Sometimes, the best reunions are the ones that mix friendship, food, and a touch of nostalgia. Last Christmas, amid the winter chill and festive lights, we finally caught up with a dear friend from our Digital Marketing Bootcamp days. After months of intense coursework, group projects, and virtual discussions, it was time for something much warmer — good food and laughter. And what better place to celebrate our little reunion than Angithi Takeaway and Restaurant in Poole?
Angithi, a cozy and compact Indian restaurant, is the brainchild of our friends Sameer and Neha, a lovely couple from Delhi. Having known Sameer for a while, I wasn’t surprised to learn that he finally decided to bring his culinary passion to life. With his deep experience in the restaurant industry, he and Neha have managed to infuse Angithi with an unmistakable blend of authenticity, warmth, and flavour that’s hard to find outside India.
We arrived early in the evening, eager to try out their food and soak in the welcoming vibes. The interiors were simple yet inviting — the aroma of freshly ground spices and sizzling curries filling the air was enough to awaken our appetite instantly.
Our evening began with some Papadums with inhouse tray of chutney. We opted for some bottled water for drinks which instantly sets the tone for a relaxed evening.
Then came the star of the night — Hyderabadi Biryani, lovingly prepared by Sameer himself. The first spoonful was enough to transport me back home. Each grain of rice was perfectly cooked, fragrant with saffron, and layered with tender, juicy pieces of chicken that had soaked in the rich Hyderabadi spices. It had just the right balance of heat and aroma — not overpowering, but bold enough to make you want another bite.
The service, too, reflected the same personal touch. Sameer’s staff made sure everything reached us at just the right temperature, checking in frequently without being intrusive. It felt less like dining out and more like being hosted by close friends — which, in a way, it was.
We wrapped up our meal with a classic Indian dessert, Gulab Jamun, served warm and soaked in syrup. Soft, spongy, and irresistibly sweet, it was the perfect finale to a beautiful evening.
As we sat there chatting about our bootcamp memories, future plans, and the joys of starting new ventures, I couldn’t help but feel proud of Sameer and Neha. Opening a restaurant is no small feat, but they’ve done it with style, passion, and a lot of heart.
If you’re ever in Poole and craving authentic Indian flavours — the kind that remind you of home-cooked meals and festive gatherings — Angithi is the place to be. From bootcamp to biryani, it was truly an evening to remember.
