Zaffron Kitchen

Zaffron Kitchen
135 East Coast Road

3 Gateway Drive
#01-20 Westgate

https://zaffronkitchen.com/

Gajar Ka Halwa (SGD $9)

From Casual Eatery To Mid-Range Restaurant, And Still So Good

(Ratings: On a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 = Worst and 10 = Best)
Overall: 7
Ambience & Setting: 6
Food & Beverage: 8
Service: 8
Value for Money: 7
Spent about SGD $35 per person.


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When it was established in July 2011, Zaffron Kitchen was a humble casual eatery, not unlike a modern hawker in standards. I visited in June 2012, and was pleased with the affordable and delicious food, clean ambience, and efficient service. Today, Zaffron Kitchen has gained much success, winning several awards for its traditional, authentic North Indian cuisine and flavours, even being included in the Michelin Guide Singapore 2016 Bib Gourmand list. Naturally, prices have risen since then, and they operate more like a upper mid-range restaurant now.

Ambience at Zaffron Kitchen is casual modern, with shades of black, orange, and wood. Closely packed wooden tables and metallic chairs line the place, with clever use of partitions to lend some sense of privacy. The warm lights cast a soft glow, and festive decorations go up during the respective seasons. However, the smell of roasting meat hangs heavy in the air, sticking to your clothes. Ambient noise levels can be rather loud when the place is crowded.

Service at Zaffron Kitchen has improved to restaurant standards. Staff are quick to greet and seat guests, once you push past the overly stiff main doors. They're helpful with the menu, and display good product knowledge if asked, however, some of the staff have heavy accents that make it difficult to understand them. I note they're quick to fulfill orders, and efficient at clearing up after each course or when diners depart. They also check for feedback mid-way through your meal.

Food at Zaffron Kitchen is distinctly North Indian cuisine, elevated over the years from casual street food presentation to restaurant style presentation. Expect bold flavours of spice, mild curries, and lots of roasted delights. Being awarded the Michelin Guide Singapore Bib Gourmand for 3 years now (2016 to 2018) is a testament to the consistent quality here. Portions are sized for communal group dining. Prices have risen since they transitioned from a casual eatery to a restaurant, budget about SGD $35 per person for a meal here.


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Zaffron Kitchen Exterior

Zaffron Kitchen Interior

Zaffron Kitchen Counter

Zaffron Kitchen Seating Outdoors

Zaffron Kitchen Seating Indoors

The Lassi Plain (SGD $5.20) is a popular yoghurt drink all over India, and comes in several varieties, including plain, sweet, salty, and mango. Lassi is a traditional remedy for stomach flu. The Original or Plain Lassi here has a thick, creamy texture, with the earthy milky flavour of unsweetened yoghurt.

Lassi Plain (SGD $5.20)

Lassi Plain

The Masala Chai (SGD $4.70) has a rich earthy bitter spice flavour, with a hint of sweet notes. Unless you're familiar with this, it isn't an entry level rendition, which is usually much sweeter in taste. Recommended ordering only for those already used to this beverage.

Masala Chai (SGD $4.70)

Masala Chai

The Tandoori Roti (SGD $4.20 per piece) is a type of unleavened Indian flat bread, originating from Punjab, North India. Tandoori Roti is made from dough that has atta whole wheat flour, maida refined wheat flour, water, sugar, salt, baking powder and yoghurt. It's baked in a tandoor oven, hence the name, then brushed with ghee / clarified butter. Has a fluffy stretchy chewy texture with a light grainy smoky flavour. I felt the Tandoori Roti here is among the better versions in Singapore when I ate it in June 2012, and it still remains as good.

Tandoori Roti (SGD $4.20 per piece)

Tandoori Roti

Tandoori Roti, in June 2012

The Naan Plain (SGD $4.20) is a leavened flatbread baked in the tandoor oven. Naan Plain is made from a dough that has plain white flour / bread flour, water, yeast, sugar, salt, baking soda, and plain yoghurt, brushed with ghee / clarified butter. It has alternating fluffy chewy and crispy crunchy textures, with a delicate bready sweet flavour. The Naan Plain is a decent choice of staple to pair with curries.

Naan Plain (SGD $4.20)

Naan Plain

The Naan Garlic (SGD $5.20 per piece) is a leavened flatbread baked in the tandoor oven, studded with minced garlic and coriander. It has a fluffy chewy soft texture, with a delicate savoury herbal spice flavour. I like that it's not too sharp or pungent, but well-balanced. More oily than I'd like though.

Naan Garlic (SGD $5.20 per piece)

Naan Garlic

Expected more from the Aloo Paratha (SGD $5.70 per piece), which consists of a thin smooth layer of spiced mashed potates within a chewy unleavened flatbread brushed with ghee / clarified butter. Has delicate savoury spice flavour, but not as fragrant or as flavourful as those I've had in India. Lacks both a smoky and spicy note. Could be better.

Aloo Paratha (SGD $5.70 per piece)

Aloo Paratha

The Dahi Puri (SGD $6.90) consists of small, crisp, hollow puri pastry shells, filled with mashed spiced chickpeas, tamarind chutney, yoghurt, sev, pomegranate seeds, mashed mung beans, chili powder, and coriander. Pop it whole into your mouth, and eat in 1 bite. You get the crisp crunch and tender textures, with sweet savoury sour zesty tangy spice flavours. Brings back memories of my visits to India. Highly recommended!

Dahi Puri (SGD $6.90)

Dahi Puri

Unlike elsewhere, the Pakora / Pakoda Mixed (SGD $6.50) consist of a mashed variety of lentils and vegetables. I detect at least chickpeas, white onions, and mashed potatoes. Has a light grainy crumbly chewy texture, with earthy savoury spice flavours... though I was expecting a crisp fritter instead. Decently tasty, but I'm not pleased by this rendition.

Pakora / Pakoda Mixed (SGD $6.50)

Pakora / Pakoda Mixed

The Seekh Kebab Mutton (SGD $16) has a tender juicy texture with robust meaty savoury salty spice flavour. It's made from minced mutton and cashew nut paste, marinated in yoghurt, ginger, garlic, red onions, powdered coriander, powdered cumin, salt, and eggs. Roasted on long skewers in the tandoor oven till it takes on a delicious smoky meaty aroma. Served with a bright mint chutney, and a fresh salad on the side.

Seekh Kebab Mutton (SGD $16)

Seekh Kebab Mutton

The Tandoori Mix Grill (SGD $32.50) is a good sharing sampler platter of tandoor oven roasted meats, for the undecided. It's served with a side of fresh garden salad. The Seekh Kebab Mutton is as good as before, with a tender juicy texture, and robust meaty savoury salty spice flavour.

The boneless Chicken Tikka features chicken thigh meat, marinated in plain yoghurt, garlic, ginger, red onions, pepper, lemon juice, salt, cloves, cinnamon sticks, cumin seeds, cardamom, and garam masala, then skewered and brushed with ghee / clarified butter. Their Chicken Tikka has a tender, moist texture, with a bold savoury sweet spice smoky flavour.

The boneless Fish Tikka features john dory fish or garoupa fish fillets, marinated in plain yoghurt, garlic, ginger, red onions, pepper, lemon juice, salt, cloves, cinnamon sticks, cumin seeds, cardamom, and garam masala, then skewered and brushed with ghee / clarified butter. Their Fish Tikka has a flaky, moist texture, with a bold sweet spice savoury smoky flavour.

The boneless Chicken Malai Tikka features chicken thigh meat, marinated in plain yoghurt, garlic, ginger, lemon juice, salt, and paneer farm cheese, then skewered and brushed with ghee / clarified butter. Their Chicken Malai Tikka has a chewy, moist texture, with a delicate sweet savoury sour smoky flavour.

Tandoori Mix Grill (SGD $32.50)

Chicken Tikka

Chicken Tikka

Fish Tikka

Fish Tikka

Chicken Malai Tikka

Chicken Malai Tikka

Seekh Kebab Mutton

Seekh Kebab Mutton

Seekh Kebab Mutton

A beloved North Indian staple, the Dal Makhani (SGD $13) here is boldy earthy salty savoury, with a thick, grainy creamy texture. Made by slow stewing black lentils for hours. Good!

Dal Makhani (SGD $13)

Dal Makhani

The Butter Chicken (SGD $17.50) has chunks of boneless tender chicken, marinated in a delightful creamy thick, rich gravy of yoghurt, garam masala, ginger, garlic, lemon juice, powdered turmeric, powdered cumin, chili powder, water, powdered cardamom, powdered cinnamon, coriander, fenugreek seeds, tomato paste, ghee / clarified butter, and full cream. This has a sweet savoury buttery spice flavour, with a pronounced smoky aroma on the palate. Their Butter Chicken is among the best selling dishes here. Compared to elsewhere, I find their Butter Chicken to have a richer milky creamy taste. Good!

Butter Chicken (SGD $17.50)

Butter Chicken

The Mutton Rogan Josh (SGD $18.50) consists of either cubes of mutton, lamb shoulder, lamb leg, or lamb shank, cooked in mustard oil or ghee / clarified butter, under intense heat. The dish is traditionally red / reddish in colour, which comes from powdered kashmiri chili. Other ingredients traditionally used to make the curry for Mutton Rogan Josh include alkanet / dyers' bugloss / alkanna tinctoria / ratan jot, yoghurt, cloves, cinnamon sticks, cardamom, pepper, salt, powdered ginger, cumin seeds, powdered asafoetida / asafetida, powdered fennel, and garam masala. A well prepared Mutton Rogan Josh should have tender meat, with a mild, but not overly spicy heat from the curry. There should not be too much excess oil in the curry. The curry has a rich creamy thick texture with a bold savoury spicy flavour, while the mutton cubes are properly tender, without any gamey flavour. I felt the Mutton Rogan Josh here is among the better versions in Singapore when I ate it in June 2012, and it still remains as good.

Mutton Rogan Josh (SGD $18.50)

Mutton Rogan Josh

Mutton Rogan Josh, in June 2012

Curry aficionados will know to be wary of any dish with the word 'vindaloo', an Indian Goan curry dish that is often among the spiciest dishes on any menu. Rightfully, the Seafood Vindaloo (SGD $19.50) here is righteously fiery. Chunks of fresh tender flaky garoupa fish and bouncy squid, along with less-than-fresh prawns / shrimp, are served in an angry red curry of garlic, ginger, white vinegar, salt, tomato paste, powdered turmeric, powdered coriander, powdered cumin, powdered cinnamon, pepper, cardamom, fenugreek seeds, ghee / clarified butter, paprika, and chili. Rich and thick, this has a bright spicy savoury sweet flavour, with a lingering burn that continues long after the meal. Those who love spicy foods will like this.

Seafood Vindaloo (SGD $19.50)

Seafood Vindaloo

The Palak Paneer (SGD $15) features soft spongy paneer farm cheese, in a thick, creamy rich gravy of pureed spinach, ghee / clarified butter, powdered cumin, and dried red chili. The cheese in the Palak Paneer has a delicate cheesy savoury flavour, while the gravy has an earthy vegetal sweet savoury spice flavour. The Palak Paneer pairs well with either Indian breads, or white rice. Nice, I liked this.

Palak Paneer (SGD $15)

Palak Paneer

The Bhindi Masala (SGD $13.50) features fresh crunchy lady's finger / okra slices, white onions, and bell peppers / capsicum, in a dry curry gravy of tomato, cayenne pepper, ginger, cumin seeds, garlic, powdered turmeric, powdered coriander, salt, chili, powdered asafoetida / asafetida, pepper, cloves, cinnamon sticks, cardamom, garam masala, and kalonji / nigella seeds. The Bhindi Masala has a mild, vegetal sweet spice flavour. Also known as Okra Masala, the Bhindi Masala here will likely appeal to those who usually don't eat this vegetable.

Bhindi Masala (SGD $13.50)

Bhindi Masala

The North Indian Methi Malai Matar (SGD $14.50) is a fragrant, flavourful dish. As named, it features methi / fenugreek leaves, malai / heavy cream, and matar / green peas, in a rich, smooth, thick yet mild curry of ginger, garlic, salt, cashew nut paste, cardamom, cloves, cinnamon stick, white onions, powdered cumin, bay leaves, garam masala, ghee / clarified butter, and pepper. Has a bold vegetal earthy nutty flavour, with hints of bitter sweet notes. Completely delicious, and pairs well with white rice. Highly recommended!

Methi Malai Matar (SGD $14.50)

Methi Malai Matar

The Dum Mutton Biryani Set (SGD $17) is a large set meal, served with crisp Papadum, cool creamy Raita (made with plain yoghurt, buttermilk, cucumber, mint leaves) which has bold herbal sweet vegetal flavour, and Curry Gravy Chicken. The star is the Dum Mutton Biryani, covered with bread to lock in the steam and moisture, served with a single hard boiled egg which is nicely eggy sweet. The fluffy basmati rice of the biryani separates nicely, and has a fragrant aroma with grainy sweet spice flavour. The generous chunks of boneless mutton are tender and moist, tearing apart easily, and have good savoury spice salty flavour. Super filling, this can also be shared between 2 people. Delicious and tasty Biryani, albeit a premium version of the dish.

Dum Mutton Biryani Set (SGD $17)

Papadum

Raita

Dum Mutton Biryani

Dum Mutton Biryani

Dum Mutton Biryani

Dum Mutton Biryani

Curry Gravy Chicken

They no longer offer Gulab Jaman (SGD $5.50) on the menu. This popular dessert / sweet consists of deep fried dough balls in a warm scented syrup. The dough balls in Gulab Jamun are traditionally made with milk powder, specifically buffalo milk, combined with unsalted butter or ghee / clarified butter, plain white flour / maida refined wheat flour, baking soda, water, and whole milk. The batter is rolled into balls and deep fried, but at a low temperature. This makes the outside slightly crisp, while the inside is still soft and spongy, with the consistency of cake. The warm scented syrup for Gulab Jamun is made with sugar, water, cardamom seeds, and rose water. Served garnished with chopped peanuts, pistachios, or almonds. Has a sticky bouncy spongy texture with a bold floral sweet spice flavour. I felt the Gulab Jamun here is among the better versions in Singapore when I ate it in June 2012.

Gulab Jaman (SGD $5.50), in June 2012

The Gajar Ka Halwa (SGD $9) or Carrot Halwa is a light, nutritious, sweet dessert made with grated carrot, sugar, water, milk, and garnished with almonds and pistachios. Because of its low fat content, vegetarian characteristics, ease of making, medium shelf-life and taste, Gajar Ka Halwa / Carrot Halwa is a popular dessert all over India and often served at most festivals. The version here has a sticky grainy texture, similar to glutinous rice, with a bold sweet vegetal flavour. Served with a scoop of creamy smooth vanilla ice cream, garnished with a mint leaf.

Gajar Ka Halwa (SGD $9)

Gajar Ka Halwa

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