Unforgettable Dining Experience: Discover the Exceptional Service and Flavorful Cuisine at Raj Saffron House in Syracuse

Syracuse, N.Y. — If you’re thinking of dining at Raj Saffron House, I highly recommend enjoying the experience in person.

Yes, takeout and delivery are available. You can see folks leaving the restaurant with hot curries on chilly nights. But nothing beats the experience of savoring the food right there.

For example, you wouldn’t want to miss the papri chaat, a delightful Indian street snack. It’s made with crispy fried wheat crackers topped with spicy potato and chickpea curry that should be enjoyed right away.

The restaurant is filled with the aroma of sizzling tandoori meats and seafood, all presented beautifully. The experience of dining is enhanced by the warm and welcoming service, which is perhaps the highlight of your visit.

Raj Saffron House opened in August at 124 Dell St. in the Westcott neighborhood. The restaurant showcases a menu heavy on Northern Indian cuisine, with well-loved dishes like chicken makhani and tandoori chicken. However, they also include flavors from Southern India, making it a diverse culinary experience.

Your meal starts with a basket of crisp papads and vibrant green mint and tamarind chutneys. These dips set a fun tone for your meal, especially as you browse the extensive menu.

One standout dish is the papri chaat ($8.95). It’s similar to Indian nachos, with layers of fried wheat chips topped with curry, onions, tomatoes, pomegranate, and fresh cilantro. Each bite is a beautiful mix of flavors and textures—definitely a must-try.

An exciting part of dining here is seeing sizzling platters come out from the kitchen. The tandoori mixed grill ($24.95) is particularly impressive, featuring chicken tikka, tandoori chicken, shrimp, and more. They arrive on a hot skillet with onions and peppers, filling the air with mouthwatering aromas.

While sizzling dishes can sometimes lead to overcooked meat, Raj Saffron House does it right. The chicken and shrimp remain tender and flavorful, thanks in part to the fresh vegetables shielding them from direct heat.

Among the chef specials, the lamb shank masala ($22.95) is worth trying. You can customize it with tikka masala or a creamy coconut-based sauce, choosing your spice level. Opting for medium was a bit mild for my taste, but the creamy tomato sauce was delightful, clinging to the tender, impressive cut of lamb.

One dish that didn’t quite hit the mark was the kulcha ($4.95). It was supposed to be a naan stuffed with paneer, but the flavor of the cheese was subtle. Still, it was handy for soaking up all the delicious sauces.

As fantastic as the food may be, the service is what truly stands out. The team of two welcomed us warmly, pulling out our chairs and attentively checking in without being overbearing. Our glasses never ran dry, making for a comfortable experience.

For dessert, the gulab jamun ($6.95) and rasmalai ($6.95) were delightful, providing a satisfying end to our meal. Upon finishing these, our server insisted we try the kulfi ($4.95), a creamy Indian treat presented like a popsicle. It was a sweet and welcome surprise.

Service at Raj Saffron House goes beyond expectations, making it a memorable dining experience. On our way out, the server held the door open for us against the cold, thanking us and encouraging us to spread the word about this hidden gem.

The Details

Address: Raj Saffron House, 124 Dell St., Syracuse. (315) 373-0086

Takeout/Delivery: Yes, available on the restaurant’s website.

Reservations: Not needed.

Credit cards: Accepted with a 4% surcharge.

Noise level: Moderate.

Accessibility: Accessible parking is available in a small off-street lot.

Parking: Limited off-street and free street parking available.

Special diets: Vegan, onion and garlic-free, and vegetarian options on the menu.

Children’s menu: None available.

Hours: Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m. to midnight; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Cost: Dinner for two, including appetizers, entrees, naan, desserts, drinks, tax, tip, and surcharge, was $114.05.

Jacob Pucci is a food critic for Syracuse.com and The Post-Standard.