Spicy, herbal experience at Zaafran

Zaafran is located directly opposite the RSSB twin towers in Kiyovu, but since it’s walled off to that side, one will have to approach it from the direction of the La Bonne Source Supermarket. The restaurant derives its name from Saffron, one of the world’s most precious spices – a signature of North-Indian cuisine. The dining experience at Zaafran is typically spiced and herbal, and it is strongly recommended you specify how hot you want your dish as you place your order. The main building, once a residential house, houses the main service counter, a small bar, and inside, the kitchens. The bar was virtually cold on the Monday evening when we checked in, and indeed, the counter was devoid of any stools. On another counter adjacent to the bar is where all the action unfolds –and it is manned by the manager, Lalu. Lalu is a busy man, going by the rate at which he receives calls from clients placing orders for deliveries. From what I saw while lounging at the bar, it would appear that the restaurant sells more food from office and home deliveries than on the premises. I must say, the speed of the Indian kitchen staff is quite amazing, a fact that seemed to reduce the local wait-staff to mere spectators. Other than delivery vans, they have opted for the faster and more convenient Scooters, further sealing a reputation for fast delivery. They do serve a wide array of starters before the main course, to cater for both the vegetarian and non-vegetarian. Vegetarian starters include; the bharavan paneer tandoori, kurkure paneer tikka, subzi taka tin, and aloo rolls, while the non-vegetarian options include; the murg malai tikka, murg patanga, murg Afghani, prawns chilli, the chicken lollipop, and tandoori fish. I settled for pieces of buttered chicken to avoid any surprises, and when they eventually arrived, they looked rather chunky, but all the same tender enough. That said, it is one of the few restaurants in the city that does not lay claim to any views of the famed hills around Kigali.