Butter Chicken
Boneless tandoor chicken, tomato, cashew, cream and fenugreek. Served with basmati rice.
$18 Large $24
Moroccan & Indian Cuisine Restaurant
ZaafranMoroccan warmth. Indian spice.One generous table.
Slow-cooked tagines, Indian curries, signature grilled salads and souvlaki, made fresh in Kaiapoi. Order online for pickup in 10–20 minutes, or delivery.
Everyone's favouriteButter chicken · from $18
Start with the favourites
What Kaiapoi keeps coming back for
Veganvegetarian and dairy free Vvegetarian GFgluten free DFdairy free Every dish is cooked mild. Curries, the tagine and the lamb shank let you choose medium, hot or extreme; for other dishes, add a note at checkout.
Lamb Shank
Slow-cooked with herbs, tomato, chickpeas, carrot, lemon zest and apricot. Served with Arabic rice and roast vegetables.
$24
Souvlaki
Pita, iceberg lettuce, tabouli and our homemade sauces, with your choice of grill or falafel.
from $18
Meat Feast Platter
Lamb tagine, grilled chicken, couscous, roast vegetables, Greek salad, pita, fries and tzatziki.
$52
Signature Salad
Your choice of grill or falafel, three sides, Zaaf's special sauces, roasted almonds and seeds.
$18 Hearty $24
Weekly Rituals
A little something special, every day
Today's ritual is highlighted. Each one is a complete meal, ready to add in one tap.
Meet Zaaf, your host
Not sure what to have for dinner? Ask Zaaf.
Tap through a few quick, fun questions and Zaaf will pick three dishes that suit your day, your craving and your company. Or ask anything about the menu, spice, allergies, delivery or opening hours.
Our story
Sharing love & happiness since 2016
Food tastes better together.
Since 2016, Zaafran has been Kaiapoi's place for Moroccan and Indian food on one table. Souvlaki or butter chicken? Here you don't have to choose.
Look around on any night and you'll see why we do it: long tables of friends raising a glass, families who keep coming back, and celebrations that run late over tagines, curries and fresh naan.
“We love coming to your restaurant because your food is our kids' favourite… we have enjoyed them for years!”
We like to keep things personal. Guests drop questions into our Customers' Question Jar, and we answer them on video. For Matariki, we asked you to share a story about someone you're grateful for. And when we needed a new poster, we skipped the computer and drew our lamb tagine by hand.
However you find us, for a quick lunch, a family dinner or a long table with friends, we'll keep doing what we've done since 2016: sharing love & happiness, one plate at a time.
What guests say
Kind words from our guests
Restaurant Guru 2026Best Restaurant in Kaiapoi
See us on Restaurant Guru
TripAdvisor
#1 of 25 restaurants in Kaiapoi
As of October 2026
#1 of 25 restaurants in Kaiapoi
As of October 2026
★★★★★Google
“Can always rely on Zaafran for a delicious hearty feed. Top notch souvlakis and the best butter chicken in north Canterbury… Excellent naan too! Ordered online for pick up and was ready in 15 minutes. We are very lucky to have such a good restaurant on this side of the bridge.”
“Best we've tried in a long time!”TripAdvisor
“Our first time there and we will definitely be back. Everything we tried was delicious and the service was friendly and attentive. Cannot fault anything, was all delicious!”
Recommends ZaafranFacebook
“Wonderfully fresh and tasty food and sauces, we loved Zaafran and will drive out from the city to go again. Very reasonably priced, this place is a delightful wee find.”
★★★★★Google
“This restaurant has been my favourite place to eat for years and my family have been having all our birthdays here… From the starters to the main, absolutely no wrong. Service was awesome as well. Will be returning again to get my weekly chicken souvlaki.”
★★★★★Google
“We were served by Yuvraj, and he immediately offered us a high chair, water and his service… made great effort to connect with us and the kids after our meal and not rush us out of the place. Great atmosphere, great food, reasonably priced, highly recommend.”
★★★★★Google
“We've been going to Zaafran off and on since it opened and it is always excellent… whether it's a takeaway souvlaki or a sit in meal, it's delicious and prepared quickly.”
A few favourites from our reviews. Read them all on Google, TripAdvisor and Facebook.
More than a restaurant
Good Food. Good People. Stronger Community.
Kaiapoi has looked after us since 2016, so we try to give back. Here's who we're proud to support.
Satisfy FoodFood donations every Monday
Kaiapoi Food ForestFood donations
Kaiapoi Borough SchoolSponsor of the school's Loop app
Phoenix Cricket ClubClub sponsor
Everest Warriors Cricket ClubClub sponsor
NNZFSC – Nepali Badminton ClubProud supporter
Hungry yet?
Order direct for pickup in 10–20 minutes, or delivery in around 30 minutes or more. Every direct order supports our local team.
Visit us
97 Williams Street, Kaiapoi
Get directions
Open 7 days
Lunch11:30 am – 2 pm
Dinner4 pm – 9 pm