Saathi Indian Restaurant Hexham
Set on Priestpopple in the heart of town, Saathi has built a loyal following as one of Hexham's longest-running Indian restaurants, serving Bangladeshi and North Indian dishes with a menu that goes well beyond the usual curry-house staples. It's fully licensed with a full bar, has highchairs for families, and takes reservations — a solid pick for anything from a quick weeknight curry to a bigger group booking.
What's on the menu
Starters run from the familiar — Chicken Pakora, Onion Bhaji, Chicken Tikka — to more distinctive plates like Chingri Ananas (prawns with cocktail sauce, herbs and pineapple, served cold) and Sabzi Baigon, grilled aubergine stuffed with vegetables and topped with a mustard-infused mint yoghurt sauce.
The main event is the Chef's Recommendations section, where the kitchen's Bangladeshi roots really come through: Komla Murgh, a Sylhet classic of chicken cooked with orange peel in a hot, spicy garam masala sauce; Shathkora Aur Gosht, lamb or chicken cooked with the tangy, citrusy Bangladeshi vegetable shatkora; and Murgh Modhu, chicken breast cooked with honey, fresh cream and ground cashew nuts. There's also a full range of traditional favourites — bhuna, jalfrezi, korma, madras, vindaloo and more — each available with chicken, lamb, prawn or vegetables.
For something to share, the set meals are worth a look, from a two-person Set Meal 1 (sheek kebab, chicken korai, aloo gobi, chicken pilau and naan) up to Set Meal 4, a proper spread for bigger groups. Vegetarian and vegan diners are well looked after too, with a dedicated vegetable thali and a good spread of paneer and vegetable side dishes.
Visit: 28 Priestpopple, Hexham NE46 1PQ
Phone: 01434 603509
Opening hours: Daily, 5:00pm–11:00pm