Saffron Indian Cuisine — Restaurant in Freehold

Nestled in the heart of Freehold, New Jersey, Saffron offers an authentic dive into the rich tapestry of Indian cuisine. The restaurant's unassuming exterior belies the culinary treasures within, where each dish is a testament to the complexity and depth of Indian flavors.

Upon arrival, the ambiance of Saffron immediately sets a tone of understated elegance. The warm, inviting décor hints at a dining experience that is both comforting and sophisticated. The staff, attentive yet unobtrusive, guide you through a menu that promises a journey through India’s most cherished culinary traditions.

Our evening commenced with the Paneer Tikka Masala, a dish that, in lesser hands, might risk becoming mundane. Here, it was a revelation. The paneer was impeccably tender, absorbing the masala's lush, velvety sauce without losing its delicate character. The sauce itself was a harmonious blend of spices, creamy yet balanced, with a richness that enveloped the palate without overwhelming it. Each bite was an invitation to savor the intricate dance of flavors, from the warmth of the spices to the subtle sweetness of the tomatoes.

The Bhengan Bharta, a traditional eggplant dish, was equally mesmerizing. The eggplant, roasted to perfection, brought a smoky depth to the dish that was beautifully complemented by the spices. The texture was silky, with each mouthful offering layers of flavor that unfolded gradually—a perfect blend of heat, earthiness, and a hint of sweetness that lingered long after the last bite.

However, for all its culinary brilliance, Saffron does leave one pondering the portion sizes. The quantity of food, while beautifully presented and exquisite in taste, felt somewhat restrained. For dishes that are as savory and delectable as these, one finds oneself wishing for just a bit more to fully indulge in the experience.

Despite this, Saffron is nothing short of extraordinary. It is a place where the quality of food transcends the plate, leaving an indelible mark on the senses. Each dish is a celebration of flavor, artfully crafted and lovingly prepared. While the portions may be modest, the experience is anything but.

In a world where dining out often prioritizes quantity over quality, Saffron stands as a proud outlier. It is a reminder that food, at its best, is not merely about filling one’s stomach but about nourishing the soul. For this, Saffron in Freehold earns a well-deserved five stars—an elegant jewel in New Jersey’s culinary crown.

Rating: 5...

Went there Again!! Saffron is the new restaurant on the block, we went there last week and could not resist to go again this week. decor is clean and nice. but their hospitality is just Amazing. Chef Mohammad is super skilled and a warm person with a infectious smile on his face. We happened to get into a conversation with him where he asked us what we would like to eat, his team also tries to understand your taste to recommend. they are in Beta version before the launch. we tried their chicken seekh kabab, lamb chops, tandoori salmon, kadhai chicken, saag chicken, butter chicken & tandoori Rotis. For appetizers: Chicken Seekh kababs freshly made tender, with right spices and finely chopped onions win the mix gives the required flavor to the tender kababs. good part about the cooking is that Chef can tune up the heat as per ones liking and tastebuds. Lamb Chops: delicious mouth melting and right seasoned chops served on sizzler plate. just amazing. This one is better than any other lamb chops in the town. I have had at multiple others in their neighborhood and within 25 miles of freehold. Tandoori Salmon: nice sized salmon pieces very well marinated as you get the flavors all the way through your bite. not an easy dish to make in the Tandoor (Clay oven) but Chef Mohammad has the art of making this right. Main Course: Kadhai chicken: gravy has good consistency with flavors bursting in the mouth with every bite. they have a heat scale of 1-10 average dishes are at 3-4, basis your liking you could scale up or down. base scale is pretty mild. Saag Chicken: Very nice consistency of the saag (Spinach), chef took note of our request to make the dish lighter avoiding heavy cream, and trust me the dis tasted soo delicious, i have eaten versions with cream and they taste great too. butter chicken was also well done and very flavorful. this is one of the few Indian Restaurant's I have been to in the US who are balancing the flavors right, keeping the dishes also light unlike most of them who use a lot of heat (chillis) and heavier fats and oils to get the flavors pop. Saffron is on my regular GO...

Inaugurating our culinary exploration at Saffron, the latest gem to grace Freehold’s dining scene, was an enchanting journey into the world of eastern flavors. Our gracious host for the evening, the ever-attentive Dagni, ushered us to a cozy booth at the restaurant’s rear, affording us a few precious moments to peruse the menu.

As we embarked on our gastronomic odyssey, the appetizers beckoned, and we succumbed to the allure of spring rolls and ragda patties. These exquisite creations proved nothing short of a revelation. The Ragda patties, with their impeccable crispness, danced harmoniously with a tamarind and date chutney that epitomized the symphony of sweet and savory.

For the main act, my dining companion opted for the classic yet daring medium-heat chicken tikka masala, while I heeded Dagni’s sage recommendation and indulged in the chicken dhingri. Our feast was further elevated by the company of garlic naan, a shared delight. The generous portions bespoke a kitchen that seemed to cater to our very desires.

Adding a personal touch to our dining experience, the owner, Mohamed, graced every table, including ours, with his presence. He shared the restaurant’s rich history and the culinary traditions that have made Saffron a culinary haven.

To conclude our enchanting evening, we savored the Gulab Jamun, a dessert that could only be described as transcendent. Saffron had not only fed our bodies but also nourished our souls, leaving us with memories of a truly exceptional...