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Welcome to the Camberwell Online blog, a place for free and spirited exchange on anything with even a tangential connection to the South-East London district.
Safa, Indian restaurant
Published by Peter | Filed under Eating & Drinking, General
A new, modern Indian restaurant, Safa (22, Camberwell Church Street) is all about clean, muted colours and tasteful lighting - a far cry from the more traditional ‘Taj Mahal’ style.
We went on Sunday night at about 7.45pm and were the only customers; a couple of other tables arrived during our time there, but it seems that takeaway is their big money-spinner, judging by the constant stream of food coming out of the kitchen - and the very long wait for our starter.
We shared mixed Pakora to start with, crisply fried and fresh-tasting vegetables. For the main course I had Saag Gosht; the lamb was beautifully soft and the sauce not too greasy. Delicious. Ana ate Chicken Tikka Karai, with some amazingly tender chicken pieces. We’ve eaten takeaway from there before, but it was even better coming straight out of the kitchens. The starter, Poppadums, two mains, one rice, one Naan bread and two beers came to £40, which isn’t cheap but isn’t extortionate.
Back in my first time in Camberwell, Zara’s Kitchen was the place to beat for curry. I don’t know what it’s like now, but I have to say I’m not really tempted to try while Safa is so good.
October 19th, 2004 at 3:01 pm
[...] l centre, but right next to Denmark Hill station. Of course I could go for Indian food at Safa, which could turn out to be a surprisingly popular option. Or I could try somewhere co [...]
October 25th, 2004 at 1:41 pm
[...] d v Arsenal match. Wish I hadn’t bothered. Later that evening we took our friends to Safa for a goodbye meal. They were really impressed, and I’m not surprised; the food [...]
March 18th, 2005 at 2:17 pm
Safa is probably the best curry in South London, the quality of food is brilliant so good in fact that we used to order one every other night. (now reduced to every Friday) Having eaten at Chutney Mary, Rasa and the three monkeys, Safa is a much more reasonable option, OK it costs more than the Chutney in Herne Hill and takes longer but the end result is a quality meal with fresh ingredients, the dishes are also interesting and attractively presented. I particularly recommend the tiger prawn balchou, the lamb phal (very hot), this combined with a few vegetable side dishes is the perfect meal. You will not be disappointed.
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November 26th, 2005 at 10:34 pm
I’ve been out of Camberwell for nearly two years now, but during the time I lived there (’01-’03) Zara’s Kitchen was the best curry around! When I return perhaps I’ll check out this Safa joint, but I feel I’d dishonour Zara’s..
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April 28th, 2006 at 8:15 am
I felt a bit guilty even trying food at SAFA, as it felt like I was cheating on New Dewaniam (Camberwell New Road), a Indian restaurant of the finest quality. I have been a dedicated New Dewaniam customer for ages, and though it is a slightly more affordable option I have to admit SAFA is in a class of its own. Everything is always incredibly fresh and perfectly cooked. SAFA is a gem. The in-laws are over tonight and we’re getting SAFA for sure. Highly recommended!
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October 5th, 2006 at 7:40 pm
The meaty Lincolnshire sausages were a novel idea, but did not go well with boiled rice. Nice decorations and friendly service apart from the Barry Manillo CD interupting the ambiance.
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October 16th, 2008 at 5:04 pm
Safa….
We took our friends who were visiting from Italy to Safa for their first Indian meal and it was amazing. They and we were very impressed at the quality and freshness of the food. It is not the cheapest Indian I have had but is the best so far and I will definetley return again and again.
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October 17th, 2008 at 12:18 am
I’m a fan of Safa myself, Cris, although opinions vary wildly here.
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October 17th, 2008 at 9:17 am
I am not much a fan. See there’s a branch open in pecknam. Opposite the flower shop, rond the corner from the eel and pie place.
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