Sagar North Indian Restaurant

Concealed from the hustle-bustle of Bangsar, this lunch locale is perfect for discreet dates, spiced up with the help of tempting North Indian dishes offered here. The buffet is priced at RM35, and reigns in value when put up against its a la carte menu. Quality, not variety, is the focus. Several sterling selections like the tender tandoori chicken and our all-time favourite masala fish are what you should come for, and boost your meal with a helping (or two) of fluffy, fragrant biryani. The dhal curry too, deserves a mention for comforting flavours that do not overpower. Sagar's charm also lies in its excellent service — waiters whisk you a fresh basket of roti when you are seated and are quick to impart their knowledge on Indian food, particularly when you pause a tad too long in front of a tray. Drinks, however, are not free-flow so you will have to fork out another RM5 for a Masala Tea — it's worth it.
Avg price per person: RM40
Photo by Burppler Trisha Toh

Veer away from your typical group venues and traverse into the quieter parts of Jalan Maarof to find Sagar. The North Indian fine dining establishment is much less formal in the day, offering the best of their menu in a buffet line for only RM35 per pax. From the myriad colourful dishes on offer, make sure to whisk the masala fish and palak paneer (cottage cheese with spinach) to your table. Both are extremely satisfying when eaten with the complimentary basket of rotis. Fragrant biryani rice is also available from the buffet, but proceed with caution, as the staple invites with it the symptoms of food coma.
Recommended for 4-6 pax.
Avg Price: RM35
Photo by Burppler Trisha Toh

Tucked away in the corner of quiet Jalan Maarof, Sagar boasts two adjoining private halls suited for discreet dining. With its Daily Lunch Buffet (RM35 per person), which includes a bread basket and a soda, it’s not hard to indulge in a filling meal. Over 18 classic North Indian dishes are on offer, allowing visitors to sample across the menu without breaking the bank. Try the batter-fried bass fish fillet in masala sauce, eggplant masala and flavourful tandoori chicken on fragrant biryani rice, or dip a piece of garlic naan into dhal curry. When the weather calls for it, wash down your meal with their refreshing Mango Lassi (RM12).

Sagar easily tops my list of favourite Indian restaurants in the city. Their daily lunch buffet at RM35+ per person allows visitors to sample a chunk of the menu from vegetarian to non-vegetarian dishes, and it includes dessert and a soda drink. I tried everything on the line of trays but top highlights are all the classics done right - fragrant Briyani rice, Dhal curry, Fish Masala and Chicken Tandoori. Memorable food, speedy service, beautiful interior. Definitely good value for money and a must go for Indian food cravers.