This Is Us
In 1972, newlyweds Kewal and Surinder Sandhu left India and came to Canada with big dreams of raising their family together. He drove a taxi and worked at a sawmill. She cleaned hotels and worked at a hospital. Both used their spare time to learn English and explore their new home. Have you seen five feet of snow? They did for the first time ever in Fort St. John.
As their family grew, so did their love and appreciation of Canada. However, not a day went by that they didn’t honour their homeland through food. Whether it was a thermos full of hot chai at work, or the aromas of Indian spices dancing around the air at home; their young family always enjoyed the flavours of India together.
No one could have predicted that years later their dreams would be further realized to opening a restaurant. It was a chance to combine two of their favourite things. Time enjoyed with friends and family, and a great tasting meal. Starting off with Pizza Factory Metrotown in 1996, the couple built a relationship with the people of the area.
Soon, they began to dream bigger and opened Saffron in 2004. Now, Kewal and Surinder were able to share their favourite part of India with their community. The food.
And what a success it has been. For the past 20 years, Saffron has been voted best Burnaby’s Best Indian Restaurant.
Kewal sadly passed away in 2014, but is always remembered through his legacy. He loved the restaurant and would spread his infectious joy and laughter with customers and suppliers alike. All in the name of food. Surinder and her younger sister, Gurmail, and the Sandhu kids and grandkids, continue their shared dream today. You can find one of them in the restaurant almost every day.
We wouldn’t be where we are today without our community, so thank you all for your continued support. From our family to yours,
Kewal and Surinder Sandhu
