Pam and Gus Ghosh had a hunch that if they opened a traditional Indian restaurant in downtown Hoboken, people would come eat and really enjoy it. They were right.
Ever since the Ghoshes opened Saffron Grill on the corner of Fourth and Bloomfield streets last summer, they have been busy. During the week they attract a decent crowd. The weekends are packed, with a five to 10 minute wait for a table. But the wait is worth it.
They feature an extensive lunch special including lamb curry and chicken tikka masala at prices ranging from $6 to $8. And Saffron’s popular entrees include: kadai gosht ($12), lamb sautéed with onions, bell peppers, tomato and garlic; mustard shrimp ($14.95), jumbo shrimp sautéed in spicy mustard sauce; aloo gobi ($7.95), potatoes and cauliflower’s with cumin and spices; shahi panir ($7.95), homemade cheese in tomato and cheese sauce; and delhi bhindi masal ($7.95), fresh okra sautéed with onion, tomatoes and fresh ground spices and green peas.
Pam Ghosh named the restaurant Saffron after the traditional Indian orange-colored condiment consisting of dried stigmas used to color and flavor foods. Saffron is also known as vegetable gold.
"It is the most expensive spice in the world," Ghosh said.
There are about a dozen tables in the dining room, with large mirrors on the walls and tons of candles. The restaurant is ideal for a date or a comfortable hangout to meet a few friends. The staff is knowledgeable of the menu, and patrons are encouraged to bring their favorite bottle of wine.
"We worked hard trying to make this place unique. It’s not all about curry here. Everything is made fresh," Ghosh said. "Indian meals are solid food. They make you feel like you had a huge meal."
My meal
I began my meal with a delicious glass of mango lassi ($3), a mango and yogurt smoothie, and the mixed vegetable platter ($3.50). The appetizer included small samosas, vegetable rolls, and onion pakora. A bit spicy, it let my appetite wanting more. Other appetizers include the Bengal calamari ($5.95), saffron nan ($3), tarka shrimp ($6.95), and murgh chat ($4.95).
For the main course I enjoyed the saffron salmon ($8.95). Prepared in an Indian clay oven, the salmon was marinated with saffron and Indian herbs and spices. I recommend the entrée to seafood fans trying out Indian cuisine. I also enjoyed the chicken kali mirchi ($11). It was served with cubes of chicken cooked with ground peppercorns and spices.
To conclude my dining experience I had the traditional dessert phirni ($2.50). It was sweet and consisted of rice pudding flavored with cardaman. Other desserts include: basmalai ($3), soft cottage cheese cooked in light cream sauce and sugar; and gulab jamun ($2.50), deep fried khoya dumpling in hot sugar syrup.
Saffron Grill is located at 338 Bloomfield St. in Hoboken. Catering is available, and they deliver to Jersey City’s Newport section, Weehawken and Hoboken (minimum order of $15). Hours of operation are Monday through Thursday from 12 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 12 p.m. to 11 p.m., and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. For more information or to set up a corporate lunch account call (201) 222-3373. q