Zaffron Kitchen Returns to Orchard With the Food Still Doing the Talking
Expat Choice was invited to celebrate Zaffron Kitchen’s return to the Orchard area. Now located at RELC International Hotel on Orange Grove Road, the restaurant brings back its familiar North Indian cooking in a setting that suits a quick lunch as well as a group meal or private gathering. The reopening also features a new seafood menu and a wide range of options, explaining why Zaffron Kitchen has built such a following over the years.
My visit was for a quick lunch, but it turned into one of those meals where, after perusing the extensive menu, you start planning what to order next time.
The Dahi Puri was the first sign that lunch was going to be a cracker. Crisp puris, filled with potato and chickpeas, layered with yoghurt, chutney and spice. Small bites, yet full of flavour and texture. It wakes up the palate without shouting for attention.
The Tandoori Platter was the highlight. A generous board featured tandoori chicken, chicken tikka, tandoori fish, lamb kebabs, and a murg pudina tikka that deserves special mention. The meats had the char and smoke you want from a tandoor, yet remained juicy and moist. The fish was well handled, the lamb kebabs had depth, and the murg pudina tikka brought a clean mint note that cut through the platter's richness.
Zaffron Kitchen is also leaning into seafood at its new home. The Smoke Pot Seafood Briyani brings theatre to the table, with seafood slow-cooked in spices and sealed to retain its aroma. The Palamilagai Prawn, prepared using a recipe by celebrity chef Dr. Chef Damu, adds a South Indian touch, with prawns cooked in a coconut curry and spice blend. These are not side dishes on the menu. They are dishes worth returning for.
For those who want the full experience, the media menu gives a clear sense of what Zaffron Kitchen wants diners to notice: Dahi Puri, Tandoori Platter, Butter Chicken, Biryani, Palamilagai Prawn, dessert, and a drink, with mango lassi and buttermilk recommended. It is a strong line-up because it spans texture, spice, smoke, comfort and richness without making the meal feel heavy.
Zaffron Kitchen has previously received Michelin Bib Gourmand recognition over several years, along with other restaurant awards, but the real test is always on the plate.
Based on this lunch, the restaurant remains a worthy culinary discovery on Orange Grove Road. The tasting menus featuring its Michelin-recognised dishes are now firmly on the must-try list for the next visit.
There is enough on the menu to go back with a group, order widely, and let the table do what Indian food does best: turn lunch into a conversation.
a. 30 Orange Grove Rd, #04-02 RELC International Hotel, Singapore 258352
About The Writer
Doug Peris is a writer and reporter for Expat Choice Asia, having lived in Singapore since 2000. Originally from Australia, he combines his passion for food and travel to offer unique perspectives on Asia's dynamic culinary landscape. With an appreciation for and curiosity about good chefs, street food, unique travel destinations and diverse cultures, Doug enjoys indulging in culinary delights when travelling and simply exploring his home city of Singapore.
His extensive regional experience and genuine curiosity about diverse cultures and cuisines have established him as a trusted voice for honest, reliable food and travel recommendations.
