Zaaffran
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Zaaffran
Zaaffran Overview
When I was told we were reviewing an Indian restaurant called Zaafran that evening automatically images spawned from years of familiar tasting curries and dark atmospheres sprung to mind. Not getting me particularly excited about the evening, which is why when walking into Zaafran I was immediately surprised to find an open dining room with smart table settings, white tablecloths and an army of waiting staff.
The view from our table over the city skyscrapers and Darling Harbour was simply superb and had it been a warmer evening I would have preferred to make good use of their balcony. If you end up looking down the menu trying to find your familiar Indian Curries, sides and starters as I sat there doing then don’t bother as you won’t find them. At Zaafran they have set out to re-evaluate people’s perception of what Indian food should look, smell and taste like and specialiase in rare, regional cooking. I’m sitting in my chair looking a little perplexed and thinking I should of done a bit of background research on this place.
Fortunately for myself our waiter Shekher seemed to be a selection specialist and we played a little game whereby I told him what sort of meat or fish I liked, what sort of flavours I usually go for, how spicy I like my curries and he came out with his suggestion, choosing a curry for me that had just been created by the chef and hadn’t even made it on the menu yet.
We started with a mixed plate consisting of a spicy lamb cutlet, tandoori chicken and a corn fritter with some accompanying dipping sauces. Well having barely hit the table the plates were wiped clean, the lamb cutlet being a particular unexpected gem. Shekher recommended us a nice Merlot from the Barossa Valley to enjoy with our mains and I was beginning to think that I had severely underestimated this place. Well the penny dropped once our mains arrived as the chicken that sat in a rich maroon sauce just fell from the bone and with some saffron infused Basmati rice entered my mouth to blow me away. The curry was delicious as was my friends lamb shank curry with a red wine based sauce that I don’t think I would have had the privilege to try had it not been such a large portion.
After a little persuasion Shekher managed to squeeze a local Indian dessert down our bursting tummies that was again a pleasant surprise. So I will hold my hands up and tell you all that Zaaffran is different and if you are serious about your curries then this place is a must. Thanks to the chef Vikrant Kapoor and our waiter for making the evening a memorable one.
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Zaaffran Photos
2 Visitor Reviews
Average rating 5 / 5 from 2 visitor reviews-
Best Curry In Town
Nick George from USAAmazing views, amazing food and great service....and you are close to all the bars and clubs for drinks afterwards..
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Loved Zaaffran
Tim from ScotlandWe had a most enjoyable meal at Zaaffran. We had a fantastic table on the terrace with wonderful views overlooking Darling Harbour and Sydney. The food is delicious, not the usual greasy food you would expect from Indian Cuisine.
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person
found this helpful
Zaaffran
Lvl 2, 345 Harbourside Shopping Centre Darling Harbour zaaffran@bigpond.com- map
- directions
Free/discount parking for Zaaffran diners at the Harbourside Parking Lot on Murray Street. Two hours free (till 6.00pm), or a flat rate of $12 from 6pm until 2am (not applicable on Public Holidays).
region
Darling Harbour
cuisine
Indian
avg. price
50+
AUD
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