The Best Indian Restaurant at Western Part of Singapore

I had a craving for North Indian cuisine, especially my all-time favourite food – Papdi Chaat. It is a well-known traditional dish in North India. Just thinking about it while writing makes my mouth drool. The recent authentic Papdi Chaat in Malta that I had was as delicious as those with Zaffron Kitchen @ Westgate. I am not an expert when it comes to Indian cuisine, but I know a good one when I came across it.

After a facial session at Westgate with my mum, we were both hungry. Although we love Chinese food such as Dim Sum @ East Ocean Teochew Restaurant, once a while, we will still come across some lousy Chinese restaurants such as Prima Tower. I wanted to try out something else for a change and convinced my old-fashioned mother to attempt other types of cuisines which she would never try on her own. Hence, she went along with my idea.

Zaffron Kitchen @ Westgate

It was not easy finding a North Indian restaurant out of the blue without planning. Right after I gave up the search after checking the shopping directory display board, we walked past a stylish looking restaurant, Zaffron Kitchen, on the first floor.

Zaffron Restaurant

I stopped to check out the menu displayed outside the restaurant curiously. To my pleasant surprise, it was an Indian food menu! After confirming with the waiter that Zaffron Kitchen served North Indian cuisine, we went inside quickly. Bingo! That was exactly what I was looking for precisely!

Menu Signboard outside Zaffron Kitchen

It was then 2.15 pm and left with only one table of ladies chit-chatting. The closing time was 3 pm before Zaffron Kitchen began their next round of business operating time at 6 pm for dinner. It did not look like a typical Indian restaurant which was why I could not recognise it from far.

The interior was classy and had dim orange light. Zaffron Restaurant had a British Indian-inspired interior design and was highly recommended as a ‘leisure interior’. It also won a lot of awards and recognitions. Some of them were “International Property Award Asia Pacific 2014” and “Best Indian Casual Dining”.

Don’t be fooled! This stylish looking wooden frame was actually an iPad electronic menu.

I was very impressed when a waitress handed us an electronic menu in a classic wooden frame which was really hip! I had never seen such a menu selection design before. The waitress showed us how to select a dish and placed an order on that electronic device.

She said the last order was 2.30 pm, and we had only 15 minutes left. I asked her if she would chase us away if we could not finish the food when the restaurant closed at 3 pm. She said we could stay as long as we want. The kitchen will normally close earlier than the restaurant operating hours.

The electronic menu of Zaffron Kitchen on an IPad looked like the real stuff! So impressive!

I did not want to place my order so quickly as I was so attracted to that lovely electronic device which was an iPad. I also wanted more time to read the menu since I am not familiar with Indian dishes. We ordered just three dishes so we could finish everything fast. I chose Papdi Chaat, Chana Masala and Raita for two people. I wanted to order more food, but we were afraid of not being able to finish it in time.

Papdi Chaat @ S$6.90

Papdi Chaat is a light starter that I will give my two thumbs up. I could eat many plates of this dish alone because the ones in Zaffron Kitchen was so delicious and that left me wanting for more! The crispiness of the wafer, the right combination of yoghurt and mint chutney not only stimulate the taste buds but also looked appetising in the presentation. You must not walk out of Zaffron Kitchen without trying this dish. Indeed finger-licking good and yummy.

Chana Masala @ S$12.50

Chickpeas cooked in a tangy mélange of freshly roasted spices and rich tomato gravy

I would never have enough chickpeas in Indian cuisine. Chana Masala cooked with chickpeas was somewhat dry and spicy with a sour citrus note. This tasty dish would ideally be eaten with naan or rice.

Raita @ S$5.00

Side dish of yoghurt containing chopped vegetables and spices

The yoghurt delight of Raita is flavourful and sour. It will be well-liked by people who fancy a rich and creamy taste. The serving came in a small bowl which was just the right size for appreciation. Otherwise, the side dish might be overpowering for those who are not used to consume too much yoghurt.

Overall, I would like to patronise Zaffron Kitchen again and savour their other delectable specialities such as the Butter Chicken. I would not hesitate to recommend this Indian Restaurant. Try it at least once at Westgate or its East Coast branch to relax in their chic decor. Of course, do try out the ultra-delicious Papdi Chaat!

Zaffron Kitchen

https://www.zaffronkitchen.com/