Indian Indulgence

From classic curries and Mumbaiinspired street food to more contemporary takes on tandoori creations, we put four of Singapore’s hottest Indian restaurants to the test.

Rang Mahal

Level 3, Pan Pacific Singapore 7 Raffles Boulevard 6333 1788 | rangmahal.com.sg

The mood: High ceilings and touches of gold give the dining room here a grand elegance that perfectly matches the refined menu of contemporary takes on Indian classics. If you haven’t been to this gem, go for your next special occasion!

The food: The menu is massive, and a little overwhelming for those unfamiliar with the whole gamut of Indian ingredients and dishes. So, if you want to try a bit of everything, I’d suggest ordering the four-course degustation menu ($128 per person; vegetarian and non-vegetarian versions available), which includes an amuse bouche, soup, starter, main course, and a selection of desserts and tea. This menu is great value, with large portions (bring your appetite!) and the chance to try some items you may not have thought to order in the first place.

I’m always quick to order chicken tikka masala when eating Indian, as it’s one of my favourite foods ever; but, the chargrilled Kasuri chicken with egg foam and kokam curry – the degustation menu’s main dish – was a delicious alternative to my usual go-to. I just couldn’t stop dipping my naan into the rich, tomato and coconut chicken curry, which was accompanied by sides of addicting crispy okra and dal ma dumpukh (black lentils slow-cooked for 48 hours).

While I’m not one to order a soup to start, I absolutely relished the roasted tomato saar soup made with curry leaves, coconut and chillies, and topped with herbal mulethi (liquorice) foam. Yum!

Save a little room for the lychee kulfi frostie and the super sweet and swirl-shaped kesari jalebi, which is like a funnel cake flavoured with rose syrup!