The Song of India @ Scotts Road - The Lesser Known Value For Money Weekday Buffet Lunch And Sunday Buffet Lunch

The Song of India at Scotts Road has been known for its Michelin-starred fine Indian dining. While the exquisite Indian cuisine is what many seek for, The Song of India also offers fuss-free weekday buffet lunches ($36.90) and Sunday buffet brunch ($46.90).

Salad and Chaat 3.5/5

Situated in a charming, old colonial bungalow, its tranquil site was simply perfect for a Sunday brunch. Starting my brunch with my usual greens, my good old salad plate was definitely spiked with much more zest and tang with elements such as Raita and Goan Brinjal Pickle. The popular street food Chaat was available too.

Tomato Shorba 3.5/5

I fell in love with this super tangy tomato and coriander broth at my previous tasting at Melt, Mandarin Oriental Singapore. This Tomato Shorba was less thick, but it was equally punchy. Its sourness made my face puckered up at times, but that is what made it so addictive.

Chillas 3/5

For some wholesome breakfast pancakes, there is a Live Chef's Food Station that serves Chillas, a savoury pancake made with gram flour, spices and herbs. I like its chewy texture, which allows me to enjoy its spiced flavours more.

Bhindi Tomato Malasa 4/5

Mirch Ka Salan 4/5

From the Mains, it was my first time trying Bhindi Tomato Malasa and Mirch Ka Salan, and I love them both! Although both were rather heavy dishes, there was a touch of tanginess in both dishes that balanced that richness. Mirch Ka Salan was especially memorable with its deep fried green chillies, which gave a kick of fieriness in every bite. That will leave you wanting for more.

Lamb Roganjosh 3.5/5

Another item worth raving about is the tender and mouthwatering Lamb Roganjosh. Best served with its Vegetarian Dum Biryani.

Butter Chicken 3/5

Fish Biryani 3/5 and Bengal Prawn Curry 3/5

Familiar dishes include Butter Chicken, and seafood options are available as well, such as Fish Biryani that was loaded with chunks of tandoori fish, and Bengal Prawn Curry.

Dum Potato Banarasi 3/5

Kadai Panner 3/5

The range of mains also covers a few meatless dishes such as Dum Potato Banarasi and Kadai Panner.

Sweets 3.8/5

Somehow, when comes to Indian cuisine, mixing in some sweets in between bites just makes the meal even more delish. I did that with Dried Fruit Rice Kheer and Baked Gulab Jamum. Both had the right level of sweetness. I usually shy away from the Gulab Jamum, but these cardamon sweet treats were perfect with my cup of Masala Tea.

And to go with all that curries, other than rice, you have freshly made naans that made all things finger-licking good.

The Sunday Buffet Brunch is also suitable for families as children under 12 dine for free. As it is Chef Mural’s philosophy and passion to spread the richness and diversity of regional Indian cuisine, menus are changed weekly to reflect a ‘journey through India’ through the dishes.

Words and photos by Si An. A girl who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food. Note: This is an invited tasting.


The Song of India
33 Scotts Road
Singapore 228226
Tel: +65 68360055
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Newton (DT Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 11pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Newton MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to bus stop at Newton MRT station (Stop ID 40189). Take bus number 5, 54, 124, 128, 143, 162, 167, 171, 518 or 700. Alight one stop later. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about  6 minutes. [Map]

Indian Express @ Race Course Road - Home-style Northern Indian Cuisine Along With Indian-Chinese Favourites

Northern Indian cuisine is prevalent in our island but Indian-Chinese dishes are definitely less so. Here at Indian Express, take the chance to explore their characters that are unfamiliar to us, while tucking into your favourite Northern Indian dishes. Nestled in one of the shophouses on Racecourse Road, Indian Express has recently renovated and reopened with a fresh look. You may not have known, this casual dining concept is established by the same management behind The Song of India, currently helmed by executive chef Umed Singh, alumnus of The Song of India and protégé of Michelin-starred chef Manjunath Mural.

Tandoori Mix Grill Platter 3.8/5

As a starter or even a simple meal for two, the signature Punjabi-style Tandoori Mix Grill Platter ($19) that comes in a sizzling plate of lamb chop, fish, chicken tikka and kebab that have been grilled in the Tandoor, will have you deeply satisfied. I love the fish which was well marinated with spices and yogurt, and that layer of marination also kept it moist and tender during the grilling process.

Kashmiri Lamb Rack Wazwan 4.2/5

Each platter comes with a lamb chop as well and we had the chance to view them in full glory in the Kashmiri Lamb Rack Wazwan ($14) that made a rather dramatic entrance with the lamb racks smoking in its own juice and marination. It is something that you would not want to share, for all you want is to slowly lift the tender meat off its bone and savour it slowly.

Grilled Vegetarian Platter 3/5

The Grilled Vegetarian Platter ($14) was wholesome with Seekh Kebab, Paneer Tikka and Cauliflower. The Paneer Tikka could be a lot more pleasing if the bell pepper was more cooked down to release its fruity and smokey flavour.

Papdi Chaat 2.8/5

Pani Poori 3/5

One of my favourite small bites are Papdi Chaat and Pani Poori. What we had $7 each were decent but I would like them to be more tangy with yogurt and chutney.

Chilli Chicken 3/5

Indian Express also offers a comprehensive menu of Indian-Chinese dishes. Indian-Chinese cuisine has its roots back in Kolkata in the 1700s, the period when the Chinese migrated there and settled in. They adapted their own recipes with well-loved Indian spices and ingredients and that boost of flavours into dishes which please the local palate became a hit across India 90 years ago. We only managed to try one, Chili Chicken ($14). The flavours were quite homely actually, reminiscent of my mum's black soy stir-fried chicken but laced with chilli.

Butter Chicken 4/5

After all the dishes, we were ready for a lineup of well-loved Northern Indian classics. Among all, the highlight for me was the Butter Chicken ($14). The chicken was being barbecued beforehand, hence it exuded a strong hint of smokiness as I bite into it. Cooked in tomato sauce, the curry was bright with a well rounded tangy sweetness. That mingled perfectly with the smoky flavour of the meat.

Prawn Masaledar 4/5

Prawn Masaledar ($18) is slightly similar to butter chicken which has a tomato based curry but given a dose coconut milk. Again, I like that level of piquancy in the curry, though it was mellower.

Lamb Shank 3.8/5

Muglai Fish Curry 3/5

You can look forward to a good quality Lamb Shank ($16) which comes from one of the finest meat suppliers in Singapore. You may find the Muglai Fish Curry ($12) interesting, which probably reminds you of Thai Green Curry but I prefer a curry that is more robust.

Palak Paneer 4/5

Their Palak Paneer ($10) is also one of the better ones that I have tried. It has a pureed consistency, unlike those creamier ones with cottage cheese cubes swimming inside. Blend with minced garlic, there is an additional layer of flavour built into it that makes it far more delectable than the rest.

Bhindi Masala 3.8/5

Bhindi Masala ($9) is ladyfingers, an ingredient that you either love or hate. It's tricky to cook it well to a right doneness while keeping it green and crunchy. If you like it with samba belacan, this will not disappoint.

Royal Chicken Dum Biryani 3/5

To go with all the curries and dishes, you can go for their Royal Chicken Dum Biryani ($12) but I would suggest skipping that for their moriesh Assorted Naan (Plain Naan $2.50 / Whole wheat $3 / Garlic Naan $3 / Butter Naan $3). Nothing is more engaging than sopping them with curries and savouring them with hands!

Carrot Halwa 3.5/5

For dessert, we had a traditional winter time Carrot Halwa ($4.50) pudding that originated from North India. In North India, the seasonal carrot has a lot more water content but they managed to create the same using ghee, milk and sugar.

When there are so many restaurants in Little India that leave you clueless of where to dine in, simply head down to Indian Express for an authentic experience.

Words and photos by Si An. A girl who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Indian Express
38 Race Course Road
Singapore 218555
Tel: +65 63417429
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Little India (DT Line, NE Line)

Opening Hours
Daily: 12pm - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Little India MRT station.Take Exit E. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Rang Mahal @ Pan Pacific Singapore - Reinvents Indian Cuisine With New Menu That Showcases First-of-its-kind Indian Dishes

The award winning fine dining Indian Restaurant, Rang Mahal at Pan Pacific Singapore has launched a brand new menu, reinventing Indian cuisine with a modern spin on Indian classics. The new menu is put together by their new award-winning Chef Milind Sovani, who has returned to Singapore after leaving his previous role in an award winning Indian restaurant in Singapore to explore the various regions of India for the past five years.

Amuse Bouche 4/5

I really got a glimpse into Rang Mahal's interpretation of modern Indian cuisine from the Amuse Bouche. I never knew Indian cuisine has reached a stage of such refinement. The little red roes are actually chutney caviar while the foam is made from yogurt.

Tomato Saar, Mulethi Herb Foam 4/5

We started with the Tomato Saar, Mulethi Herb Foam ($20). The type of tomato soup I knew is thick and creamy but the version here is light and airy. The tomato soup is poured over a dollop of mulethi (liquorice root) foam which boasts antioxidants as well as medicinal properties that help to cure sort throat, cold, cough etc. 

Bombay Pani Poori 4.5/5

A delightful and fun dish is the Bombay Pani Poori ($25) which consists of crispy semolina puffs served with stuffing (moong bean sprouts, onions, chillies) and spiced water (blend of chutneys, spices and herbs). Diners can have fun stuffing the moong bean sprouts into the poori and then pour the spiced water into it. Have it in one bite to get an explosion of flavours.

Roomali Masala Papad 3.8/5

The Roomali Masala Papad is probably the biggest papad that I have seen, as big as a whole wok. This is the part when you need to get your hands dirty, tearing the gigantic papadum apart which has been topped with lentil crispies, onion, tomato, chilli, sev and special spice blend. While I enjoyed the crispiness of the papad, I felt that the onion flavour comes across a bit too strong.

Tandoori Duet of White & Green Asparagus 3.5/5

A vegetarian dish on the menu is the Tandoori Duet of White & Green Asparagus ($35). The white and green asparagus are lightly grilled in tandoor. This is paired excellently with the red beetroot sauce, yellow mustard sauce and green mint sauce.

Subz Moilee 4.2/5

Another vegetarian dish is the Subz Moilee ($36), a southern India dish that features an assortment of vegetables in a rich, creamy, Kerala-style coconut curry. This goes very well with a plate of white fragrant rice.

Butter Chicken Bao 4/5

I thought the Butter Chicken Bao ($42) is rather innovative. Adopting the dim sum form and using the Chinese bun, this has transformed into another way of appreciation the classic butter chicken. It brought a change as well as the stereotype perspective of Indian cuisine.

Tandoori Fondue - An Ensemble of Kebabs 4.2/5

While the butter chicken bao is influenced by Chinese cuisine, the Tandoori Fondue - An Ensemble of Kebabs ($58) takes a Western approach in a fun way. The chicken kebabs are marinated with holy basil, kasuri fenugreek, cashew cheese and Punjabi chicken tikka and presented in a fondue style for some dipping fun.

Dhuwandaar Lamb Chops 4.2/5

One of my favourite dishes of the night is the Dhuwandaar Lamb Chops ($42). I enjoyed the beautiful aroma of the special spice blend along with caramelised pineapple and ginger garlic marinade that is rubbed onto the Australian lamb rack. This is further accentuated by smoking it with garam masala and applewood for a sweet overtone.

Parsi Kheema Per Eeda, Maska Bao 4.5/5

A very hearty traditional dish from Mumbai is the Parsi Kheema Per Eeda, Maska Bao ($55) that boasts a Parsi twist. It features spiced minced lamb (kheema) with soft eggs and buttered (maska) buns. The best way to enjoy this is to tear the bun apart and stuffed the kheema and eat it like a sandwich.

Gulab Jamun Flambe 3.5/5

The Gulab Jamun Flambe ($25) is served flambe style with Drambuie liquor. The gulab jamuns drenched in rose saffron nectar syrup is usually very sweet but this is toned down and balanced with generous portions of fresh fruits.

Lychee Kulfi 4.5/5

Made of natural ingredients, the Lychee Kulfi ($20), a traditional ice cream is very refreshing with surprises of fresh lychees within.

After dining at Rang Mahal, it definitely opens my eyes how Indian cuisine has evolved and given a modern touch to traditional homecooked, street and gourmet classics dishes.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Rang Mahal
Pan Pacific Singapore
Level 3
7 Raffles Boulevard
Singapore 039595
Tel: +65 63331788
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Esplanade (CC Line), Promenade (CC Line, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 230pm, 630pm - 1030pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Promenade MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

The Bank Bar + Bistro @ One Shenton

At One Shenton, it is not difficult to spot the The Bank Bar + Bistro, standing tall with its beautiful full height glass façade. It's been 6 years since it started building its presence in the business district and has established quite a few classic favourites among the CBD crowd. It has recently launched a brand new menu, with 20 brand new items up on board while retaining some classic favourites.

We ordered a couple of The Bank's signature cocktails to pique our tastebuds. The Millionaires Espresso is indeed an ideal post 9-5 perk me up drink.The concoction is quite simple but I really enjoy its bitter-sweetness. I was surprised that no one really orders this drink. Whereas for the seemingly more exciting Godfather's Offer, the alcohol is simply too overpowering.

Spicy Prawn Salad 3/5 

Spicing up your regular light and healthy option is the Spicy Prawn Salad ($18). The consistency of the dressing is surprisingly light on the palate as it isn't too starchy and thick like those Thai chilli sauces. I love the crunch and nuttiness from the roasted cashew nuts which is necessary to make it a more satisfying salad. There could be more variety of greens mixed in, rather than just plain lettuce.

Butter Chicken 4/5

One of the latest Mains is Chef’s secret recipe Butter Chicken ($22) using chicken thigh in butter and rich tomato gravy served with warm pita bread and crispy corn chips. This is not your usual pub-style food but it's way better than one. It's India style butter chicken but a lot more appetizing with the tang lent from tomato. Although it doesn't carry the heat, the kick of eating this curry is nothing less with its aromatic spices. The chicken cubes are extremely tender. It's definitely less oily than the original, you might be hoping there are more corn chips to clean up the gravy.

BBQ Baby Back Pork Ribs 2.8/5

Ribs is always ideal for sharing which makes the BBQ Baby Back Pork Ribs ($24) a mainstayer. The meat is tender but not the fall-off-the-bones kind.

Oriental Seabass Pasta 3.8/5

Pasta – Oriental Seabass Pasta ($20) is like an Asian alio olio with pasta dry tossed in spicy XO sauce. This is a much better thought through Asian fusion pasta which I have tried. The seabass has a layer of torched soybean glaze. It tastes a bit like miso mayonnaise which reminds me of the mentaiko glaze of aburi sushi. The best part is the charred portion which is sweet and savoury, with a tinge of smokiness. The fish fillet could be thicker so as to better support the strong flavours of the glaze.

Salted Egg Prawn Sandwich 2.8/5

Riding on the trend is the Salted Egg Prawn Sandwich ($18). Given that there are so many exuberant sandwich joints in this area, this somewhat pales in comparison and lacks appeal.

Homemade Fruity Plum Yogurt Popsicle 3.5 and Oreo Baileys Cheesecake 3.5

The new desserts here are a bonus. I had both Homemade Fruity Plum Yogurt Popsicle ($4.50) and Oreo Baileys Cheesecake in Jar ($5). The popsicle is packed with berries and fruits and I wouldn't hesitate to choose this over a Magnum. For something more indulgent, the cheesecake has baileys embedded in it, elevating its X-factor.

For an introductory period, you get to enjoy selected new menu items (main course, pasta, sandwich and salad) with The Bank Bar’s 1-for-1 dinner promotion from Saturday to Tuesday including public holidays from 5 p.m.


Words and photos by Si An. A girl who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food. Note: This is an invited tasting.


[CLOSED]
The Bank Bar + Bistro
One Shenton
1 Shenton Way
#01-01
Singapore 068803
Tel: +65 66362188
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Downtown (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon: 11am - 11pm
Tue-Sun & PH: 11am - 12midnight

Direction:
1) Alight at Downtown MRT station. Take Exit E. Walk to junction of Commerce Street and Marina View. Cross the road and turn right on Commerce Street. Walk down Commerce Street towards Shenton Way. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]