Saffron Spice opens in Southsea bringing fine Indian cuisine and a "passion for quality" to the high street

A new restaurant serving fine Indian cuisine has opened in Southsea with the owner bringing his “passion for quality” to the business.

Saffron Spice welcomed its first customers as it opened in Osborne Road on Wednesday, April 16. Owner Shahid Rahman and manager Rufon Ali are looking to utilise their experience in the hospitality industry to make the restaurant a success.

With signature dishes ranging from Masala to Jungle Curry and Butter Chicken to Manchurian, there is one core emphasis for all their food and that is fresh ingredients.

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Shahid said: “We are aiming for a more healthier style of cooking using olive oil with fresh ingredients, meat chicken and vegetables to give it more flavour. I have had quite a few Indian restaurants over the years so I have quite a bit of experience. That is is the kitchen as well as front of house working as a chef and a manager and I have quite a lot of ideas for Saffron Spice.”

Shahid owns El Toro, a Latin-American restaurant just a few doors down from Saffron Spice, but he has previously run Café India in Old Portsmouth and a Pinch of Spice in Albert Road. When he saw that Snookies & Co was closing down, he jumped at the chance to move into the unit.

When the news that Saffron Spice was opening was revealed, Shahid told The News that he wanted to see Osborne Road thriving with all the units occupied and bustling with customers.

Having opened, Shahid is hoping that his and Rufon’s passion for food will shine through. He said: “It is a passion for food, it is a passion for quality, I think that is what this area needs.”

As an introductory offer, customers who are dining-in can pick a complementary starter of their choice as long as they are ordering a main. The offer will be in place until the end of April.

Reservations can be made at Saffron Spice via https://saffronspice.uk/.