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A ‘Safron’ kitchen on Pattaya Klang
Every so often you can stumble across a previously hidden
gem. One of those is the ‘Safron’ Kitchen on Pattaya Klang (Central Road).
This venue was discovered by Madame (in this case of Indian descent) and it
was decided that the Dining Out Team should investigate. Let’s do the
“ethnic” thing was the suggestion.
Firstly, let me help you find this little jewel. Come down Pattaya Klang,
cross over Third Road and then grab the first parking spot you can. ‘Safron’
Kitchen is in a single shop house on the left, about 50 meters after the
intersection, and almost directly opposite the Electric Authority (look for
the orange trucks parked on the road). It seats around 20 diners, that is
all, and has the kitchen at the far end of the shop. It is air-conditioned.
Owner, service girl and cook is Sheela, a delightful Nepali with good
English and a very bubbly personality.
There are two menus, one in English and the other in
Russian which also had photographs. Perhaps this could be done with the
English one next time as well. In common with most Indian restaurants, the
various sections are split into Non-Veg and Veg (which are generally very
much cheaper than the similar Non-Veg (meat) dishes).
Non-Veg starters, which include many kebab items, range between B. 200-350,
while the Veg starters are between B. 90-100 and the Tandoori Veg B.
150-200.
Lentils (Dal), one of the staples in Indian cooking are B. 100-120.
Main courses (Non-Veg) are mostly around B. 200 and the Veg mains between B.
100-200. Breads to go with these include Roti and Chapatti (B. 15-20).
Beverages are mainly locally brewed beers (B. 70 small
bottle), but no Kingfisher Indian beer unfortunately (if you get the chance,
try it)!
We began with freshly made poppadums and a wonderfully spicy green chutney.
For me, I needed the ice-cold beer, but Madame was reveling in it all. We
followed that with some very well filled samosas and then took a little
breather. Food as good as we were enjoying needs to be savored.
As always, I found that we had ordered too much, as out came plates with
Chapattis, Raita, Aloo Ghobi (B. 120), Bhuna Gosht (B. 250) and Murgh
Makhani (B. 200). The Chapatti’s were beautifully soft, and I was glad that
Madame had insisted we order some (and in fact we ended up getting a second
plate, it was so good). The Aloo Ghobi (spiced potato and cauliflower) and
Bhuna Gosht (a pan lamb curry, frying the meat with spices without adding
water. The meat then cooks in its own juices which give the deep flavors.
All this takes a little extra time but it is worth it as the end result is a
very flavorsome rich dish.)
However, my favorite was undoubtedly the Murgh Makhani (pan-fried chicken
marinated in a yogurt and spice mixture. The sauce is made by heating and
mixing butter, tomato puree, and various spices, often including cumin,
cloves, cinnamon, coriander, pepper, fenugreek and fresh cream.) Great taste
and I used the chapattis to great effect, scooping up all the remaining
sauce. It was certainly an excellent dish.
We enjoyed the ethnic evening, and I was very pleased that Sheela had
listened to my request of “not too spicy” and all of the dishes were well
within my personal “chilli meter”. Madame was very taken with the chutney
(which was spicy) and when wanting more fire would just add some chutney.
The dishes were all cooked on the spot, there was no re-heating, and the
ambience was very relaxing. If you are a fan of Indian cuisine we can
thoroughly recommend the ‘Safron’ Kitchen. And yes, Sheela does take-aways.
By the way, I do know that “saffron” usually has two f’s, hence my quotation
marks referring to the name of the restaurant as ‘Safron’. However, it just
adds to the ethnic purity of the venue!
‘Safron’ Kitchen, Central Pattaya Road (opposite the Electric Authority and
50 meters before Soi 12 on the right), telephone 038 422 722 or Sheela 089
608 9318, open seven days, hours 2 p.m. until 11 p.m., on-street parking.
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Great Guacamole
The avocado dip called guacamole was made by the Aztecs as early as the
16th century. The name comes from an Aztec dialect via Nahuatl
âhuacamolli [a:wakamo:lli].
In addition to its use in modern Mexican cuisine it has also become part
of today’s cuisine as a dip, condiment and salad ingredient. It was
traditionally made by mashing ripe avocados with a molcajete (mortar and
pestle) with sea salt. This recipe calls for tomato, onion, garlic, lime
juice, chili, yogurt and/or additional seasonings.
Ingredients |
Serves 4-6 |
Tomatoes (diced) |
3 MediumSize |
Avocados |
4 large |
Purple onion (chopped) |
1 small |
Coriander (chopped) |
1 tbspn |
Chilli paste |
1/2 tspn |
Lime |
1 small |
Tabasco sauce |
Salt and pepper to taste |
Cooking method
In one bowl add diced tomatoes and onion, chopped coriander, lime
juice, and chilli paste. Mix well.
In another bowl halve and pit the avocados and then scoop out avocado
flesh into bowl, (easily done by running a spoon between the outer skin
and the avocado flesh). Using a fork mash until it becomes chunky. Add
tomato mixture to avocado mix well and add Tabasco sauce, salt and
pepper to taste.
Serve with tortilla chips and enjoy!
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[email protected]
Pattaya Mail Publishing Co.Ltd.
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Tel.66-38 411 240-1, 413 240-1, Fax:66-38 427 596
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This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or
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