first impression | Nestled in a strip mall in Chesterfield, Black Salt may seem unassuming at first. Once inside, you’ll find a sleek and modern interior—a fitting representation of its contemporary take on traditional Indian cuisine. Black Salt may be small, but the menu definitely delivers big when it comes to both flavor and variety.
must trys
- Pani Puri, $10: Puri are hollow wheat puffs filled with potato, shallots and chickpeas and served on a bed of crispy puffed rice. Pani is tamarind- and mint-flavored water that you pour into the puri. It’s a hands-on appetizer that makes for a fun and flavorful experience. Pani Puri is eaten in one bite, so it offers a striking mix of flavors and textures.
- Biryani Goat, $21: This dish is the epitome of comfort food. It offers a vibrant mix of aromatic curry flavors, rice and meat that is flavorful and filling. It comes with a side of yogurt sauce, which adds another dimension to an already top-notch option.
- Chicken Vindaloo, $18: Vindaloo is known as a curry that is not for the faint of heart. This dish definitely delivered on the spice, but the heat wasn’t so overpowering as to make it an unpleasant experience. It was just the right side of fiery—enough to wake up your taste buds without completely singeing them off.
- Chicken Chettinad, $18: If vindaloo is too hot for your taste but you still want something with a lot of spice, this is a great option. Thanks to the blend of spices, the curry is very fragrant and aromatic without being overwhelmed with heat. It’s no wonder this is the most popular chicken dish in South India.
- Shahi Tukda, $9: This dessert was a big hit with the entire dining party—it’s no wonder that it’s marked a chef’s signature on the menu. A traditional royal dessert, it consists of ghee fried bread in a rich condensed milk sauce. It’s a lovely end to any meal.
overall
Black Salt is a great addition to St. Louis’ pantheon of global cuisine. The menu is vast enough to make return visits almost a must, and the variety of dishes, ranging from classics to new fusions, means even diners with diverse or picky palates can find something to enjoy. It’s also a great option for takeout if you’re looking to make your night in a little more flavorful.
1709 Clarkson Road
blacksaltstl.com
636.204.6441
Pictured at top: Seafood Curry: Baby octopus, shrimp, mussels, clams and calamari cooked in South Indian spices and finished with coconut milk
Photo: Bill Barrett