with flavors dahi puri & paani puri, were absolutely delicious. The non-veg appetizers, particularly the tender chicken 65 were cooked to perfection, bursting with rich, aromatic flavors.

For the mains, we indulged in a few signature dishes. The butter chicken was undoubtedly the star of the show—smooth, creamy, and packed with the perfect balance of spices. The lamb saag was a delightful surprise—tender lamb slow-cooked in a rich spinach gravy, creating a deep, savory flavor profile. Similarly, the lamb rogan josh was a complex, fragrant dish that captured the essence of traditional Kashmiri cooking, with the lamb cooked to perfection and the spices harmonizing beautifully.

The seafood offerings were fresh and vibrant, Kasundhi Seafood Curry that transported me straight to the coasts of India. The combination of spices in each dish was divine.

To round off the meal, we were treated to a dessert that was the perfect ending to an unforgettable experience. The Ssaanjh Dessert Pot, was the ideal balance of sweetness and richness, while the Shahi Waffle was creamy and refreshing, providing a delightful contrast to the richness of the meal.

The ambiance of the restaurant added to the experience, with elegant décor and attentive service. This place is a true gem for anyone seeking authentic, exceptional Indian cuisine. Highly recommend it to both newcomers and seasoned Indian food...