“The Saffron Zest story started with the Nizams of Hyderabad, who ruled in India from the 18th-20th century and amassed their wealth from mines rich with diamonds. Committed to extravagance, they were known for their nights full of spectacular entertainment and feasts in their beautiful palaces and gardens. In pursuit of the finest pleasures life had to offer, the Nizam called renowned chefs from all around Asia and the Middle East to cook for him. He pushed them to refine their flavours and create memorable dishes using aromatic spices and handpicked Iranian saffron. And so the Hyderabadi cuisine was created. Though the Nizams no longer host royal feasts, to this day Hyderabad is famous for its delicious food - from mouth-watering lamb biryani to the rich and creamy butter chicken.

Generation after generation these delicate recipes were passed down until they reached Farha Mirza, who’s mother taught her how to cook using the same recipes and techniques that were once used to cook for the Nizams. She then embarked on a journey to the United Kingdom where her food was beloved by all those who tried it and a dream was born. This dream is Saffron Zest-- a way for Farha to share her passion and love of Hyderabadi cuisine with the world and keep this rich tradition alive. She promises to cook for you only using the finest ingredients and her ancestor’s recipes so that each dish will recall flavours born in palaces long ago.”