North Asheville Finally Gets Incredible Indian Food

Saffron India Barrel House is Serving Bold Flavors + Warm Hospitality

We’ve been spending a lot of time on the north side of Asheville lately — and let us tell you, the food scene here just got a serious upgrade.

Say hello to Saffron India Barrel House, a newly opened Indian restaurant just past Beaver Lake on 1459 Merrimon Ave.

It’s not your typical “polished and perfect” grand opening — and that’s part of the charm.

This spot is run by a close-knit family and their friends, who opened quickly to stay afloat and serve the community with something they saw was missing: authentic Indian food with a fresh twist.

A Warm Welcome & A Fresh Start

When we walked in, we were greeted by one of the owners — a warm, welcoming woman with a beautiful baby on her hip, ready to tell us all about the food, the vision, and what’s to come.

And yes — updates are coming.

• New decor is on the way
• A few high chairs for little ones just arrived
• And they’re planning to upgrade the bar setup

But if you’re looking for glitz and glamour, this might not be it — yet.

What is already here?
 Heart
 Hospitality
 And dishes that will blow you away

The Food: Authentic, Bold & Hard to Find Elsewhere

One of the coolest things about Saffron is their mission: don’t copy what everyone else is doing.

Instead, they offer dishes that are rare across WNC — original, bold, and made with love. Here’s what we tried:

 Veg Samosa – A golden, flaky pastry stuffed with a savory blend of spiced potatoes and peas. Crispy on the outside, perfectly seasoned on the inside — a classic Indian street food done right.

 Cucumber Salad – Light, refreshing, and subtly tangy — this dish is the perfect palate cleanser. Diced cucumber with herbs and a hint of yogurt, offering a cool contrast to the bolder dishes.

 Chicken 65 – A Southern Indian favorite, and not easy to find around here! Bite-sized chicken marinated in deep spices, flash-fried to perfection, and tossed with curry leaves, chilies, and garlic. It’s crispy, fiery, and absolutely addictive.

 Chicken Chili – Think Indo-Chinese fusion at its best. This dish packs heat, sweet, and tang — with tender chunks of chicken stir-fried in a spicy garlic-soy-chili sauce with onions and peppers. Bold, juicy, unforgettable.

Why You Should Go

There’s something really special happening at Saffron India Barrel House — not just on the plate, but in the energy of the place.

It’s a small, hardworking team doing big things — serving up real-deal Indian food on the north side of town, in a way that’s approachable, heartfelt, and different from what you’ll find anywhere else in Asheville.

So no, it’s not a fine-dining showpiece — but it’s real, and delicious, and so worth the visit.

 Saffron India Barrel House
1459 Merrimon Ave, Asheville, NC 28804
(few doors down from Beaver Lake)

 Open for lunch and dinner – check their Google listing or call ahead for hours.

 Trust us: pull up, place your order, and get ready to fall in love with your new go-to on the north side.

Boost your brand with G Social Media — Asheville’s creative media team for websites, PR, videos, photos, and social media. We craft powerful stories, stunning visuals, and digital strategies that drive results. From local startups to established brands, we help you stand out and grow. Let’s build your buzz!