Zaaffran: The icon continues to lead

To truly appreciate Zaaffran, it is important to have a glimpse of the culinary landscape before this iconic restaurant opened its doors to Sydney food lovers back in 1998.

Back then, few associated an Indian meal with anything more than basic entrees and curries. For those seeking new tastes, there was hardly any variety. Indeed, for those wanting a contemporary, up-market experience, there was practically no choice.

Then, a new restaurant dared to be different.

Zaaffran launched with more than a breath of fresh harbour breeze. With its roots firmly in India, Zaaffran brought sleek and modern styling to Indian dining. The menu was refreshingly new and the service had the touch of Indian hospitality blended with local sophistication.

And yes, there was the location which offered breathtaking views of the magnificent Darling Harbour. Never before had an Indian restaurant offered such a complete sensory experience that went beyond great, awardwinning food. Naturally, Zaaffran became the most visible sign of the emerging Indian community in Australia.

Today, 14 years later, Zaaffran continues to be a delicious success story. There have been renovations in décor and of course, innovations in the menu. From a great dining venue it has also grown into a very popular venue for celebrations – both private and business. While local clientele has increased manifold, Zaaffran has also become famous the world over.

“We get many bookings from people in Europe, USA and New Zealand among other places, before they fly out to Sydney,” says Vikrant Kapoor, Executive

Chef/Part-owner. “It feels great to be part of people’s travel plans. But, we appreciate most of all the loyalty of the Sydneysiders. Without their regular patronage, we wouldn’t have survived.”

“As we’ve grown so much in popularity, customers have to make bookings way in advance, especially if they want a good view of the harbour.”

International award-winning culinary king Vikrant Kapoor leads his team of talented chefs, making sure the unique culinary character of Zaaffran remains intact. Vikrant says, “Our restaurant may look modern and the presentation of our dishes may be contemporary, but we have never abandoned the long- standing traditions of Indian cooking.”

Famous for his menu which dares to be different, Vikrant has some interesting bits to share. “We were actually chided by a lady from London for not having Anglicized Indian dishes on the menu,” he laughs. “She also wanted us to include Pakistani dishes, such as ‘balti’. Imagine a proper English lady being upset over not finding her favourite curry!”

“We keep changing our menu regularly,” adds Vikrant, “and we maintain a good blend of old favourites and new creations. “ However, some things will never change: the great service, the unbeatable harbour views and the mouth-watering food.