Best Fancy Indian Restaurants in Singapore

Punjab Grill is taking the Marina Bay Sands by storm for its Tandoori chicken, spiced curry dishes, and street food with a modern twist. This upmarket Indian restaurant is owned by the Czar of Indian Cuisine, Jiggs Karla, who is known for using old-wisdom cooking methods in making North Indian gourmet dishes. Through Punjab Grill, expect to be taken to an epicurean journey through Punjab-Lahore-Rawalpindi’s rich food culture and heritage.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• From street food to fine dining: Jiggs Karla and his corporate chef, Ahamad, must be doing magical things in the kitchen as they re-invent Punjabi street food to befit haute cuisine. They use high quality ingredients and impeccable presentation combined with the chefs’ mastery of North Indian culinary. If you miss your street-food trips back in India, Golgappa platter (S$15) or the cheesy Palak Paneer (S$32) might make up for the time lost.
• Set lunch menus for both vegetarians and carnivores: In any day of the week, you can have a complete Indian lunch meal at Punjab Grill. Weekday set lunch is supposed to power you to make it through the day and the weekend menu (i.e. kebab and biryani) feels like slowing down with your mates on a quiet Sunday afternoon. Inviting a business exec to lunch? Get the chef’s specials from soup, main course to sorbets through the Executive set lunch.
• Best fine dining Indian restaurant for vegetarians: Singaporeans love their vegetable curries as well as the Indians. It isn’t surprising to find Sarson Ka Saag (signature spiced vegetable curry) here at Punjab Grill even. But what makes Punjab Grill stand out is its special kebab, biryani and lunch menu for vegetarians and non-vegetarians.
• Indian food for all types of customers: The recipes are thoughtfully created for the Indian customers, but the dishes are mildly spiced for the Singaporeans; hitting two birds with one stone. This is why native Indians might find the food a bit bland as compared to the tasty and flavourful comments of the island’s locals.
• Papadum is served before meal: As soon as you find comfort at your seat, a basket of rolled Papadum with three dips (i.e. mint, mango chutney, and yogurt) will be served to your table. It is a nice gesture that many customers highly appreciate since not all Indian restaurants in Singapore do this.

MENU
Punjab Grill’s menu is as diverse as North Indian cuisine, from lunch and dinner set meals, a la carte, and 10-course chef tasting menu up to its catering menus for special occasions. Vegetarians will love the vegan-friendly menu as you are provided with flexible options. Meat-based mains like kebab and butter chicken won’t also disappoint as they are cooked until soft and aromatic in the tandoor.

AMBIANCE
Being a fine dining restaurant, Punjab Grill utterly looks splendid with its grand chandelier, glass and metal accents, and upholstered panels. These features alone could be a key attraction of any restaurant, but to experience the regal Maharajas-inspired setting and hospitality is another story. And though going to Punjab Grill requires long walk, its odd location at the extreme corner of the MBS Shopping area can provide solace and quiet to diners on a food trip getaway.

RECOMMENDED DISHES

• Kurkuri Amristari Fish
• Tandoor Grilled Chicken Tikka
• Signature Kebab
• Guchichi Pulao
• Tandoori Lobster
• Butter Chicken
• Biryani
• Kabuli Chana

AVE PRICE/PAX: S$60

If Punjab Grill looks too modern for your old-fashioned yet sophisticated taste, then you might find Tiffin Room’s colonial flair your cup of tea. Known for its wide array of North Indian and English dishes, Tiffin Room will turn your ordinary midday to an extravagant one with their exquisite high tea service.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Indian Buffet Style: The buffet table showcases a large selection of North Indian dishes ranging from starters, main course, desserts to drinks. There’s buffet during lunch and dinner and Tiffin Room does rotate its menu frequently to allow guests to have a taste on a wide variety of traditional Indian dishes like curries, chutneys, naans, and kebabs.
• Interesting salad dishes: The salads section of the buffet table looks very promising for any curious foodie. The featured dish is Beetroot Coconut ka Salad, made of beetroot chunks and fresh curry leaves drizzled with desiccated coconut, a unique food combination.
• Extensive veg and non-veg curry menu: Eat curry to your heart’s content! From lamb, prawn, chicken to vegetarian curries, you will find your sweet spot in Tiffin Room. Chicken Makhanwala offers a good start for its juicy and tender meat soaked in thick tomato paste, fenugreek, and butter. Make sure to pair it with a hot naan. For strictly vegetarian dieters, curries like Khate Methe Baigan and mixed veggies might catch your attention.
• Spiciness is toned-down: If you prefer mild flavours, you might find Tiffin’s rather bland taste on some of its Indian dishes favourable. Understandably though, Tiffin Room is visited by westerners mostly which makes the restaurant perfect for tourists who just want to have a taste of Indian cuisine in the most tolerable way possible.
• Party like it’s the 1890’s: Being Raffles Hotel’s main dining hall, Tiffin Room has a long history that dates back to 1899 when curry was first served in the room. Celebrating your special occasions here would mean being a part of the hotel’s historicity. Imagine being surrounded by Indian food, polished cutleries, lamps, formal English dining setting, Indian waiters-in-white, and a harpist playing in the background as you go merry-making in a private dining room.

MENU
The menu is extensive encompassing breakfast, afternoon tea to lunch and dinner. A menu specially crafted for vegetarians and fans of Thali are also available. Customers of all ages will definitely love being spoilt for choices as they can go flexible with their Indian food adventure, although they’d have to deepen their pockets. Price starts at S$50 per adult and S$30 for children.

AMBIENCE
Tiffin Room is a large banquet hall adorned with elegant colonial motifs. There’s enough space for the whole family and the room is designed to let the natural light pass through the windows which adds drama to the already cinematic montage. The staff is attentive and cordial to both hotel guests and non-guests. Overall, the ambiance is refreshing, regal and perfect for an intimate fine dining.

RECOMMENDED DISHES

• Dal Makhani
• Cheese Naans
• Peshawari Naans
• Dahi Kebab
• Roasted Lamb
• Jhinga Malai Curry
• Papaya Relish
• Chicken Makhanwala
• Palak Paneer

PRICE RANGE: S$50 – S$70++ per person

NOTES

• Buffet Lunch ends at 14:00
• Wear smart casual attire as dress code is strictly implemented.
• Advance reservations are highly recommended.

Rang Mahal is a contemporary, fine-dining restaurant serving authentic Indian cuisine since 1971. Offering the real taste of famous Indian cooking, the rich spicy flavours are inspired from North, South and coastal regions of India. Looking to celebrate a special occasion in a royal style? This upmarket Indian restaurant is just your place.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• One of the oldest Indian restaurants in Singapore: In service since 1971, Rang Mahal continues to delight guests with impeccable service and outstanding culinary experience. It is no surprise that it is a permanent fixture on the list of best Indian restaurants in Singapore.
• Gourmet lunch buffet featuring a range of traditional Indian favourites: Enjoy a lavish spread of vegetarian and non-vegetarian tandoori specialities, curries and other regional delights. And a splendid bread bar and live cooking stations surely add that pop of excitement.
• Impressive wine list with more than 300 labels from all over the world: An extensive selection of white and red wines is a remarkable feat for a non-Western restaurant.
• Luxurious private dining room for special occasions: The exquisite private room has long dining table meant for 18 people (minimum spending of $1200+ for lunch and $1800+ for dinner). Want to relax after your scrumptious meal? Lounge in an outside patio area with a cup of tea to complete the luxurious experience.

MENU
Rang Mahal serves daily Gourmet Lunch Buffets (Sun-Fri, $58+), with an array of vegetarian and non-vegetarian tandoori starters, main dishes, breads and desserts. A la carte and set menus are also available for lunches and dinners (2-course $88+, 3-course $98+). There is an extensive range of wines to complement the food.

AMBIENCE
Beautiful, candle-lit entrance and spacious dining space with high ceilings reflects the luxurious atmosphere while adding a touch of warmth. The elegant interior blends traditional Indian aesthetics with a modern, chic style effortlessly.

RECOMMENDED DISHES

• Tandoori Chicken
• Tandoori Portobello
• Raarha Gosht (Chunks of lamb in a spicy curry)
• Butter Chicken
• Sea Bass Curry
• Tawa Charred Scallops
• Quinoa Upma
• Rasmalai
• Kesari Jalebi

AVERAGE PRICE PER PAX: S$100

NOTES

• You will be required to wear smart casuals
• Reservation is mandatory

Located in Clarke Quay, a lively tourist destination, this upmarket Indian restaurant offers classy yet totally ethnic culinary experience. A perfect place to enjoy special occasions with authentic Indian food, great wines and excellent service.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• In the heart of Singapore’s tourist paradise: Ras is a culinary gem on historical riverside harbour, Clarke Quay – a vibrant destination to have great time with shops, restaurants, nightclubs and live music.
• A great selection of succulent tandoori dishes and spicy curries: Enjoy the traditional char-grilled favourites such as chicken tikka masala, tandoori lamb and Amritsari fish. Rich curries are a sheer delight on the senses. There are amazing options for vegetarians.
• More than traditional Indian cuisine: Besides the all-time favourites, relish unique flavours with dishes such as tandoori lobsters, tandoori prawns and kali mirchi ka chicken.
• Sensational outdoor dining overlooking scenic Singapore river: Delicious Indian food served on a table by the bustling riverside. View the beautiful city skyline or watch the vibrant nightlife unfolding. Can it get better than that?

MENU
Ras offers both a la carte and buffet options. The menu has tandoori specialities, main curry dishes, rice and biryani, and desserts. There are wines, beers and cocktails to complement the spicy flavours.

AMBIENCE
The indoors are cosy and warm with elegant furnishings. But the real fun is the al fresco dining option. The staff is extremely pleasant and efficiently quick.

RECOMMENDED DISHES

• Chicken Tikka Masala
• Lamb Biryaani
• Butter Chicken
• Tandoori Lobster
• Lamb Vindaloo
• Kacchi Mirchi ka Chicken
• Paneer Makhanwalla
• Garlic Naan
• Gulab Jamun
• Kulfi

AVERAGE PRICE PER PAX: S$80

NOTES

• Catering services available
• Reservation is a must