1/F, Building 2, Four Points by Sheraton Binjiang, 868 Dongxin Avenue
东信大道868号杭州福朋喜来登酒店2号楼1楼
0571 8899 4575
189 5810 7862
Directly behind the FourPoints Sheraton is new Indian restaurant, Saffron. This restaurant boasts a bar, a stage for Indian dancing, a Bollywood screen, and extensive dining area in a somewhat basic style. The ceiling lighting system is a contemporary interpretation of peacock feathers, which is well conceived and executed, though the walls and particularly the flooring lack some style. It’s nice enough, but I would have preferred a more enticing depiction of India; but we were there for the food I guess; so as long as everything is clean and tidy, which it was, then no worries.
The staff are comprised of locals, and Indians, especially brought in to run and cook the Indian dishes. I should mention that there is also a Chinese chef responsible for the Chinese dishes on offer too.
The menu is very extensive and perusing it left me feeling like a kid in a sweetshop as I wanted to try everything, but instead had to settle for what I considered a fair interpretation of some Indian classics. Between us we ordered Butter Chicken Masala, Chicken Do Piaza, Dhal Makhani, Methi Gosht, Mushroom Masala, Aloo Gobi, Punjabi Samosa and Jeera Rice with a couple of Chili Cheese Naans and a Paratha to mop it all up. To wash it down we had one salted and one sweet Lassi and a nice cold Kingfisher beer. Apart from the Mutton Methi Gosht, which needed more fenugreek in my opinion, the dishes were good to excellent, with the mushroom masala being the crowd pleaser. Unfortunately we were unable to finish the feast, as our choices were all quite rich, so when you do go, try to order a selection of dishes that give the meal balance and you won’t go wrong. Though saying that, they are very happy to put your leftovers in a doggy bag to take home so you can enjoy it all over again! All ten dishes, including drinks came to RMB470 for 3 people and taxis to take you home are easy to grab in front of the Sheraton.
Saffron also offers a lunch-time delivery service for businesses/offices in the area, though I’m sure they won’t mind residential customers either. For 55RMB you can get a normal lunch-set which comprises of rice, meat curry and vegetables, or a vegetarian set is available for 45RMB.
Pathetic Attitude (a2506cn) 2011-11-16 19:08:54 I went with my family to Saffaron, happy that a new Indian option is available. Incidently, it was during their Diwali offer of 15% which I got to know after reaching there and through the magazine. After dinner, the guy just refused! Inspite of showing him their own advertisement, he said sorry, and gave a 5% discount. It is just ridiculous and pathetic, the way they treat their clients, not to mention the food and service which was much below par. We have struck it off from our list of restaurants.
Skip this place - go to Splash instead. (factually) 2011-11-04 12:01:58 I went to this restaurant with a couple of friends this week. The place was next to empty. It's been open since August and seems no one knows about it.
Service was slow. A table arrived after us and they were ordered. Portion size was small. The over attentive proprietor struggles with English, so suggest you keep communication to Chinglish with the kind staff.
To correct the More article. Meat lunch is 55 RMB, vegetable is 45. Delivery is not included - our office is 5 minutes away and we were told to pay for their taxi.
Order cancelled. Saffron fail.
Splash Cafe is opposite McDonalds. Has good service, good consistent Indian food and an atmosphere.
Surprised (a2506cn) 2011-11-16 19:13:49 I am further surprised how come there is such a positive description on your website. The restaurant, service and food is nowhere near to what has been described on your website! Suggest to all to ignore this restaurant totally till the time they rectify their methods and errors, and improve drastically very soon!
good wishes are always there (always friends) 2012-02-21 10:30:54 Guys keep it up! Keep working good!
It's great and people are really polite (Always friends) 2011-11-24 23:24:42 It was third visit this sunday and it was rocking as usual, my guest really like the Indian BBQ and the biryani rice it's fantastic. Keep it up guys!!!!!
Priti Good (jonny) 2012-01-09 02:29:57 I've been back since the review and can find no foundation in any of the previous food related comments. The food was good and representative of India, though admittedly the service needs some work.
Pathetic Attitude of Restaurant Manager (red.apple) 2012-02-19 21:05:34 The attitude of the restaurant manager is super pathetic. Very negetive attitude. I would not recommend anyone for this resturant. Infact, nearby "Splash" is much much better.
 "Saffron Indian Restaurant")
H: o){kind=link}