Paneer, Every Way: India's Cottage Cheese
Paneer is the vegetarian's secret weapon. A fresh, firm Indian cheese, it does not melt, so it holds its shape in the tandoor and in a sauce, soaking up flavour while keeping its bite. It is the reason a vegetarian Indian meal never feels like an afterthought. At Saffron Soho we cook it half a dozen ways, and every one is worth your attention.
From the Tandoor
Paneer Tikka is the place to start. Cubes of cheese marinated and grilled in the clay oven until golden and lightly charred, carrying the same smoke as our tandoori meats. Paneer Shaslik takes it further, skewered with capsicum, red onion and tomato and chargrilled together.
These are not consolation dishes. They are genuinely excellent starters that happen to be vegetarian, and they belong on any shared table.
The Creamy and the Comforting
Shahi Paneer is rich and regal, the cheese married with a silky, creamy sauce. Matar Paneer pairs it with green peas, and Saag Paneer folds it through spinach and garlic for something earthier and greener.
These are the curries to order when you want comfort. Mild, creamy and deeply satisfying, they sit happily next to any meat dish and often quietly steal the show.
The Bold and Spicy
If you like heat, paneer takes it beautifully. Paneer Chilli Masala brings batter-fried cubes into a spicy sauce of green pepper, garlic, ginger and green chilli. Paneer Korai is tossed in the wok in a dry sauce, finished with fresh chilli and chopped garlic. Chilli Paneer is a crisp-fried, spicy favourite from the starter list.
These dishes prove paneer is not just for the mild end of the menu. It carries chilli and garlic just as well as it carries cream.
Building a Paneer Feast
The joy of paneer is variety. Order a Paneer Tikka to start, a creamy Shahi Paneer and a spicy Paneer Korai to follow, add a dal and a naan, and you have a vegetarian spread that wants for nothing.
All our vegetarian dishes are clearly marked, and many are vegan-friendly or can be adapted. Whether you are vegetarian by choice or just love good food, paneer is one of the best ways to eat here.
Come and Eat With Us
We serve the full menu straight through from midday, late into the night: until midnight, every night.
You will find us at 63 Old Compton Street, W1D 6HT, two minutes from the West End and close to Leicester Square and Tottenham Court Road.
Book a table online or call us on 020 3941 9935.
