Zafran Indian Bistro: A Feast for the Senses

I wouldn't have tasted Indian food had I not come here in Riyadh.

I had a taste of it three years ago when I began eating lunch with my Indian officemates.  Since it was a small office, and most restaurants are a bit far, we bring our lunch from home and share our meals with each other. My Indian friends shared with me their homecooked kormahs and masalas almost every lunch time. Slowly, I began to crave for the taste and spiciness of Indian dishes. I slowly learned how to cook Beef Masala. (Yes, I tried one Saturday and it was a hit - at least for my husband!) Since then, I've learned to have great respect and love for this world-renowned cuisine.

A post shared by beth26 (@pixelsforfour) on Aug 7, 2017 at 4:54am PDT

Imagine my excitement when we tried The Feast at Zafran Indian Bistro. We came one workday, just after Maghrib prayer time, when most of the diners were still praying somewhere.

The restaurant manager warmly greeted and seated Fred and I at the family section. While waiting for the food, I had the chance to chat with the Indian waiter who patiently answered all my questions. (And by the way, did you know that there were times when I know something about India that other Indians are unaware of?)

Being both graphic designers, Fred and I fell in love with the well-thought of interior design of Zafran. I love the colors of the chairs. The aquamarine sofas complemented the brown and white wooden chairs. Most walls expose different textures. We feasted our eyes on the decoupage wall which is the centerpiece of the restaurant. You have to see it for yourself! It took Arab artist Jeffar Khaldi and his helpers three months to finish these walls. One part of the wall shows off Saudi history and culture, while the other half showcases India's.

Although I know we can peek at their open kitchen to see our food being prepared and cooked, I didn't have the time as I was busy taking pictures of the interior. But if you're there, feel free to do so.

I didn't peek because I know anyway how our food will taste like. I imagine it to be so delicious, authentic and fork-licking good. And I was right.

We like everything from the appetizer to the dessert. The plate of crispy pappadums with three different dips was a perfect starter to a sumptuous meal. I love the Chicken Kebabs while my husband raved about the Lamb and the Chicken Masala. The dessert consisted of Ras Malai, Gulab Jamun, Gajar ka Halwa, and Kulfi. Fred tasted them but I finished them all. I loved all the desserts! The Mango Lassi was something I didn't expect I would like, but I did. I vowed to myself that I will order this drink whenever I eat at any Indian restaurants. That's how tasteful it was.

The service was fast. The waiters were attentive. The chicken masala and rice, and everything on the platter of kebabs were served hot. I didn't complain about anything. I just regret that we didn't bring the kids along!

I will definitely come back to Zafran Indian Bistro. It satisfied my craving for Indian fare and my yearning for artistic flair.

A post shared by beth26 (@pixelsforfour) on Aug 7, 2017 at 10:19pm PDT

Zafran Indian Bistro

Rubeen Plaza
Exit 2, Northern Ring Road, Hittin
Google Coordinates: 24.753889, 46.624750

Check out their other Riyadh branch (not featured here):
G/F, Turki Square, Prince Turki Al Awwal Road
(intersection Makkah Road)