Our Story

At Saffron Kitchen, every dish tells a story—one that begins far beyond Oakland. Our founder, Akbar Arghandiwal, spent over two decades building businesses across Afghanistan, the Middle East, East Africa, and Turkey. Along the way, he worked closely with communities, supported entrepreneurs, and built companies rooted in both excellence and purpose.

From mentoring thousands of entrepreneurs to creating opportunities for women through employment and training, his journey has always been about more than business—it’s been about people. After moving to the United States in 2022, Akbar took a brief pause before returning to entrepreneurship, inspired by family and a desire to build something meaningful close to home. Saffron Kitchen was born from that vision.

Here, we bring together the flavors, traditions, and hospitality of Afghanistan and the broader region—served with warmth, authenticity, and a deep respect for culture. For us, this is more than a restaurant. It’s a place where stories, food, and community come together.