What can I say about Saffron by Jena that hasn’t already been said? The unparalleled success of this cozy cocoon of nostalgia speaks for itself. With three locations, now in operation, and all in under a year, well...that’s the proof in their (oh so delicious) pudding!
For me personally [and I’m sure you’ll agree], Saffron is a place I as a Bahraini am proud of. Every time I get the chance to host an out of town guest, I’d take them to Saffron 1 for breakfast. I’m always delighted to hear what they have to say about the food and the ambiance. (They almost always sign the guest book with fervent glee.) That radio, the music, we were enjoying the sounds of our very own bygone era. It is all these elements combined that make Saffron not just a place to eat, but an entire experience. One would be remiss if one didn't mention the focal point of the floor at Saffron. A lucky happenstance while renovating the building led them to discover an old medbassa or date cellar. That's what you see when you first enter, and that explains the transparent floor.
I’m lucky enough to be on ‘holiday’ when I’m back home so I make sure to head there on weekday mornings. (Ha-ha) [I’ve heard that they’re packed on the weekends.] I get excited every time I dine here, and that is a very hard thing for an establishment to accomplish. Constant appeal. But I wouldn’t worry about Saffron. They’ve got that down to a science. What with all this yumminess under one (or three) roof(s)!
The allure of Saffron 1 is the location. [Which is not so straight forward mind you, you’ll need a local to help you get there.] All you need to know is that it’s in Muharraq, and Muharraq itself has a different sort of air. The sun shines brighter, the sea breeze is more poignant, and the people are friendlier. It is the heart and soul of our little island.
The food. (I have a smile on my face just thinking about it.) Note: The breakfast for one is enough for two. You get 3 mini bowls of yum to dip your doughy ‘khubiz khabbaz’ in. There’s foul medemes (yum), eggs and tomato (double yum), and ohmyGod I’m never eating baked beans out of the can ever again! Saffron’s version of this English breakfast staple knocks the (argyle) socks out of this patron! Believe it or not I don’t like balaleet*. But I can finish the one they serve here all by myself. That for me is the sign of a great establishment. If Ottolenghi can make me eat beetroot, Saffron can make me eat balaleet.*sweet vermicelli noodles with saffron and egg
The mini sandwiches...You get one with kebab or something and another (what I believe is called a zinjebari?!) that I’d kill for. It’s melted cheese and (key word: tangy) onions in a fun triangular bun. Tastes kinda like Branston’s pickle. I always try to convince whoever I’m dining with that it’s not that good just so I can have theirs. No I kid. But I think I’ll do that next time.
The tea, the buns, the trini jam (aka. Ponderosa lemon), everything is just yum yum YUM! Even down to the last shot of complementary maay liggah [or palm tree water] with saffron that they serve with the bill.
Don’t ask questions. Just chug it down.
luv the place
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