Saturday nights have me craving food that feels like an escape from the weekday routine. After a long week, there is something special about sitting down for a meal that feels both comforting and exciting. So last week, my friends and I set out on a mission for something flavorful and a little different: traditional Indian food. After scrolling through countless options around Baltimore and reading mouthwatering reviews, we landed on Sangam Indian Cuisine in Cockeysville, a cozy spot known for bringing the vibrant flavors of South India to Maryland.
At Sangam, the essence of India truly comes alive on the plate. Its menu spans a wide range of authentic dishes with a special focus on the bold spice-laden cuisines of South India. The restaurant’s warm and welcoming atmosphere makes it the perfect place for both first-time explorers of Indian food and anyone who grew up missing home-cooked curries and dosas.
We kicked things off with the Chicken 65, a fiery deep-fried appetizer that perfectly captures the thrill of South Indian street food. Each piece is crisp on the outside and tender within, coated in a crimson spice blend that pops with chili, curry leaves and garlic. The heat hits just right, balanced by a squeeze of lemon and a crunch of fried shallots — the kind of dish that disappears before you even realize it. It is the kind of appetizer that sets the tone for the rest of the meal, leaving you eager for more.
Next up was the Ghee Dosa and Chicken Chettinad, a duo that perfectly represents the richness of South Indian comfort food. The ghee dosa, a golden paper-thin crepe, arrived glistening and fragrant, its buttery aroma filling the table and drawing a few impressed looks from nearby diners. Crisp at the edges and soft in the center, it paired beautifully with tangy sambar and creamy lentil chutney, each bite hitting a balance of spice and texture that felt both nostalgic and new. Crisp at the edges and soft in the center, it paired beautifully with tangy sambar and creamy lentil chutney, each bite hitting a balance of spice and texture that felt both nostalgic and new.
The Chicken Chettinad, on the other hand, was a full-on spice symphony — smoky, peppery and aromatic with curry leaves and roasted masala. The chicken was tender, and the dark, complex sauce clung to each bite like velvet. Every spoonful packed flavor without overwhelming heat, giving the kind of depth that keeps you going back for just one more taste. With a side of basmati rice, it was the kind of dish that fosters a complex palate and lingers long after the last bite.
To finish, we dove into Sangam’s Hyderabadi Chicken Biryani, a true showstopper. Long-grained basmati rice shimmered with saffron, layered over juicy chicken marinated in yogurt and a secret blend of Hyderabadi spices. The fragrance of cardamom, mint and fried onions made it hard to wait even a minute before digging in. Every spoonful was perfectly balanced, the tender chicken, the spiced rice and the cool raita tying it all together into pure comfort. It was hearty and fragrant, the kind of dish that makes you wish you could slow down time just to savor it longer.
By the end of the night, our table was quiet — the good kind of quiet that comes from satisfied appetites and happy company. Sangam delivered exactly what we had hoped for: a cozy Saturday escape full of warmth, spice and stories shared over food. Whether you are missing home, exploring new cuisines or simply looking for a meal that makes the weekend feel special, Sangam Indian Cuisine is worth the trip to Cockeysville.
