Dinner at Sindhu

Before we boarded our recent cruise on the Azura we had decided we would dine in Sindhu – Atul Kotchar’s restaurant which is a Asia-British fusion. We were able to prebook via our cruise personaliser but we decided to wait until we boarded, as throughout the cruise they would rotate between two menus. My partner who doesn’t like spicy food was a bit apprehensive but had agreed there was something on the menu he would try on either menu.

Whilst we were having lunch in the Verona on the first day we were approached by one of the Sindu waiters who was trying to get bookings for both Sindhu and Seventeen. He advised us for the cruise we were on there was a special offer on and was just £15 per person, and the sailing before which had been a two night cruise had been £25 per person. Some of you may recall my comments about the Ocean Grill on Oriana and this answered the question that yes P&O do increase the cost for the two night mini cruises ! We were also advised by the waiter that if we go to Sindhu on one of the first three nights between 6-6.30 we could have a complimentary bottle of wine – so always after a deal we booked for the second night which was the first formal night – and we were glad we had as we did not like the gala night menu in the main dining room.

On arrival into the restuarant we were shown to a lovely table which seemed in a more private part of the dining room. As we had never eaten in Sindhu we all decided to have something different to have – so I started with the Roasted Chicken Tikka with Celery & Appleslaw Salad & Chlorophyll Emulsion, and then followed by Pan-Fried Sea Bass with Garlic Mash & Coconut Sauce. Before the starters came out we were given poppadums with a choice of three dips, then came the starters, we then had a little taster plate, followed by the mains which not only had what was on the main plate but also had accompaniments of rice, lentils and another dish. It was then time for pudding and me and my dad decided to have the Warm Five-Spiced Chocolate Pudding with Tarragon & Blood Orange Sorbet but was advised would take 25 minutes to cook – which was absolutely fine with us as we were very full but had to try the puddings.

As I mentioned earlier my partner is very fussy and he had the following to eat: Beef Skewers with Garlic Chutney & Cucumber Relish, Pan-Roasted Beef Tenderloin with Enoki Mushrooms, Garlic & Cream Sauce served with Thick Cut Coriander Salt Chips, and the asked for just some plain Vanilla Ice-Cream as his pudding – which the staff were more than happy to do. This was on menu A and we ate from this menu both times.

The food did have some spice to it but you could ask for it to be more spicy if you wanted. We all agreed it was a fantastic meal and we were not rushed or made to feel we need to leave, so we decided we would be booking to go back there on our last evening which was my partners birthday.

Three days before we were due to go back I noticed a sign by the gangway advising if you ate in Sindhu on the 22/23 or 24th October and booked a table between 6-6.30 then again you would receive a complimentary bottle of wine. As we had already booked our table we did query this with the Maitre D’  and he said we would be able to have the bottle of wine and made a note on our reservation. Although our table hadn’t been decorated with balloons the chef did said one of the Chocolate puddings out with a candle and iced message saying Happy Birthday which was a nice touch.

I would definitely recommend a meal in Sindhu and for the cover charge of £15 for what you get is fantastic value for money and probably the best meal you will have on board. The only thing I am disappointed with is the different cover charges which is dependent on the length of the cruise – surely it should be the same charge on all?

Have you eaten in Sindhu and what were your thoughts? Do you think the cover charge should be the same on all lengths of cruise?