Bozeman, Montana is known its abundance of outdoor activity from fishing and hiking to river rafting and a plethora of winter sports. Beer is everywhere and Bozeman is also home to Montana State University. One thing it is not known for is its depth of ethnic restaurants. This is why Saffron Table is such a gem. Not only is it a comfortable and attractive place to dine, the food is great and the wine list, while small, is creative and interesting.
From the outside, the building is inviting with an all-white exterior and a patio for outdoor, under-the-stars seating during the summer months that stretches out along an expansive green lawn. Inside there is the unmistakable feel of Montana with textured wood panel walls and wood-burning fireplaces while exposed brick and contemporary fixtures give it a more modern, downtown feel. Asian artwork paints the walls rounding out the chic wilderness look with tradition.
The three worlds fuse together flawlessly and are a perfect reflection of the food. Touted as contemporary south Asian cuisine, the food takes its inspiration from the area with dishes that one might find in a classic Indian restaurant, such as potato samosas and vegetable pakoras with chutneys and chats and entrees like pork and mushroom vindaloo and tandoori chicken kebabs.
As the physical surroundings suggest, there is more than meets the eye. Wherever and whenever possible, the chefs at Saffron Table use locally sourced and organic ingredients making it uniquely Montana. The creative vision of the owners and chef offer a more modern take on classic southern Asian cuisine bringing a sense of freshness to a menu that could otherwise be uninspiring.
Inventiveness and thoughtfulness in each dish at Saffron table is the norm. For instance, one night, the special was a take off a shepherd’s pie with seasoned lamb and vegetables under a fluffy blanket of potatoes. Doubtless, the flavors were Indian in origin with savory and spicy notes but the dish itself was something of a pub fare—it was delicious.
One of my favorite dishes is the vegetarian thali. Now, I’m from Missouri so I grew up eating meat—and lots of it—but I promise this dish is immensely satisfying and delightful. It is a sort of sampler of vegetarian options including a pumpkin curry, a palak peneer—which is essential spinach and cheese—and a cumin stewed beet curry. The selection often changes with the seasons but I am never disappointed in the dish. Mama’s Curry is a no brainer for me too: potatoes, onions, tomatoes, coriander, ginger and red chilies are simmered alongside free-range chicken in a traditional sauce full of flavor and transporting aromas.
Many dishes come with rice but delicious naan bread is available as a side item in plain, garlic, onion or cheese versions. I’m a wine drinker and pairing wine with this style of food can be a challenge, but Andleeb Dawood, owner, of Saffron Table is always up for it. Her wine list is always evolving and they offer 16 wines by the glass and an additional 18 wines by the bottle. But, what I really love to pair with this style of food is beer. Rich, strong Belgium ales tend to be my favorite and Dawood offers a few of them, not the least of which is one of my all-time favorites, Chimay, a perfect pairings with almost any of their dishes.
A bustling eatery, reservations are encouraged while walk ins are welcome. There is also a bar with a few seats available if no tables are free. Go with an open mind and am empty stomach and enjoy one of the best kept secrets (but not for long) on Bozeman, Montana.
