With distinct locations and experiences, Saffron Valley may just be the most unique restaurant to hit Salt Lake City. Flavors from the North, South, East, and West regions of India come together in their kitchens to offer a large range of Indian food, and expose Salt Lake to a diversified menu. Comfort foods like the potato and cauliflower-laden Jaipuri Aloo Gobhi curry are offered alongside chicken, lamb, and salmon kebabs, as well as classic Indian street foods like Chaat.
Saffron Valley has multiple locations in the Salt Lake Valley, and uses their different sites to explore various styles and expand the spectrum of Indian cuisine that they serve. Saffron Bistro is located in Sugarhouse, and has beautiful natural light, warm walls, and wood tables. The Bistro is Saffron Valley’s newest location, and features not only a restaurant, but a market / spice shop, and chai house as well. The goal of the market is to help those that don’t necessarily know much about Indian cuisine to learn, and be able to try recipes at home.
South Jordan is home to the first Saffron Canteen, and is perfect for some laid back dining. Their lunch buffet is served daily, and each Tuesday is “Tiffin Tuesday” (a.k.a. India’s version of brunch) both of which are awesome deals. A second Canteen location is a pop-up at the University of Utah and shares time between the Crimson Dining Room in the Student Union Building and the Gardner Commons food court. Their menu at the U changes every day, and is open to students, faculty, and the general public. With an awareness of student and faculty needs, the Saffron Canteen menu at the University is selected with nutrition and health in mind, and has carefully chosen items with nutritional spices, fresh herbs, and organic ingredients.
The final and fourth location is in the Salt Lake avenues and is titled Saffron Colonial. This location is a British Colonial style restaurant and focuses on using super fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Their specials include fan favorites like Chicken Tikka Masala and Coconut Korma. Here, dinner is served family style and is cooked to order, allowing you to truly customize your meal. One of the best parts of all four locations is that they offer vegan, vegetarian, and gluten free options. Whether you dine in, take out, or use their private event space, there are choices available for everyone.
Behind all of the greatness that Saffron Valley has achieved is founder Lavanya Mahate, who believes childhood memories and lessons in the kitchen with her mother ignited her passion for food. In 2001 Mahate moved across the world from Chennai, India to SLC, Utah and worked at the Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce for eight years, helping men and women build their own businesses. In 2010 Mahate decided to take the plunge and start her own business in the food industry, starting with the East India Pantry’s blend of spices that began selling at the farmers market. Just seven years later all three Saffron Valley restaurant locations were open, with the U of U canteen close behind.
All-in-all I think it’s pretty obvious that we should make a trip to one of the Saffron Valley locations. As a student at the University of Utah I especially love being able to get authentic, home-style food on campus, as well as having the opportunity to try dishes that I’ve never seen. Lavanya Mahate has worked hard to bring awesome Indian food to the Salt Lake Valley, and I’d say she’s done an incredible job.