Saffron Desi

Category: Under £20

Indian restaurants are a little like fish shops. We all have an opinion as to which one is the best. Indeed, like most restaurants they can vary from night to night. Adding to that, what I like and you like, can be two very different things. That said, on occasions certain restaurants can be liked or disliked by the majority and very occasionally a real gem throws it's name in to the middle of the vastly competitive arena and causes a stir.

Saffron Desi has done this and done it in style. For me the big players in the arena for Indian food are: Aagrah, Nawaab, Akbars (however for me Akbars is dreadful, living on a bygone reputation) and of course Saffron Desi. Look no further than this relatively new restaurant if you want the finest curry around. As we all know if an Indian restaurant is frequented by other Asians then the chances are it is a good one. We dined early evening on a Friday. On arrival (7pm) it was packed, about 40% of the diners were Asian. We were seated in the bar area and within 10 minutes we were sat at our table. four adults, two children and a baby.

The atmosphere was buzzing Saffron Desi has a real vibrant feel about it. It is a fabulous venue that is more typical of a trendy bistro than an Indian.

This was the fourth time I had eaten here I know it's subjective, but if you ever go here, please try the lamb on the bone curry it truly is outstanding.So what did our miniature army order?

STARTERS:
Saffron Tandoori Mix: A special combination of chicken tikka, lamb chops, fish masala, and seekh kebab served on a hot sizzler platter. £5:50

Machli Masala: Chunks of haddock marinated in masala sauce with herbs & spices, then deep fried £3:25

Lamb Chops: Marinated in special masala sauce, then cooked in a charcoal oven on skewers & 2:75

MAINS: Kashmir Ke Khaliye:
An exclusive dish. Chef's personal favourite. It involves chicken or lamb cooked traditionally on the bone with a selection of aromatic spices and herbs. The chef has spent years perfecting his recipe. A thoroughly recommended dish: £6:95

Nihari Special: Chicken cooked off the bone. This dish takes extra time to cook in natural stock. Capturing all the flavours within the pot. £6:95

Sabzi Thali: This dish consists of 3 vegetarian dishes cooked separately and served with raitha (yoghurt). £6:95

Prawn Biryani: £6:45

Saffron Korma: Breast of chicken marinated in saffron herbs and spices cooked in cream and yoghurt sauce with cardamom and cumin seeds. Garnished with coriander. £6:95

SIDES
Mushroom rice, a giant Naan bread, boiled rice and chips. I did not realise we had ordered so much until I just wrote all that! The food here is outstanding, off hand I cannot think of anywhere that does better curries. Since doing this review we have re visited on two more occasions.

When writing reviews I occasionally stumble on somewhere that blows me away. Saffron Desi has done that. Apart from the staff forgetting to bring the drinks, I can't really pick fault. This venue is really very good. Even from outside it is impressive, with huge glass fronted door and a good view of the inside from outside, making it feel almost al fresco. Also look at the prices, extremely good value. You can pay more than £7 for a take away. Including the kids we all came to the same conclusion, Saffron Desi is the best Indian in this region. Obviously this is my opinion. However I do review restaurants as part of my job.

If you do venture here there is a dish on the menu that we were all too timid to try: Magaz (Lambs Brains). Perhaps it raises your IQ. I don't know.

Reviewed by Neil Saville

Review Summary

Atmosphere ♦♦♦♦♦
Food ♦♦♦♦♦
Service ♦♦♦♦
Value ♦♦♦♦♦

Contact Details

Saffron Desi
1362 Leeds Road
Bradford
BD3 8ND
T: 01274 663999