Think of Indian meals, and it’s North Indian classics reminiscent of biryani and tandoori rooster or South Indian necessities reminiscent of dosai and banana leaf spreads that possible come to thoughts. But that hardly scratches the floor of what the delicacies has to supply.
In latest years, fashionable Indian delicacies in Singapore has taken the highlight, led by eating places such because the two-Michelin-star Thevar and Firangi Superstar, which describes itself as “a foreigner’s love letter to India”. While relative newcomers to the scene, their lengthy waitlists and deal with up to date Indian cooking place them in prime place to broaden perceptions on what defines the delicacies.
These eating places take daring approaches that permit diners to expertise new dimensions to Indian cooking. Whether via pairing unusual substances with conventional methods or by introducing inflections from a wholly totally different tradition, the mod-Indian motion in Singapore right now is something however predictable – as these seven eating places present.
1. Ms. Maria and Mr. Singh
For a bicultural marriage of flavours
The vibe: Nestled within the vigorous Tanjong Pagar neighbourhood, Ms. Maria and Mr. Singh distinguishes itself from the pack with its daring blue partitions and laid-back inside that conjure up photographs of a country cantina. It’s clear that this institution borrows extra from Mexico than simply its flavours.
The chef’s philosophy: “At Ms Maria & Mr Singh, we are marrying two cuisines, Indian and Mexican, and embracing their culinary diversity to create new taste profiles and approaches. It is the fusion of traditional recipes with international flavours and foreign ingredients such as the Mexican chiles and salsas, which results in inventive dishes.” – Head Chef Hernán Rydo Anton
Star dishes: Start mild with the Ms. Maria & Mrs. Singh ceviche – marinated barramundi, Hokkaido scallops and prawns come collectively in a basic Peruvian dish that’s topped with crispy yam and pickled cucumber. For one thing that really exemplifies the restaurant’s method to fusion, attempt their vindaloo pork tacos: pulled pork in a vindaloo sauce topped with pineapple salsa and served on a pair of flour-cheese tortillas.
Why it’s totally different: “We emphasise the use of fresh seafood, local and organic vegetables, resulting in healthier and more nutritious dishes,” explains Anton. “Especially with our salsas and leches (a Peruvian citrus-based marinade also known as tiger’s milk) that are prepared daily to give our diners the freshest taste possible. Aesthetics also play a crucial role in modern cuisine, as food is presented in a deconstructed manner.”
Ms. Maria & Mr. Singh, 43 Craig Road
2. Barood
An intimate affair highlighting Latin-Indian fusion
The vibe: Just across the nook from Ms. Maria & Mr. Singh on the second storey of a shophouse unit, Barood is an intimate, softly-lit area that’s a wonderful date night time spot for adventurous gourmands.
The chef’s philosophy: “My philosophy for both Barood and Revolver has always been to showcase true Indian flavours and ingredients,” says head chef Saurabh Udinia about his two institutions, Latin-Indian izakaya Barood and open-fire grill restaurant Revolver (subsequent on this checklist and simply downstairs from Barood). “It’s important for the cooking and flavours to be spot on. At Barood, the food is a smart, unique mix of Latin and Indian flavours, with a focus on tawa (hot plate dishes) served in pans.”
Star dishes: As an introduction to Barood’s fusion flavours, go for the spiced paneer taco – a vegetarian-friendly riff off a avenue meals basic that’s full of mashed paneer and topped with tangy coriander and lime aioli. The duck rice desserts served with tomato chutney is the restaurant’s tackle paniyaram, a sort of ball-shaped snack normally made with fermented rice lentil batter.
Why it’s totally different: “I’d say my cooking techniques and flavours help me stand out. I have travelled often throughout India and stayed in different regions. The food at Barood (and Revolver) is inspired by what I have learnt from homes and kitchens where I’ve stayed, cooked, and eaten. Generally, Indian restaurants outside of India only serve a bunch of dishes confined to curries, biryanis, dals and breads. I don’t think that represents Indian food at all. There are hundreds of different cuisines in India which I want to bring to the global platform to show the world what real Indian food is.” – Udinia
Barood, 56A Tras Street
3. Revolver
Championing flame-licked flavours anchored by custom
The vibe: Set proper beneath its sibling institution Barood, Revolver boasts modern, fashionable and fashionable interiors – however the primary grill is undoubtedly the centrepiece that distinguishes the restaurant. Park your self on the bar counter for entrance row seats to the spectacular cooking on show.
The chef’s philosophy: At Revolver’s open kitchen, fireplace fairly actually takes centre stage. It’s mirrored within the menu as effectively, with virtually all dishes cooked utilizing fire-based methods. The restaurant can be helmed by Head Chef Saurabh Udinia, so naturally its choices are intrinsically Indian in flavour and method.
Star dishes: For this season, the chef recommends grilled Hokkaido scallops. An unusual ingredient in Indian cooking, these flame-grilled scallops come served over a basic Kerala-style moilee (a wealthy, creamy yellow curry). Other progressive dishes that spotlight Revolver’s fire-kissed delicacies are the plantain kebabs in kachampuli (a form of fruit vinegar) sauce and the rock lobster Manchurian with egg fried rice.
Why it’s totally different: “Revolver is unique because of its focus on fire-based cooking, as well as our dynamic menu, which changes seasonally to reflect the best and freshest produce at any given time.” – Head Chef Saurabh Udinia
Revolver, 56 Tras Street
4. Thevar
“Indian flavours by way of the Malay Peninsula”
The vibe: Thevar’s eating area simply stands out among the many rows of wine bars alongside Keong Saik avenue, with its sharp strains and mushy lighting that spotlight its placing wooden and marble inside. The open kitchen idea additionally affords diners a peek on the chef’s fashionable culinary methods.
The chef’s philosophy: Helming the 2 Michelin-star Thevar is the eponymous Penang-born Chef Mano Thevar. His recipes are acquainted and nostalgic and he describes them as consultant of “Indian flavours by way of the Malay Peninsula”.
Star dishes: Thevar gives a seasonal Chef’s menu that’s often refreshed. This season, you’ll start your meal with starters like a blue prawn vada chilli toast and an intriguing strawberry chaat. Mains embrace Mysore spiced rack of lamb or Tajima wagyu beef served with salna (gravy) and chilli thogayal (chutney).
Why it’s totally different: Thevar’s delicacies is anchored by the chef’s recollections of rising up in Penang. Its menu is impressed by the dishes of his childhood, however elevated via fashionable European methods that he’s realized on his culinary journey. While many fashionable Indian eating places draw inspiration from the Indian subcontinent, Thevar’s cues come from a lot nearer to house.
Thevar, 9 Keong Saik Road
5. Firangi Superstar
A theatrical Bollywood-inspired eating expertise
The vibe: A comparatively new addition to the Tanjong Pagar neighbourhood, Firangi Superstar channels old-school Bollywood glamour with a contact of colonial-era design. Its 4 themed rooms are styled after an Indian palace, a jungle searching lodge, an officer’s lounge and a Wes Anderson-esque railway automotive – which ought to give friends a way of the enjoyable and flamboyance that await them right here.
The chef’s philosophy: “At Firangi Superstar, we want our guests to experience India through another lens. The flavours are authentic to memories of classic dishes and journeys past, but the execution is entirely new. We honour Indian cuisine by evolving it with an innovative eye and a bold modern approach that’s mixed with freshness and creativity.” – Head Chef Raj Kumar
Star dishes: Firangi Superstar’s ethos is most obvious in dishes just like the Cheezi Freezi and the Bengal Bake-off. The Cheezi Freezi is the chef’s tackle paneer jalfrezi. A creamy Italian burrata takes the place of paneer and the basic jalfrezi sauce is offered within the model of gazpacho, with the addition of charred and smoked peppers and cumin honey. The Bengal Bake-off is a riff on the basic Bengali fish paturi. French seabass is marinated in yellow mustard seeds, mustard oil and inexperienced chillies. Instead of the normal technique the place it’s wrapped in banana leaf and baked, Firangi Superstar’s model has it baked in a salt crust.
Why it’s totally different: Firangi Superstar’s flamboyant, whimsical interiors mirror the chef’s culinary journey via India, representing varied sides of the nation as considered via the lens of Bollywood movies – it virtually seems like an try and carry the diner on that very same journey.
Firangi Superstar, 20 Craig Road, #01-03
6. ADDA
Unabashedly playful takes on mod-Indian delicacies
The vibe: Vibrant Pop Art murals and daring retro furnishings make it instantly obvious that there’s nothing stuffy about this hidden gem within the heritage neighbourhood of Kampong Glam – they herald the playful, irreverent culinary expertise to come back.
The chef’s philosophy: For Head Chef Manjunath Mural, Modern Indian is all about taking substances and flavours that aren’t native to the sub-continent and including a standard aptitude to it. Mural additionally considers sustainability as a core pillar to his method.
Star dishes: The butter rooster pot pie is a spotlight right here, particularly with its dramatic tableside presentation. “It’s an elevated take on the traditional butter chicken that’s topped with flaky pie pastry and slow cooked in the oven,” says Mural. “We also cut it open tableside and the steam, aromas and the experience of this interactive dish is something guests really enjoy.” Another specialty right here is the restaurant’s whimsical tackle pani puri which, as a nod to its avenue meals origins, comes served on a bit push cart. “This dish exemplifies our philosophy that life is not serious – it’s colourful and fun.”
Why it’s totally different: Chef Mural emphasises a private connection together with his friends, sharing, “I enjoy speaking to my customers to understand their likes and their dislikes, and using that to inspire my menu creation process. My cooking is thus in part inspired by local tastes, and this gives a modern twist to the traditional Indian flavours that I work with.”
ADDA, 7500E Beach Road, #01-201 Diners Building
7. Shikar
A feast match for Indian royalty
The vibe: Shikar stands as a change of tempo among the many raucous Korean restaurant bars alongside Tanjong Pagar. The restaurant leans totally into its Raj-era idea with plush seating upholstered in animal prints of leopard, jaguar and peacock. Murals of searching events and gold trimmings add an opulent aptitude that can make you’re feeling like royalty.
The chef’s philosophy: Shikar’s Head Chef Surjan Singh (also called Chef Jolly) has had a storied culinary profession that features a stint as decide for GraspChef India. He’s additionally been personally tutored within the royal courtroom kitchen of Indian the Aristocracy. Naturally, Shikar’s idea is impressed by the grand feasts held by Indian royals prior to now.
Star dishes: Shikar’s menu is geared in the direction of communal eating. Highlights of the charcoal tandoor and josper grill part of the menu embrace lotus leaf roasted complete fish with tamarind, chillies and a caramelised onion-tomato rub. There’s additionally the Hawke’s Bay New Zealand Green Pastures-raised purple deer tenderloin that’s particularly thematic for an Indian feast of previous. For the curries, go for one thing a bit offbeat like black tiger prawns, mussels and scallops in a creamy coconut curry.
Why it’s totally different: Shikar’s dishes would possibly incorporate fashionable substances and methods, however the flavours listed below are very a lot anchored to conventional Indian feasts. Its giant format dishes and communal eating expertise additionally distinguish itself from different fashionable Indian eating places that favour private and tapas plates.
Shikar, 2 Cook Street at Maxwell Reserve, Autograph Collection