Ahmed Sharif
Google
Last night I headed to Saffron Kitchen in Leyton with my son for a late dinner. We arrived around 9pm, and although the restaurant was busy, there were still a few tables free. I specifically asked to sit near the front, as from experience, sitting towards the back often means leaving with clothes that smell heavily of curry, which isn’t ideal after a night out.
We started with a jug of mango lassi, which is always a reliable favourite here. Sweet, creamy and refreshing, it was just the thing to settle into the evening.
For starters, we chose the smoked lamb ribs and the masala fries. The ribs were excellent, with a decent amount of meat, cooked until tender and packed with flavour. The masala fries were also a highlight, crispy yet juicy and coated with just the right amount of spice. At this point, things were looking promising.
Sadly, the mains didn’t live up to expectations. The butter chicken, once one of my go-to dishes here, felt noticeably different. It lacked the rich, creamy depth it used to have, and the flavour just wasn’t the same. The Dum Ka Gosht carried a pleasant charcoal note but again, it didn’t deliver the same punch as before. On the side, the garlic naan was soft, buttery and very enjoyable, while the pilau rice was fine but fairly ordinary.
Overall, it was a mixed experience. The starters were delicious, but the mains left me disappointed. It feels as though something has changed, perhaps a different chef or a shift in recipes, and the dishes no longer carry the same standard that once made this place a favourite.
Final thoughts: While Saffron Kitchen still has its strengths, particularly with drinks and starters, the mains didn’t hit the mark this time. I left wondering if it was simply an off night or whether the food has permanently changed.
