Singapore is a multicultural society and food lover nation and most food enthusiasts love Indian foods. The city-state is abundant in Indian restaurants offering various Indian cuisines from different states in India. Be it authentic vegetarian North Indian curry dishes or crispy Southern Indian dosas, Singapore has some of the best Indian cuisine. Looking at the Indian cuisine that is always colorful and filled with interesting ingredients, Singapore has what you need. Here is a guide to ten of the best Indian restaurants in Singapore, each offering something special that will surely take you on a culinary adventure.
What Makes a Great Indian Restaurant?
A great Indian restaurant is more about the eating experience than just another place to eat. From the scent of spices in the air to the colors on your plate, Indian food delights the senses through flavor and culture. A good Indian restaurant will be able to offer:
- Authentic: True Indian flavors come from traditional ways of cooking and authentic spices and ingredients.
- Diversity: Indian cuisine is an assembly of different cuisines; every region has its style and dishes. A good Indian restaurant should echo this diversity in its menu.
- Ambiance: A restaurant’s atmosphere is part and parcel of the dining experience. Be it warm and cozy or loud and happening, the two should blend where the food would stand.
- Value: Good Indian food is for everyone, and it is the essence of a great restaurant to offer good value by providing great-tasting, authentic meals at a decent price.
The Diversity of Indian Cuisine in Singapore
Indian cuisine is immensely diverse. The culture, climate, and tradition of every other part of India are reflected in it. This can be observed in the numerous varieties that are within reach in Singapore, such as North Indian, South Indian, and regional cuisine, which includes Gujarati, Bengali, and Kerala dishes. Each has a characteristic flavor and special way of preparation Apart from taste, each cooking style also differs in technique, from the thick, creamy northern curries to the hot, coconut-based ones of the south. Variety ensures that there is always something new to find out about Indian food.
Factors to Consider When Choosing an Indian Restaurant in Singapore
When looking for the best restaurant serving Indian cuisine in Singapore, here are some aspects to look for:
- Cuisine Type: There is much variance in Indian cuisine, so first decide if you’re in the mood for North Indian, South Indian, vegetarian, or perhaps more specifically: Bengali, or Punjabi.
- Ambiance: Dining can be very varied in style and atmosphere. Some restaurants are very formal and comfortable while others are conventional and modern.
- Price Range: Singapore hosts numerous Indian restaurants suitable for all categories of customers – the low-end and the high-end. In case of a desire for quick and cheap dining or a more lavish dinner, everyone is taken care of in the Indian restaurants in Singapore.
- Authenticity: Choose places that utilize a specific type of preparation and only fresh food to feel the distinct taste.
- Location: While some hidden gems are located in well-known areas like Little India, others might require a bit of travel. Consider how far you’re willing to go for a great meal.
The Best 10 Indian Restaurants in Singapore
Indian food is quite popular in Singapore and there are many good restaurants in addition to the famous ones, which deliver an equally great experience. Here is the list of the top 10 Indian restaurants in Singapore:
1. Mustard
Nestled in the vibrant Little India district, Mustard is a rare find in Singapore, offering both Bengali and Punjabi cuisine under one roof. The atmosphere is homely with unpretentious interior design, which does not distract attention from the dishes. Crafted wooden tables and earthen hues of the interiors enhance the physical atmosphere of homelike dining.
Signature Dishes
Mustard is known for its “Chingri Malai Curry”, a prawn curry prepared in coconut milk and a generous helping of mustard seeds and green chilies. Another dish that has to be recommended is the “Kosha Mangsho,” a spicy Indian mutton dish that is slow-cooked to tenderness. The familiar Punjabi dishes of Sarson da Saag and Makki di Roti are another favorite that provides quite the North Indian flavor.
- Location : 32 Race Course Road, Singapore 218552
- Phone: +65 6297 8422
- Timings:
- Sun to Fri: 11:30am – 3pm & 6pm – 10:45pm
- Sat: 11:30am – 4pm & 6pm – 10:45pm
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2. Zaffron Kitchen
The Zaffron Kitchen is another familiar place to eat Indian cuisine in Singapore, but still relatively modern compared to other restaurants, although the core of Indian cuisine is followed. The restaurant seating has a modern and classy look and feel, the décor is warm and inviting and suitable for everyday and fine dining.
Signature Dishes
Zaffron Kitchen offers an array of delicious and creamy Indian dishes that reflect the country’s culinary tradition but with a contemporary approach. One of the most memorable, the “Butter Chicken” includes pieces of chicken cooked in a mild yet tasty tomato-based gravy flavored with the perfect spice blend. Next on the list is, the “Rogan Josh,” a slow-cooked lamb from Kashmir, that should not be missed because of the intense and layered flavors. People who prefer vegetarian foods enjoy the “Paneer Tikka” because the paneer is marinated and then roasted in a tandoor.
- Location: 137 East Coast Road, Singapore 428822
- Phone: +65 6297 8422
- Timings:
- Mon – Thurs – 11:30am – 10:00pm (Closed 3 – 5pm)
- Fri / PH Eve – 11:30am – 10:30pm (Closed 3 – 5pm)
- Sat – Sun / PH – 10:30am – 10:30pm
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3. Samy’s Curry
Samy’s Curry is a South Indian restaurant that has been family-run for seven decades and defines itself by its longevity. Located in the lush, green surroundings of Dempsey Hill, the restaurant offers a unique dining experience that combines traditional flavors with a serene outdoor setting.
Signature Dishes
The star of the menu is, without doubt, the “Fish Head Curry” which now marks the specialty of Samy’s Curry. Fish head is stewed in sour and spicy gravy which is prepared with tamarind paste, tomato, and some spices so that the fish head gains a strong aroma. The “Mutton Mysore” and the “Masala Chicken” are also recommended dishes because they can give visitors a taste of South Indian cuisine.
- Location: 25 Dempsey Road, Singapore 249670
- Phone: +65 64722080
- Timings:
- Sun to Sat: 11 am–3 pm(Lunch), 6pm–10 pm(Dinner)
- Closed on Every Tuesday
4. Muthu’s Curry
Muthu’s Curry is another iconic Indian restaurant in Singapore, known for its signature curries and vibrant atmosphere. The restaurant is spacious, with bright lighting and a lively ambiance that is perfect for family gatherings and casual dinners.
Signature Dishes
The “Fish Head Curry” at Muthu’s Curry is legendary, with a thick, tangy gravy that is rich in spices and flavors. Other must-try dishes include the “Chicken Masala” and “Garlic Naan,” both of which are perfectly seasoned and incredibly satisfying.
- Location: 138 Race Course Road, Singapore 218591
- Phone: +65 6392 1722
- Timings: Daily: 10:30 am – 10:30 pm
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5. The Banana Leaf Apolo
The Banana Leaf Apolo is an Indian food restaurant that is quite popular among the public and people eat using banana leaves. It is also the Western style, completely free from any unnecessary items of decor, there are large tables for many guests to sit together.
Signature Dishes
The “Chicken Masala” and “Fish Curry” dishes were tasty – spicy enough but not overwhelming – and went very well with the steamed rice served on the banana leaf. The other side dishes include the “Vegetable Samosas” and the “Raita” which complement the meals making the dining experience even more exquisite.
- Location: 54 Race Course Road, Singapore 218564
- Phone: +65 6362 2444
- Timings: Daily: 10:30 am–10:30 pm
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6. Shahi Maharani
Shahi Maharani cuisine is a royal cuisine and the restaurant has been designed to provide customers with a Royal feel. The restaurant, for instance, has elaborate carvings on the walls and doors, comfortable furniture, and good lighting.
Signature Dishes
The famous “Rogan Josh” is a must-have; where the lamb is exceptionally soft and cooked in a flavourful gravied dish. The “Butter Chicken” and the “Naan Basket” meals are also appreciated since they provide the customers with rather creamy bits and enhanced flavors.
- Location: Raffles City Shopping Centre, 252 North Bridge Road, Singapore 179103
- Phone: +65 6235 8840
- Timings: Daily: 12pm – 2.30pm & 6.30pm – 10.30pm
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7. Komala Vilas
Komala Vilas has its origin in Singapore itself and it is one of the oldest Indian vegetarian restaurants which specializes in South Indian cuisine since 1947. Its interior is a plain, functional design, the furniture is basic like long tables, which suggests it is a purveyor of traditional Chinese food served quickly.
Signature Dishes
“Thali” sets are a specialty in this restaurant with different types of food arranged on a single plate like rice, sambar, rasam, and some vegetable curry. Another must-try is the “Masala Dosa”, a delicate yet very crispy thin pancake with a potato filling spiced with ghee. This is one of the best places to grab a bite in town because the meals are delicious and filling.
- Location: 76-78 Serangoon Road, Singapore 217981
- Phone: +65 6293 6980
- Timings: Daily: 7 am–10:30 pm
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8. Chat Masala
Chat Masala is a restaurant that started with a new concept of serving chat dishes with Indian flavor but with modern cooking methods. The interiors are quite trendy and contemporary, maintaining a laid-back setting that is fitting for a casual dinner.
Signature Dishes
One of the standout dishes at Chat Masala is the “Prawn Masala,” a dish that combines fresh prawns with a spicy tomato-based sauce that is both tangy and flavorful. The “Paneer Tikka” and “Garlic Naan” are also highly recommended, offering a perfect balance of spices and textures.
- Location: 158 Upper East Coast Road, Singapore 455254
- Phone: +65 6876 0570
- Timings: Daily: 12pm – 2.30pm [Lunch] & 6pm – 10pm [Dinner]
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9. Zam Zam
‘Zam Zam’ is a Muslim restaurant that has proudly been a part of the Indian subcontinent food culture since 1908 offering murtabak along with biryani that perfectly melts in the mouth. The restaurant is situated in a rather old house; the interior and the atmosphere are informal and lively, which speaks about the rather long history of the place.
Signature Dishes
Try their “Mutton Murtabak,” which consists of multiple layers of spiced mutton and egg wrapped in a layer of crispy pastry. The “Chicken Biryani” is also remarkable as it contains tender cooked chicken and rice seasoned with a combination of spices.
- Location: 697 North Bridge Road, Singapore 198675
- Phone: +65 6298 6320
- Timings: Daily: 7am – 11pm
10. Karu’s Indian Banana Leaf Restaurant
Karu’s Indian Banana Leaf Restaurant recreates the South Indian food experience sort of dining where customers have their food served on a banana leaf. The restaurant does not have an overly elaborate interior as it mostly caters to casual dining and the simplicity of the interiors.
Signature Dishes
This restaurant is renowned for its Fish Head Curry meal, which many people from different parts of Singapore patronize. The curry has a thick red color and hot taste achieved by the combination of a set of spices carefully chosen by the owner. It also offers a great Chicken Masala and Mutton Varuval which was almost bursting with flavors and just right in terms of spiciness.
- Location: 808/810 Upper Bukit Timah Road Singapore, Singapore 678144
- Phone: +65 6762 7284
- Timings:
- Tue to Sun: 10.30am – 10pm
- Closed on Mon
Conclusion
The Indian food culture in Singapore is unparalleled regarding taste, texture, and aroma, making Singapore a paradise for food lovers. The list below comprises 10 Indian restaurants that provide a variety of Indian food from simple dine-in restaurants to sophisticated fine dining restaurants in Singapore. Whether you have a craving for curry or have never tried Indian food, these restaurants will provide an incredible journey through Indian cuisine.
