Saffron Kitchen Menu (Update 2025)
Saffron Kitchen, a Mediterranean and Afghan restaurant in Oakland, CA, offers a wide range of utilities and amenities, making it suitable for various dining experiences. With a diverse menu including kabobs, dumplings, and vegetarian options, customers rave about the flavorful and delicious food. The ambiance is praised for being casual, intimate, and romantic, perfect for a summer lunch or dinner. Highlights include the crispy eggplant pakora, lamb kabobs, and unique cocktails and mocktails. Customers also appreciate the attentive service and warm atmosphere, with staff eager to make recommendations and explain Afghan cuisine. The restaurant provides various seating options, including outdoor and private dining areas. Overall, Saffron Kitchen stands out for its exceptional dishes, welcoming service, and reasonable prices, making it a must-visit spot in the area.
APPETIZERS/STARTERS
SAMOSA
Chick-peas filled fried pastries
MANTU APP
MANTU Steamed dumpling filled with ground lamb, onions, topped yogurt-mixed vegetables sauce & mint
AUSHAK
Dumpling filled with leek, spring onions, topped with house-made yogurt, meat sauce and mint
POTATO BOLANI
Mashed potatoes and herbs stuffed turnover
EGGPLANTS PAKORA
Crispy eggplant, topped with house-made yogurt, and meat sauce
POTATO PAKORA
Crisp potatoes, topped with house-made yogurt, and meat sauce
(Soup) Aush
Noodle and vegetable soup topped with yogurt, meat sauce, and dill
MASHAWA (SOUP)
Lentil soup, topped with yogurt, meat sauce, and dill
SIDE OF BUTTERNUT SQUASH
With spiced topped with house-made yogurt, garlic and meat sauce
GREEK SALAD
Romaine, feta cheese, green olives, tomato, cucumber, onion, Greek dressing
CILANTRO CAESER SALAD
hearts of romaine, cilantro, mint, parmesan
WATERMELON, ARIGULA, FETA SALAD
SALADS
ENTREES
BEEF KABOB
Charbroiled Beef skewers, served with seasoned basmati rice
CHICKEN KABOB
Charbroiled chicken skewers, served with seasoned basmati rice
COMBINATION KABOBS
Chicken and Beef
RACK OF LAMB
Grilled rack of lamb skewers ( pcs), with seasoned basmati rice
LAMB KABOB
LAMB CHOP
Lamb loin chops, charbroiled on skewer, served with seasoned basmati rice
KING SALMON KABOB
Charbroiled fillet of salmon skewers, served with seasoned basmati rice
SHRIMP KABOB
Charbroiled jumbo prawn skewers, served with seasoned basmati rice
SEAFOOD COMBO
Grilled Salmon, shrimp skewers, served with seasoned basmati rice
QABULI PALLAW
baked Lamb, caramelized carrot & raisins, seasoned basmati rice
LAWANG
Chicken cooked with onions, tomatoes, mushrooms, and sour cream served with saffron basmati rice
SHISH LEEK
Chicken or beef, sauteed with onions, tomatoes, green peppers, carrots, with seasoned basmati rice
MANTU ENTREE
Steamed dumpling filled with ground lamb and onions, topped with yogurt, mint, and mixed vegetables
AUSHAK ENTREE
Dumpling filled with leek and spring onions, topped with yogurt, meat sauce and mint
BEEF QURMA
Cooked with green peppers, onion, fresh garlic, tomatoes and spices
SPINACH QURMA
Baked lamb or Chicken, spinach Qurma, fresh garlic, cilantro, and spices
BEEF CAULIFLOWER QURMA
Braised Beef, or baked chicken & cauliflower stew, tomatoes, fresh garlic, gingers, and herbs
BEEF EGGPLANT QURMA
Braised Beef or baked chicken & eggplants, tomatoes, fresh garlic, and spices
BEEF POTATO QURMA
Hearty chucks of potatoes baked and then sauteed with peppers, onions and carrots and finished with a tomato sauce.
SALMON KARA'E
KOBIDEH KABOBS
SHOLA
(Afghan Savory Sticky Rice with Beef)
VEGETARIAN SPINACH QURMA
Cooked with scallions, fresh cilantro and fresh garlic, saffron basmati rice
VEGETARIAN BUTTERNUT SQUASH
With spiced topped with house-made yogurt, garlic, saffron basmati rice
VEGETARIAN EGGPLANTS
Eggplant, onions, fresh garlic, tomatoes, topped with house-made yogurt sauce, saffron basmati rice
VEGETARIAN CAULIFLOWER
Cauliflower, tomatoes, onions, fresh ginger and herbs, saffron basmati rice
VEGETARIAN COMBO
with Spinach, Butternut Squash, and Eggplants, saffron basmati rice
VEGGIE POTATO QURMA
Hearty chucks of potatoes baked and then sauteed with peppers, onions, carrots, chickpeas and finished with a tomato sauce.
VEGETARIAN ENTREES
SIDE DISHES
SIDE OF SPINACH
Cooked with scallions, cilantro, and fresh garlic and spices
SIDE OF BUTTERNUT SQUASH
With spiced topped with house-made yogurt, garlic and meat sauce
SIDE OF EGGPLANTS
Eggplant, onions, tomatoes, topped with house-made yogurt, and meat sauce
SIDE OF CAULIFLOWER
Cauliflower, tomatoes, fresh garlic, onions, fresh ginger, and herbs
SIDE OF GRILLED VEGGIE
Two skewers (tomatoes, Onion, Bellpeppers
Side Of Seasoned Basmati Rice
Side Of White Basmati Rice
SIDE OF BREAD
SIDE OF POTATO QURMA
BAGHLAVA & ICE CREAM
ICE CREAM
Ice cream with rosewater cardamom, and pistachios
FERNI
Milk pudding, topped with chopped roasted pistachios
BAKLAVA
Sweet, flaky pastry made of layers of phyllo dough, chopped nuts, and syrup