There’s something peculiar about us Indians that makes us crave Indian food wherever we go. Which is probably why – even before we had booked our tickets to Singapore – my husband and I had started looking for places where we could end our day with at least one square Indian meal!
Thus began our search for Indian restaurants – and boy were we excited when we chanced upon names like Khansama, Delhi, Kailash Parbat and the like.
One of the most vibrant districts of Singapore, Little India is abuzz with vibrant Indian culture, incredible shopping at the 24-hour shopping centre ‘Mustafa’ and numerous Indian eateries.
With Bollywood beats blaring from record shops, jewellery shops studded with gold, and flower vendors adding bursts of colour to the otherwise dull weather of Singapore – Little India brought out the desi in us in every imaginable way.
(It also stoked our hunger for chaats, chhole bhature and butter chicken, but that goes without saying.)
Based on my experience, here are the top six Indian restaurants in Singapore’s Little India which are a must visit for any desi travelling there!
Banana Leaf Apolo
This place has been a landmark in Little India for over 30 years. Serving an array of North and South Indian dishes, the USP of this place is that everything is served on a banana leaf.
While the fish head curry is a must try, the other delicacies like chicken masala, mutton curry and tandoori chicken will keep you coming back for more.
Mustard
Serving an authentic Bengali fare, this place has been likened to Oh! Calcutta by many. Maccher Jhol, Chingri Dab and Kalibari cutlet are some of the favourites at Mustard.
True to its name, most of the dishes – like the fish cutlets and the Bengali dal – taste best when served with mustard. Though the restaurant serves Bengali food, there are also a host of Punjabi dishes here. The prawn masala is served encased in a coconut which makes it an interesting affair.
We also recommend that you round off your meal with rasgullas, for a wonderful finale to your Bengali meal.
Khansama Tandoori
One of the top picks for an authentic North Indian restaurant, Khansama stands out for its exceptional kadhai prawns and fish masala enrobed in tandoori spices.
Other dishes that are a must try are the tandoored tikkas. Gulab jamuns make a good option for desserts.
Delhi
Nominated among the top 100 restaurants by Singapore Tatler multiple times, Delhi (the restaurant, not the city) now operates from three different locations in the heart of Little India.
Serving authentic Indian cuisine, the chicken dishes are the ones to salivate over – for even the mainstays like the butter chicken and chicken tikka masala will blow you over with their tenderness. This place is definitely a must visit in Singapore.
Bismillah Biryani
This is your one stop destination if you are craving biryani. One of the best biryani places in Singapore, the regular mutton biryani is a special item – however, the mutton seekh kebab is melt-in-the-mouth good. Take our word for it!
Kailash Parbat
While you are living off burgers, pizzas and pretty much everything minus your beloved Indian spices – chances are that you’ll crave for something that lets your tongue run amok!
Are you thinking chaat, chhole bhature, ragda pattice, et al? Kailash Parbat is THE place to go to. A special shout out to the mango lassi here that is very effective in washing down all the spices after a hearty Indian meal.
With options such as these, we’re betting your cravings for Indian food will be well and truly be satiated in Little India.
(A freelance food and fashion blogger, Pranjali Bhonde Pethe aims at getting people and their favourite food and style closer through her blog moipalate. Email her at pranjali.bhonde@gmail.com and follow her on @moipalate.)
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