Saaz Indian Cuisine: Getting Sassy in Southampton

My family owned a restaurant in Southampton for a few years back in the 90s, and anytime customers appeared in the entryway my dad would anxiously scoot into the kitchen, fling himself through the swinging door, and peer over small rectangle windowpane safe from fellow humans. I’m certain most customers saw the two wide eyeballs topped with a thick head of straight black hair through the glass. But Lenny, my father, thought he was invisible.

Sameer (Sam) Mohan, the captain at the wheel of Saaz Indian Cuisine in Southampton, is about as opposite in nature as a wiry cat is to a sloth. He welcomes every patron as if he’s known them since birth, even if he’s never laid eyes on them in his life. His congeniality is so extreme that he’ll leave you mid-sentence during a conversation and make a goldrush on incoming guests.

We had never been to Saaz, but my sister and significant other had and had been wanting to take us there for eons. We like a good culinary adventure, and let’s face it - any kind of exotic cuisine is hard to come by on the east end.

The interior is what you’d expect from an Indian establishment; ornate but not excessively gaudy. Comfortable, but classy. The lighting is spot on, service on par as well. Prices are really fair, especially for the area. Sam’s wife Sonia should be happy to know he gives her credit – for just about everything. Whenever we paid a compliment, about anything, he was quick to return with a “Oh, that’s my wife.”

Now on to the star of the show, the food. Having been reared in Astoria, Queens I’m not a newbie to Indian provisions. My first introduction was an invitation to lunch at my schoolmate Bhargavi’s house. Her mom had prepared a table-load of platters, and I graciously helped myself to all of it. I had no idea what I was eating – what I did know was that my tongue and lips were scorched to a level 8.

I wasn’t invited back for a meal ever again; perhaps the family noticed me emptying my mouth into my napkin. But I’ve come a long way. I now indulge in peppers that are pretty formidable on the Scoville scale, and I do really love spices from Eastern traditions.

Back to Saaz.

Although I wasn’t entirely sure what the named menu items were, the descriptions were clear and inviting. We ordered the Steamed Chicken Momos (chicken dumplings served with beet root chutney), Shrimp Tikka Masala (shrimp simmered in a creamy tomato gravy with a succulent flavor of funugreek), Tandoori Chicken Wings (marinated chicken wings baked in tandoori oven) and a double of Garlic Naan. I believe I ate one order myself. Everything was authentic, delicious, and plentiful. I already picked out my dishes for the next go-around, which includes Samosa Chaat (crushed vegetable samosa served with chickpeas, yogurt, coriander and tamarind chutney), Alu Gobhi (fresh cauliflower and potatoes cooked on a slow fire with onions, ginger and tomatoes), Chicken Biryani (rice cooked with spices and served with a vegetable yogurt raita). I might have to go back tomorrow. pay Sam a visit at Saaz.

The next time you’re feeling a little plucky and looking for something other than the "yoozh,"  pay Sam a visit at Saaz. He’ll be very happy to see you.