The rise and rise of the Indian restaurant in the past few decades has not only given the poor old Chinese a run for their money but has added a major new cuisine to British eating habits which shows no signs of waning.

Little wonder when restaurants like Café Saffron, in the centre of historic Shrewsbury, produce a menu that is the Indian equivalent of a brasserie in that every dish you see appeals and your only problem is personal space. Chances are that you will meet your hosts, Abdul and Azad who, with over forty years of experience have brought their experience and charisma to the people of Shropshire.

For make no mistake, people travel serious distances to enjoy the outstanding food provided by a master chef who learned his skills alongside some of the best in India. Cafe Saffron is a one-off , with no other commitments in Shrewsbury than to produce the best in their 110 seater warmly decorated, fully air conditioned restaurant, where ample parking, attentive staff and an imaginative menu make this an essential entry for your little red book.

A choice of around 20 starters establishes two things, the quality of the food and the incredible value for money. Machli rang, onion bhaji and prawn on puri, or black peppercorn chicken make a great beginning before heading for a fine butter murghi with diced marinated chicken shallow fried in butter then added to a creamy coconut sauce. All principal dishes are annotated for heat, as in strength, assessments that are not to be taken lightly. Watch out for the naga murchi, chicken or lamb cooked with extremely hot chillies and unique to the northern regions of Bangladesh which rates 5, at the top of the scale, two above the challenging vindaloo.

More than a few regular Indian food eaters tend to be creatures of habit, which at Cafe Saffron means a good personal kick is needed to move into the lesser known dishes. Trouble is the old favourites are well trailed and familiarity can win. Expect to find rogan josh, classic madras, pathia, phall and the ever popular balti, with choices of chicken or lamb, tiger prawns, chicken or lamb tikka, and mixed vegetable. Amongst the lesser known seafood dishes salmon spice, Bengal pagush, and telaphia all await your pleasure.

Tandoori grills are invariably popular, served here with dips and fresh, crisp salad. The selection of vegetables, side dishes, rice, naan bread and other accompaniments is truly awesome and well in tune with the other dishes

Café Saffron is popular with parties, and the set menus for two add an even further dimension to the good-value factor in this attractive and well-run restaurant. In the unlikely event that one of your party was an abstainer, English dishes are available.

In addition to Indian lagers such as Cobra on draught there is a wine list of fairly slender proportions. However wine with Asian cuisine is still a fairly new proposition in more rural parts of the country and Saffron has sufficient choice to keep most customers happy.

Their special services loyalty card is worth looking into if you happen to be in the Armed Forces or Emergency Services, as well as NHS staff and school teachers.

Cafe Saffron is warmly recommended for its authenticity, friendliness and customer awareness. Their Website is as colourful as the range of spices they deploy and the humour that is never far from the interchange between diners and staff.

Recognition has come in 2010 with the Award of 'Curry Chef of the Year' in a competition held by Shropshire County Council.