New Saffron Indian Restaurant & Takeaway — Restaurant in Breckland District

Quite possibly the finest Indian food I've eaten outside of London.

I've eaten many curries, sides and starters in my time and have also schooled myself extensively in making my own BIR style currys having researched and spent a great deal of time getting it (i hope!) just right.

Eating at New Saffron last night reminded me once again why the pros are just that.. pros!

My partner and I had a chicken dish from the chef's special menu and a lamb bhuna. The chicken was flavorsome with multiple of layers of flavour and a beautiful smooth finish. Delicious.

The lamb was cooked to tender perfection, it was at a mouth melting level without a hint of fat or chewiness, the first time I have experienced this properly. Again depths and levels of flavour were astounding.

Peshwari naan a personal favourite for both of us was simply outstanding and the lemon rice a perfect compliment to the two dishes.

Plates and cutlery were clean, glasses clean and polished to perfection without a scratch or mark/smear in place.

Service was attentive but not intrusive and the Head Chef who has taken over from his late father a force to be reckoned with. Young, passionate, knowledgeable and more than willing to generously share his knowledge and encourage others to try their hand at curry making.

The kitchen was organised, clean and the chefs working in harmony with each other also.

An absolute must visit for anybody in Thetford or Norfolk that is passionate about Indian food.

The choice on the menu is vast, prices reasonable and service time speedy.

10/10 all...

Two stars because the food was good but the service was horrific! Keep in mind.. there are several choices for Indian cuisine in Thetford. We chose New Saffron based on previous reviews. There is another top Indian restaurant within walking distance of New Saffron which I now regret not going to. We had a group of 6 adults and made reservations. When we arrived they had a nice table ready for us. That is where the service came to a halt. The server that approached the table was cold, not very kind or friendly. Several in our party ordered dinks and I ordered a bottle of wine (they did not have the bottle I requested, so I took their suggestion as an up-sale). Several in our group asked for some input regarding the degree of heat on a few dishes and received a very short and cold response. When the server brought the entree's he had to auction of each dish because he had no idea who ordered what. One guest asked for a glass of water with her meal and never received it. When the check came we asked if they could split it 5 ways since we were all on business. That upset the server even more... he insisted we just split it evenly 5 ways even though two of us shared a $25 bottle of wine. I was the host of the group so I had to keep my composure. It was clear I was not happy about the lack of service. After having dined at numerous restaurants in the nights previous and received spectacular service. Please consider your other options before choosing the New...

Stopped by Thetford for dinner on our way back to London and chose this place based on its high Google ratings. The food leans towards a milder and slightly sweeter profile, which the staff mentioned aligns with their regular customers’ preferences. Some dishes lacked seasoning, but the staff explained that they intentionally keep flavors subtle so diners can adjust them to their own taste (with table salt). This approach may work for some but might not appeal to those who prefer richer, more robust spices.

Service was generally attentive, though discussions around feedback could have been handled more smoothly. The staff explained their reasoning, including that during Ramadan, chefs are unable to taste the food while cooking. While understandable, a more open approach to feedback—such as proactively offering adjustments or recommendations—could have made the experience feel more accommodating.

The atmosphere was fine for a casual meal, but nothing particularly stood out.

If you enjoy gentler flavors, this restaurant might be worth a visit. However, those looking for bolder, more traditional seasoning may find it...