Zafran Authentic Indian Dining

Mughlai favourites and an all-you-can-eat Saturday night buffet pack in the diners at this new restaurant in the heart of Hua Hin

SPECIALISING in traditional Mughlai cuisine from North India, this new restaurant on Damnoernkasem Road is owned and operated by the same team behind the popular Smor Spa Indian Beachside Restaurant, which was shuttered earlier in the year for all the right reasons – basically to capitalise on its thriving trade by moving to a new premises in a more convenient location.

The results have paid off. The food, cooked by Chef Shaik Sajed, remains as authentic as it gets (think rich, thick and flavoursome curries served alongside steaming rice and homemade breads fresh from the tandoor oven; and tandoori meats cooked to tender, succulent perfection) and the setting, a white-washed dining room decorated with local art, fronted by a small terrace overlooking the Hua Hin Night Bazaar, is laid-back yet vibrant and well-suited to long, indulgent feasts with family and friends.  
    Similar to Thai cuisine, the best way to enjoy a meal here is by ordering a few different dishes and sharing them with your dining companions (although a single curry and rice also goes down a treat, if you're dining on your own).
   

A good introduction to what's on offer is the Tandoor Platter (B400), which comes loaded with a selection of the restaurant's meaty treats and, as such, is great value for money. Among the options: Fish tikka, chicken malai kebab, lamb sheek kebab, prawn motisagar, beef shammi kebab, and much more. Perfect for sharing.
    The Chicken samosas (B70 for three pieces), savoury pyramid pastries filled with chicken and served with a mint sauce and tamarind chutney, are also a great way to start a meal, preparing the palate perfectly for the spice-infused journey to come.
    And what a journey it is. Curries such as Chicken tikka masala (B150), Fish Bhuna (B175), and Mutton rogan josh (B180) all arrive piping hot and packed full of flavour. Just perfect when teamed with a fluffy and warm Butter nan (B40) or a portion of Vegetable biryani (B120) – and even lovelier when washed down with a yoghurt-based Mango Lassi (B40).
    As you can see from the prices, great value comes as standard at Zafran. Visit on a Saturday night, and it's even better: from 7pm an All-You-Can-Eat Indian Dinner Buffet is on offer priced just B350 per person. The sumptuous spread even includes some Thai dishes, too. In short, well worth a try.

4/14-16 Soi Hua Hin Bazaar, Damnoernkasem Rd.
Tel: 084 319 6449 www.facebook.com/Zafranindianrestaurant