Fire up your tastebuds at these curry houses, North Indian spots and South Indian restaurants in Singapore.
Singapore is a melting pot of cultures and with that comes a smorgasbord of multicultural cuisines like Mexican and French. In this food guide, we take a look at the top Indian restaurants in Singapore. Whether you’re hankering for a wicked fish head curry or in the mood for a wholesome thali meal, look no further. Scroll down to take your pick and if you can’t take the heat, you know what they say – get out of the kitchen!
Best Indian restaurants in Singapore
1. Tiffin Room
When we’re talking about Indian restaurants in Singapore, we can’t miss the iconic Tiffin Room. With India native Kuldeep Negi at the helm, this famed restaurant serves up authentic North Indian cuisine in a sophisticated setting with table-side service. New creations are now on the menu alongside firm favourites that you can’t miss.
These delicious additions include aloo dal Tikki Chaat, crispy potato and lentil patties dressed with yoghurt and mint chutney; Murgh Jaitun Seekh, tandoori-grilled minced chicken with green olives, cheddar cheese, saffron and spices; and Balti Gosht, tender lamb leg cubes in a delectable curry. For popular favourites, order up the Jingha Kebab, which features succulent grilled jumbo prawns marinated in yoghurt and rose powder; Tiffin Dal Makhani, a delectable organic black lentil curry; and Mera Dabba, the Instagram-worthy set meal with your choice of appetisers and main course presented in custom-made copper tiffin boxes.
Guests can also opt for the customisable, Mera Dabba (meaning ‘my box’ in Hindhi) Experience, an authentic and elevated set meal where guests can choose from a refreshed selection of appetisers and main courses presented in an iconic four-tiered custom-made copper tiffin box. Think aloo gobhi, a classic cauliflower and potato delight with a perfect blend of yogurt, garlic, and masala onion gravy; succulent kadhai prawns with bell pepper, coriander seeds and onion-tomato masala and more. Round off the meal with desserts like rasmalai and pista gulab jamun.
Wash it all down with a selection of signature beverages like chai masala and lassi. Craving a tipple? There are Indian wines, cocktails and spirits on the menu too!
Tiffin Room, Raffles Hotel Singapore, 1 Beach Road, Singapore 189673
2. Royal Taj
Combining the traditions of India with global ingredients and techniques, you’re sure to have a unique experience here. Tucked away in a restored colonial building, Royal Taj boasts a sleek and classy interior with impeccable food to match. Get upscaled street food faves like aloo tikki chaat (fried potato patties) and cocktail samosas. Move on to mains like lamb rogan josh and fish curry with a side of fragrant rice. Not forgetting sweets like pistachio gulab jamun or flavoured kulfi.
Royal Taj, #02-06, Mess Hall, Village Hotel Sentosa, 16 Gunner Lane, Singapore 099567
3. Zaffron Kitchen
You’d be forgiven for mistaking Zaffron Kitchen for a high-end gastropub. After all, with its sleek fixtures and cool downtown vibe, it definitely doesn’t look like your typical Indian restaurant in Singapore. But rest assured, the menu serves the real deal with classic Indian fare that looks good but tastes even better. An absolute must-try? The dum chicken biryani, a seriously moreish dish with fluffy basmati rice and succulent pieces of chicken.
Zaffron Kitchen, multiple locations including East Coast Road and The Star Vista
4. Adda
This elevated Indian restaurant in Singapore features a menu curated by Michelin-starred chef, Manjunath Mural. Each dish served is a flavour bomb that showcases the best of what India has to offer. We love kicking things off with the desi tacos that are filled with pulled kadhai lamb, sweet chilli and sour cream. Of course, you can’t leave without trying Adda’s signature cocktails for the complete experience.
Adda, #01-201, Diners Building, 7500E Beach Road, Singapore 199595
5. Samy’s Curry
Established in the 1950s, Samy’s Curry is a no-nonsense eatery. Be prepared for things to get a little messy as you scoop food off banana leaves with your hands. The main draw is the fish head curry, of course, but we’d also recommend the fish cutlet, chicken masala and fried cauliflower.
Samy’s Curry, 25 Dempsey Road, Singapore 249670
6. Shikar
Want to dine like royals? Shikar is the place to be. Inspired by the grand feasts of Indian royals in the past, the restaurant takes cues from their luxurious tastes and lifestyles, giving patrons a throwback to those regal days through a modern culinary lens.
The man behind the scenes is celebrated Indian chef Jolly, who is also a judge for MasterChef India, a TV anchor and culinary consultant with over two decades in the hospitality industry. On the menu, expect to find traditional Indian dishes reinterpreted with global culinary techniques and influences. Highlights include the whole wheat parantha, whole fish roasted in lotus leaf, Australian lamb saddle and shoulder biryani, pistachio rose kulfi and more.
Shikar, Maxwell Reserve, Autograph Collection, 2 Cook Street, Singapore 078857
7. Sakunthala’s
If you’re craving scrumptious Indian fare, Sakunthala’s will charm you with every bite. The menu is packed with North and South Indian (and even Chinese!) dishes – great for fussy eaters. Try the biryani meals, tandoori platters, chicken tikka, prawn masala and fish head curry. Cool down from all the spice with a refreshing glass of lime juice. Bring the whole family along because, trust us, you’ll want to try everything.
Sakunthala’s, multiple locations including Race Course Road and Dunlop Street
8. Firangi Superstar
Modern Indian plates take centre stage at Firangi Superstar. But first, take a moment to admire the gorgeous architecture. Taking inspiration from cities like Kashmir, Chennai, Bombay and Rajasthan, the restaurant is brought to life with well-thought-out interiors that evoke a certain cinematic quality. There are four distinct rooms: Officer’s Club, Old Railway Room, Elephant Palace and Jungle Lodge. Go straight for the Prata Waffle??? ($24), which offers Madras-style fried chicken sitting atop a waffle-pressed prata, served with butter chicken sauce and jaggery syrup. We also love how the menu offers vegetarian versions of their meat superstars, so everyone can have a seat around the table. Oh, and don’t miss out on the cocktail programme for stellar tipples.
Firangi Superstar, #01-03, 20 Craig Road, Singapore 089692
9. Flying Monkey
There aren’t many Indian restaurants in Singapore with focused bar programs. But that’s where Flying Monkey fits in. Here, you’ll find seriously good Indian food paired with Indian-inflected cocktails that aren’t merely an afterthought. Kick off your pan-Indian feast with Galouti kebab, a terrine-like dish made with very finely minced lamb. Then, move on to mains like beef boti and the incredibly tender rogan josh. End the meal with a selection of Indian-inspired nightcaps like Mumbai 2 Milan and Quick Gun Murugan.
Flying Monkey, 67 Bussorah Street, Singapore 199480
10. Ananda Bhavan
Ananda Bhavan is a no-frills vegetarian Indian restaurant in Singapore that’s been around since 1924. If you’re looking to fuel up on a pocket-friendly, calorie-heavy brekkie, treat yourself to the appam set. This fermented rice batter pancake is a popular Kerala dish loved for its soft fluffy centre and crispy edges. Dip it in coconut milk and dab it off in the orange sugar for the ultimate morning pick-me-up. We also love its rendition of cheese prata – one of the better ones around, we’d say! While Ananda Bhavan has several outlets, we recommend you visit the original one at the entrance of Little India.
Ananda Bhavan, multiple locations including Syed Alwi Road and Buffalo Road
11. Komala Vilas
This Little India stalwart hardly needs any introduction. Devoted diners love Komala Vilas for one simple reason – simple yet authentic vegetarian fare that’s remained unchanged throughout its 69-year history. Offering over 20 different types of dosai (lentil and rice flour pancakes), vadai (savoury doughnuts) and naan, the menu is vast. An example of hearty Indian cuisine at its finest!
Komala Vilas, 76 Serangoon Road, Singapore 217981
12. Rang Mahal
With its swanky interior, extensive wine menu and impeccable service, Rang Mahal is unsurprisingly a pricey affair. But judging by the food, it’s all worth it. Expect classic Indian cuisine served with flawless attention to detail and contemporary flair. Highlights include pani puri (round crispy puffs stuffed with masala potatoes, tamarind chutney and pudhina water) and jodhpuri laal maas, a spiced mathania chilli curry with slow-cooked lamb cubes.
Rang Mahal, Level 3, Pan Pacific Singapore, 7 Raffles Boulevard, Singapore 03959
13. Thevar
Adding a sprinkle of spice to Keong Saik, this two Michelin-starred Indian restaurant is helmed by chef Mano Thevar, who displays his finesse in the kitchen with a creative array of traditional Indian flavours made contemporary. Expect to see vibrant sharing plates on the experimental menu, which changes every so often whenever inspiration hits.
Thevar, 9 Keong Saik Road, Singapore 089117
14. Muthu’s Curry
We don’t need to tell you that the ‘curry’ in its moniker refers to the establishment’s star offering – the deliciously eye-watering and deceptively dangerous fish head curry. Few may argue but many will agree it’s one of the best in Singapore. If you’re looking for less spicy options that won’t have you sweating bullets, Muthu’s Curry also serves a range of dishes, from North to South Indian, and even vegetarian options.
Muthu’s Curry, multiple locations including Race Course Road and Suntec City
15. Chat Masala
One of the many restaurants East siders get to boast about is this cosy East Coast establishment that’s been serving North Indian, South Indian and fusion dishes for over a decade. We recommend the steaming pots of Mysore mutton and the crowd-pleasing butter chicken that pair perfectly well with the fluffy garlic naan.
Chat Masala, 158 Upper East Coast Road, Singapore 455254
16. Madras New Woodlands
You’ll get a lot of foodies swearing by this joint or Komala Vilas for lip-smacking Indian food in Singapore. We think they’re both pretty darn good, but if you find yourself at Madras New Woodlands, make sure you try the VIP thali set. It’s a massive platter of various dhals, curries and a hearty portion of rice. To stave off the food coma, make sure you order a cup of its signature masala tea or coffee.
Madras New Woodlands, 14 Upper Dickson Road, Singapore 207474
17. Singapore Zam Zam
The name is synonymous with one thing, and one thing only: murtabak (Indian flatbread stuffed with egg, minced meat and onion). Having been around for over a century, this Kampong Glam institution has devotees coming from all corners of the island just for a taste of its signature dish – that’s how good it is. Be it mutton, chicken, or even deer murtabak (yes, really), Singapore Zam Zam does it best. But it’s no one-trick pony. Also on the menu: a mind-boggling array of classic supper fare like mee goreng (fried noodles), biryani and prata.
Singapore Zam Zam, 697 North Bridge Road, Singapore 198675
18. Springleaf Prata Place
When it comes to comfort food in Singapore, prata will never go out of style. Especially not at Springleaf Prata Place, where the crispy Indian flatbread gets a tasty upgrade. From the incredibly meaty and cheesy Murtaburger to the savoury prata alfredo special, it’s best you come to this joint with an empty stomach.
Springleaf Prata Place, multiple locations including Yishun Safra and The Rail Mall
19. Mustard
This resto’s forte lies in Punjabi and Bengali cuisine (the latter is a rather uncommon sight in Singapore). It serves a selection of authentic dishes like a special Kolkata chicken biryani with spiced potato, as well as a selection of grilled vegetarian options. You’ll also find unique sweets to end your meal. Think ras malai (cottage cheese patties soaked in cardamom-flavoured milk) and pati shapta (rice flour crepes with sweetened shredded coconut and thickened milk).
Mustard, 32 Race Course Road, Singapore 218552
20. Yantra
Another worthy contender in the Indian fine dining scene is Yantra, a classy joint that isn’t afraid to push the envelope and experiment with its offerings. The result? An inventive menu that’s nothing short of delicious. We’re spotlighting the Maithili maach (red snapper simmered in an aromatic gravy) and sutta gosht (slow-cooked mutton).
Yantra, #01-28/33, Tanglin Mall, 163 Tanglin Road, Singapore 247933
21. Punjab Grill
This swanky Indian restaurant in Marina Bay Sands is a treat for meat lovers. Look forward to a medley of tandoori-style meats and seafood, from lamb and chicken to prawn and barramundi. Vegetarians are also welcome as it offers a wide array of BBQ veggies and meat-free curries. Want a bit of everything? The best way to experience the restaurant’s varied menu is to opt for the royal 10-course menu.
Punjab Grill, #B1-01A, The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, 2 Bayfront Avenue, Singapore 018972
22. The Banana Leaf Apolo
A hotspot for Indian cuisine lovers, this long-standing institution has been doling out its food on banana leaves for over 40 years. It offers a mix of North and South Indian fare like tandoori chicken, fried fish and mutton masala, but we’re positive most patrons come for the signature fish head curry that packs a punch. We certainly do!
The Banana Leaf Apolo, multiple locations including Race Course Road and Sixth Avenue
23. The Curry Club
If you’re looking for innovative spins on Indian cuisine, drop by The Curry Club. Check out the selection of murtabak pizzas. It features Indian faves like chicken tikka masala or spicy sardine sambal baked into an Italian classic. Try the claypot curry rice (aka satti sorru) for a comforting meal. And for something to share amongst your group of friends, check out the Signature Shellout. This is an array of seafood soaked in a sauce of your choice, from garlicky cream to spicy masala. Add on some fried mantou buns and you’ll have a finger-licking good meal.
The Curry Club, 11 Mohamed Sultan Road, Singapore 239010
24. Annalakshmi
Temporarily closed.
Run by volunteers, this social enterprise vegetarian restaurant offers a smorgasbord of lunch offerings with no fixed price. The dishes you’re served vary according to who’s manning the kitchens, but dishes like dhal, chutney and sambar are staples. While it’s pay-as-you-wish, that’s no excuse to short-change ’em! The restaurant has helped those going through financial difficulties receive a wholesome meal during dire times. So if you can afford it, it’s worth putting in a little more for those who can’t.
Annalakshmi, #01-04, Central Square, 20 Havelock Road, Singapore 059765
Now that you’re well acquainted with the top Indian restaurants in Singapore, you know what to do…
