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5 Indian restaurants offering sumptuous Deepavali feasts

Gabbar's Dal Burrata. (PHOTO: Gabbar)
Gabbar's Dal Burrata. (PHOTO: Gabbar)

By: Alexandra Lin

Gabbar

Gabbar Modern Indian Bistro & Bar at Clarke Quay (#01-14) is rolling out nine dishes this Diwali. Some of Gabbar’s unique creations include the new Indian-Fusion ‘Dal Burrata’ (S$24). Savour the creaminess of this soft cheese mingling with the subtly spiced Indian staple.

Meat fans will enjoy the succulent Hyderabadi Shikampuri Lamb Chops (S$26) marinated with hung curd and spices, or the Dalcha Chicken ($26), delicious boneless chicken cooked in a creamy lentil gravy.

The spotlight also shines on vegetarian dishes. For instance, appetisers like the Mushroom Galouti (S$22), a melt-in-the-mouth Kashmiri button mushroom kebab, topped with tangy pineapple sauce. The vegetarian main course includes Paneer Pasanda (S$24) – cottage cheese stuffed with paneer, khoya (milk powder), and dried fruits, paired with a richly flavoured gravy.

Or tuck into the Paneer Paan Patta (S$22), tender pieces of cottage cheese infused with betel leaf, as well as Amritsari Makai Palak (S$24), a bowl of Amritsari corn tossed in smooth spinach gravy.

Gabbar’s Weekend Diwali Menu is available until 15 November. Head there on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 5pm to 10.30pm for your celebration.

Tel: 8755 5597
https://www.facebook.com/sggabbar/

(PHOTO: Masalaa Bar)
(PHOTO: Masalaa Bar)

Masalaa Bar

Chef and culinary director Milind Sovani, who’s most known for his modern Indian creations at fine dining restaurant Rang Mahal, has launched Masalaa Bar - just in time for this Deepavali. Now you can look forward to a unique curation of popular street food from different cities in India, presented in a contemporary style. Thanks to the range of share plates and Indian tapas, diners can enjoy a lot more variety and flavours.

The new joint at 723 East Coast Road weaves fun and playful elements to its menu. Categories include Kick Starters, Indian Food Truck, Indian Grill, Curry But No Hurry, Let’s Go Vegetarian, and others. Savour inventive items like the Vada Pao Sliders (spiced potato patty in Mumbai buns, S$8), Pani Puri shots (crispy puffs with mint water, S$7), or Surmai fry (crispy fried seer fish steaks, S$8). There’s also a boldly flavoured Chicken Paprika Tikka (S$15), tiger prawns tossed in a punchy Tellicherry pepper masala (S$22), and others. These delicious bites match perfectly with the Indian inspired cocktails, and affordably priced wines.

Tel: 6282 4648

www.masalaabar.com

Deepavali a la carte buffet. (PHOTO: The Line Shangri-La)
Deepavali a la carte buffet. (PHOTO: The Line Shangri-La)

The Line, Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore

Shangri-La Hotel’s The Line offers an extensive a la carte buffet featuring an expanded selection of traditional Indian dishes this Deepavali. The chefs will prepare a lineup of special items such as stuffed baby eggplant with coconut and peanut sauce; garlic grilled seabass; crab kofta with a Keralan-style coconut-based moilee sauce; and tandoori malai king prawn.

There will also be a variety of treats made just for the occasion, ranging from classic Indian sweets like Kaju Burfi to the unique Masala Chai Crème Brulee. On top of these, you’ll get to indulge in eight other cuisines (dishes will be served to your table). The Deepavali a la carte buffet is available during lunch and dinner from 12 to 15 November, and priced from S$58 per person.

You can also find exquisite Deepavali sweets presented in specially designed gift boxes (S$49). Each box includes an assortment of confectioneries such as Besan Ladoo (delicate chickpea and cashew nut cookie spiced with cardamom); Kacha Golla (a moist sponge cake made with fresh milk and spices); and Doodh Peda (soft milk sweet made with paneer and evaporated milk). Order via bit.ly/shophousebyshangrila

Tel: 6213 4398
http://www.shangri-la.com/singapore/shangrila/dining/

Punjab Grill's Palak & Raw Banana Tikki. (PHOTO: Punjab Grill)
Punjab Grill's Palak & Raw Banana Tikki. (PHOTO: Punjab Grill)

Punjab Grill

Punjab Grill at The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands (B1-01A) is offering two exclusive ‘Deepawali Special’ set menus (S$99 per person), for lunch and dinner.

The non-vegetarian menu includes creative appetisers like pesto-flavoured chicken seekh kebab as well as baked fish tikka marinated in southern spices, and jazzed up with fish skin crackle powder and served with coconut snow foam.

This is followed by chicken tikka masala roulade for mains. The vegetarian menu offers inventive appetisers like pan-grilled croquettes of spinach puree and mashed banana marinated in Indian herbs and spices. For mains, you’ll get to savour paneer tikka masala roulade. Both menus include a medley of tava grilled exotic vegetables, pandan leaves dum pulao, and a range of breads like dried fruits kulcha and paratha. Round off your feast with a dessert platter comprising gulab jamun sufta and mango kulfi.

Perfect as gifts are Punjab Grill’s gourmet sweet boxes (from S$75 – S$120). The handcrafted sweets include blueberry cashew katli, Alphonso mango and white chocolate burfi, and hazelnuts and rose petals roulade.

Tel: 6688 7395
https://www.marinabaysands.com/restaurants/punjab-grill.html

Achari Mahi Tikka. (PHOTO: Tiffin Room)
Achari Mahi Tikka. (PHOTO: Tiffin Room)

Tiffin Room

Raffles Hotel’s beautifully restored Tiffin Room welcomes diners with its sumptuous Diwali menu. Priced at S$88 per person, the celebratory menu is available for lunch and dinner, from now till 15 November.

Start your meal with dahi puri or deep-fried stuffed crispy bread, offset with tamarind and raisin chutney with yoghurt, followed by tandoor-grilled pomfret fillet with pickled spices. Main courses are presented in the signature Tiffin Box along with garlic naan and cheese and pepper kulcha.

The range of delicious North Indian creations include Murgh Khumani or chicken breast cooked in a gravy made with apricot and mixed nuts; boneless lamb shank laced with dill and spinach curry; and fluffy Indian basmati rice with saffron.

Refresh your palate with a dessert of Mango Ghevar, a traditional Rajasthani sweet cake with fresh mango and mango kulfi. And finally tuck into an assortment of Mithai or speciality sweets made of cashew nut, date and fig. The restaurant also offers a vegetarian option at S$68 per person.

Tel: 6412 1816

https://www.raffles.com/singapore/dining/tiffin-room/

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