SAFFRON, 421 WINDSOR DRIVE, CHELSFIELD, Nr ORPINGTON

If you're looking for this restaurant, it is situated close to Chelsfield Station, which is on the outskirts of Orpington, but miles away from Chelsfield Village - one of the peculiarities of the local geography. A pleasant, modern-looking restaurant which is larger inside than it appears from the frontage as it goes back a long way and probably seats not far short of a hundred diners in comfortable surroundings.

The thing that struck me straight away was the many different dishes on the menu. Although most of the traditional high street dishes are tucked away, prominence is given to their 'Show Case and Speciality' dishes. There are far too many to mention, but a sample of the main dishes are Mysori Murgh (chicken marinated in black pepper and Kashmiri chillis, cooked with coriander), Chicken Gastaba (diced chicken marinated in garlic, green pepper and tomato), Crab Malabari (crabmeat prepared with coconut, chopped coriander leaves, mustard seeds and onion - also available as a starter), Karaki Lamb (lamb with fresh coriander, garlic, ginger, tamarind and green peppers) - and the list goes on.

With such a tempting menu it was difficult to choose, but for some reason - atmosphere, smells etc. -  I immediately anticipated that the food would be good whatever we chose. And so it was.  The Goan dish of Chicken Xacuti was excellent, the coconut flavour distinct but not too strong, while the Chicken Gastaba was also very good, with plenty of chillies cooked in to give it a bite. The main dish of Vegetable Jalfrezi (spelt Jalfryzi on the menu) was a good selection of vegetables, lightly cooked and in only a light sauce so that the vegetables were all distinct and not mushy. Other more standard dishes (tarka dall, rice etc.) were all of a good formula standard.

For such a good selection of more creative dishes the prices were very reasonable, and at the time of writing they offer an excellent value mid-week (Monday to Thursday) special of main course, side dish, rice and nan for £8.95, or add a starter for £10.25. The portions were perfectly adequate, and service welcoming and efficient.

All in all an above average restaurant, serving a plentiful choice of different and tasty dishes, and one that I will look forward to returning to when next in the area.

 

Malcolm Wilkins - June 2009