Saffron - Burlingame

About the Business

Specialties

SAFFRON opened in March 2003, after two years of careful planning, research, and development. Our goal was to bring a new kind of dining experience to the Peninsula while allowing our culinary prowess to shine while celebrating India's rich culinary traditions. To craft our menu, we traveled up and down India's coast, from Kerala to Hyderabad and beyond. The foods from these regions boasted an arsenal of flavors like none other -- curries that were simultaneously spicy yet cooling, fresh seafood prepared in homemade chutney, crisp dosas with hearty, warm sambar. We combined the best flavors and preparations from these regions and beyond and created a dining destination that honors Indian cuisine and tradition. Our commitment has always been to provide exceptional service and craft innovative dishes with sustainable ingredients. We work endlessly to find the freshest produce from local vendors; our seafood arrives daily, ensuring its exceptional taste.

History

Established in 2014.

Rasa opened in 2014, with the goal of bringing a fine-dining atmosphere and creative, flavorful dishes to the peninsula. We strive to defy expectations of standard Indian food, focusing on a blend of modern culinary technique and style, and classic South coastal Indian inspiration. After its first year establishing itself as one of the Bay Area's best new restaurants, Rasa earned its first Michelin Star in 2015.

Meet the Business Owner

Business owner information

Ajay W.

Business Owner

Born and raised in New Delhi, India. Ajay came to the U.S. in pursuit of an MBA in 1992. Post graduation, his career spanned at the fortune 500 companies from JP Morgan, Deloitte and Touche, Oracle to Cisco etc.His first exposure to the restaurant industry happened somewhat by accident -- while helping a close friend set up his first restaurant in Chicago in 1993.Together they enjoyed tremendous success -- and after running several restaurants they opened India House Restaurant and Banquet; the largest Indian banquet in the country, boasting 45,000 sq. feet and 1400 seats worth of banquet space.In 2000, Ajay left Chicago in order to pursue his day job at Oracle. He soon found that he missed the challenges of being in the restaurant industry, and laid the groundwork for Saffron Indian Bistro in 2002. His vision for Rasa is to have the most Contemporary South Indian Restaurant.

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Ajay W. says, “High-quality classic Northern Indian cuisine in San Carlos.”