Saffron Indian Kitchen, an East Asian Treat Right in Your own Neighborhood

Eating at Saffron is the experience of eating in a true Desi kitchen without a passport being involved. 

Named after the prized (ultra expensive) sweet smelling spice so often prevalent in Indian kitchens, you automatically expect quality, and are not disappointed.

Saffron’s unassuming exterior does not prepare you for the deluge of flavors that await you indoors. The small dining room is perfect for a quiet family dinner, a business meeting or date night. Because of the small size of the dining room, reservations are recommended.

My dining companions enjoyed a recent Sunday dinner consisting of appetizers of perfect crispy samosas ($4) served with two kinds of chutney for dipping: a savory cilantro mint and a sweeter tamarind, with just the right amount of kick to accentuate the samosas.

Among the entrees we enjoyed:

The Chicken Tikka Masala ($8 lunch/$13 dinner) was perfectly spiced, consisting of boneless chicken simmered in red curry sauce, accompanied by saffron basmati rice and mango chutney.

The Murgh (Chicken) Vindaloo, ($13) was an extremely spicy red curry of chicken and potatoes, served with saffron basmati rice and mango chutney. If you like your curry extra hot, this is the one for you. Each bite was delectable, eaten the traditional way with naan (fresh-made flat bread). Be warned: This will send you for your water glass.

Aloo Gobhi (potato and cauliflower curry)($7 lunch/$11 dinner) made me wish I had been born a child in India. I would not have made a fuss about eating vegetables as a kid if they had tasted like this. This is served with the signature saffron basmati rice and chutney, but is especially delicious when eaten with naan or roti in the traditional Indian way of using your flatbread to pick up each bite, instead of silverware.

Tandoori Chicken ($12) was exquisite, and served in style. The platter was brought out, still sizzling on its cast iron plate. This chicken is marinated in yogurt and spices for 24 hours before being cooked in the Tandoor oven. It is tender, moist and delicious and served with saffron basmati rice and mango chutney. This is a perfect dish for those who want to enjoy Indian flavors, but don’t particularly enjoy an overly (hot) spicy meal.

Shrimp Biryani ($16) was impressive. This traditional rice-based dish features a choice of vegetarian fare or a selection of meats (chicken, lamb or shrimp) in a spicy pilaf-style dish. The shrimp biryani featured large shrimp. It’s served with a cold raita (shredded vegetables, tomatoes, cucumber and mint with a touch of cumin in a yogurt-based sauce) that has a cooling effect on this spicy entrée.

I strongly recommend the desserts. If you love rice pudding, you must try the Badami Kheer.  It’s everything you love about the traditional creamy, sweet dessert, but with a burst of cardamom, almond and raisins.

This wasn’t on the menu, but was glad we asked the waitstaff if they have Khulfi. You should ask too. Khulfi is a rich goat’s milk frozen confection. Pistachio is the most common flavor available, and it is phenomenal … absolutely addictive!

Waitstaff are solicitous (if not downright psychic), ever ready with a pitcher of ice water to refill your glass. Even the most finicky eaters in our dinner party enjoyed their meals thoroughly.

Overall rating: Excellent! A fantastic choice for a quiet meal. Family friendly. Food is fresh, cooked to order, with quality, healthy ingredients.

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Location: 60 E. Butler Ave.

Phone: 215-540-0237

Website: www.saffronofphilly.com                

Cuisine: Indian

Hours: Open seven days: lunch, 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.; dinner, 3 to 10 p.m.

Dinner menu prices: Appetizers and salads, $4 to $9; entrees, $10 to $19; breads and accompaniments, $1.50 to $3

Desserts: $4 to $6

Reservations: Recommended, especially for large parties         

Credit cards: All major accepted

Alcoholic beverages: B.Y.O.B. 

Special features: Delivery available for ZIP codes 19003, 19041, 19096, 19004, 19066, 19131, 19010, 19072 and 19151