Bhoomi by Milind Sovani @ Orchard Towers - A Celebration of India's Gastronomic Traditions with Modern Touch

Chef Milind Sovani's latest culinary venture, Bhoomi, located at Claymore Drive, is a heartfelt tribute to India's diverse culinary heritage. Designed to highlight the robust spices of North India and the coastal delights of the Konkan region, Bhoomi showcases age-old recipes alongside contemporary inspirations from Chef Milind's extensive travels across India. The result is a thoughtful menu that celebrates India's gastronomic traditions with a modern touch while focusing on sustainability and healthy meals through organic, locally sourced ingredients and traditional cooking methods.

Kulthachey Kalan 5/5

The meal began with Kulthachey Kalan, a comforting soup crafted from horsegrain (huligey) sourced from rural Konkan. Light yet flavourful, it was seasoned with warming spices and a hint of heat—perfect for awakening the palate.

Bhima Onion and Avocado Kebab 4.8/5

Another starter, the Bhima Onion and Avocado Kebab featured pan-seared patties of avocado, Nasik white onion, and handmade cheese. The patties were beautifully seared, creating a delightful contrast between the crispy exterior and the creamy interior. A delicate balance of sweetness and savoury notes, enhanced with finely chopped onions and spices, made this a standout dish.

Ultimate Chicken Tikka 4.5/5

From the charcoal-grilled specials, the Ultimate Chicken Tikka was a crowd-pleaser. Marinated using an authentic recipe from Delhi's Daryaganj, the chicken was beautifully succulent and packed with robust flavours. The smoky char from the grill added a delightful depth, while a hint of lemony acidity provided a refreshing lift. Although slightly on the saltier side, it remained a satisfying and well-executed dish.

Koila Butter Chicken 4.5/5

Moving on to curries, the Koila Butter Chicken was one of Bhoomi's star offerings. Slow-cooked in a claypot over a charcoal pit, the curry was rich and indulgent yet skillfully balanced with layers of spices and nuanced flavours.

Lahsooni Palak Paneer 4/5

Vegetarian-friendly options like the Lahsooni Palak Paneer and Mewadi Panchmeli Dal were equally noteworthy. The Lahsooni Palak Paneer featured a light garlic-tossed spinach puree, delicately seasoned to enhance the dish's natural flavours. The chargrilled cottage cheese cubes were soft, creamy, and milky, complementing the spinach beautifully.

Mewadi Panchmeli Dal 5/5

Meanwhile, the Mewadi Panchmeli Dal, made with Rajasthan's five lentils and served with smoked chilli and ghee tadka, was a spice and texture masterclass, offering depth and consistency.

Garlic Naan and Gluten-free Seeded Amaranth Roti

To accompany these curries, we had Garlic Naan and the gluten-free Seeded Amaranth Roti, the latter particularly impressed with its nutty undertones and aromatic toasted seeds.

Gud Ki Rasmalai 4.5/5

Ending the meal was a dessert originating from the Bengali region - Gud Ki Rasmalai. This dessert featured soft and spongy Bengali-style rasmalai, made with sugar-free palm jaggery. The sponginess was achieved by kneading milk solids separated from boiling milk with vinegar. Infused with quintessential flavours of cardamom and rose water, it was another sophisticated representation of Indian culinary traditions.

Photos and words 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.


Bhoomi by Milind Sovani
1 Claymore Drive
#01-05
Singapore 229594
Tel: +65 6225 4221
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk towards Wheellock Place via ION. Exit Wheellock Place and turn left towards Liat Tower. Cross the road at the traffic light junction and turn left towards Royal Thai Embassy. Walk down Orchard Road towards the junction of Orchard Road and Claymore Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

27 Degrees West @ Orchard Road - Mumbai's Millon-followers Celebrity Chef Varun Inamdar Brings a Melting Pot of Indian Flavours to Singapore

Mumbai's celebrated celebrity chef, Varun Inamdar, popularly known as "Mumbai's Chocolate Prince," has opened his first Indian restaurant outside India — 27 Degrees West. Nestled in Singapore, the restaurant offers a unique culinary experience that blends traditional Indian flavours with contemporary techniques. The name "27 Degrees West" pays homage to India's geographic positioning relative to Singapore. With dishes that reflect the rich diversity of Indian cuisine, 27 Degrees West delivers a memorable dining experience.

Chicken 65 4.8/5

We kicked off our meal with a classic — Chicken 65 ($15), a beloved South Indian dish. Tender chicken chunks were seasoned with an aromatic blend of spices. Though it might seem like a simple chicken dish, the depth of flavours and the expert seasoning elevated it to something much more special, making it a solid start to the meal.

Togarashi Tossed Bhindi Jaipuri 4/5

The Togarashi Tossed Bhindi Jaipuri ($15) was unexpectedly addictive! This dish is a modern take on Jaipur's famous chaats, featuring crispy fried okra sprinkled with a dash of shichimi togarashi. The highlight was the accompanying 72-hour fermented beetroot chutney ketchup, which added a zesty, tangy depth of flavour. I loved the chutney so much that I wished they sold it by the bottle!

Crabmeat Thecha Thermidor 4.5/5

A crowd favourite, the Crabmeat Thecha Thermidor ($35), truly showcased Chef Varun's philosophy of blending traditional Indian flavours with modern techniques. This luxurious dish features fresh crabmeat from India's coastline, paired with Thecha, a popular chilli-garlic condiment from India. The dish was rich yet perfectly balanced, and the bold flavours worked harmoniously.

Bagara Baingan 4.2/5

The Bagara Baingan ($28), originating from the royal kitchens of Hyderabad, is a dish that surprised me in the best way possible. Smoky eggplants are served in a creamy, nutty sauce alongside crispy starfruit chips for a bit of crunch. It's a unique dish I had never tried before, but it opened my eyes to new possibilities for eggplant. It's definitely one to remember!

Smoked Lamb Rack, Beliram 4/5

Next, we had the Smoked Lamb Rack, Beliram ($55) — a nod to Maharaja Ranjit Singh Ji's legendary royal dish, 'Gosht Beliram'. The lamb rack was marinated with Kolhapuri masala and roasted to a tender, smoky perfection over an open flame. It was served with a rich Punjabi Beliram gravy paired beautifully with the perfectly cooked lamb.

The 'Varun Inamdar' Butter Chicken 4.5/5

Perhaps the most anticipated dish of the evening was The 'Varun Inamdar' Butter Chicken ($29). This is Chef Varun's signature recipe, popularised by millions of views on his YouTube channel, now available right here in Singapore. The chicken was incredibly succulent and simmered to absorb the creamy, tangy, and rich flavours of the butter chicken gravy. It lived up to the hype.

Assorted Naan 3/5

To soak up the rich gravies of the meal, we ordered the Assorted Naan ($6), which came in various flavours such as plain, garlic, butter, cheese, black pepper, and even truffle! It is the perfect vehicle for the rich sauces that accompany the dishes.

Jowar Khichdi 4.2/5

A personal favourite of mine was the Jowar Khichdi ($25), a unique "no rice" porridge made with nutrient-dense millets and desi ghee. The dish, inspired by Chef Varun's grandmother, was both hearty and comforting, with layers of complex spice that made each bite more intriguing than the last. It's a dish you could enjoy on a cold, rainy day or when you crave something warm and nourishing.

Coconut Kulfi 4/5

For dessert, we indulged in the Coconut Kulfi ($15), a nostalgic treat that combines creamy coconut ice cream with grilled pineapple and pomegranate molasses. The addition of passion fruit added a refreshing tang, balancing the sweetness of the kulfi perfectly. A lovely dessert to end the meal.

Chocolate Mess 4/5

Lastly, we couldn't pass up the Chocolate Mess ($15), a dessert that Chef Varun famously created for the Obamas. This decadent dish features a rich dark chocolate ganache mixed with tart cranberries and raspberries. The result is an indulgent yet well-balanced dessert that any chocolate lover would adore.

27 Degrees West truly lives up to its promise of offering a melting pot of Indian flavours with Chef Varun Inamdar's signature touch. The menu is a delightful journey through both classic and contemporary Indian cuisine, with some dishes reinvented to surprise and delight. Whether it is the tender Smoked Lamb Rack, the comforting Butter Chicken, or the refreshing Coconut Kulfi, 27 Degrees West delivers on both flavour and experience. For anyone looking to explore Indian cuisine with a modern twist, this restaurant is worth a visit.

Note: This is an invited tasting


27 Degrees West
362 Orchard Road
Singapore 238887
Tel: +65 91000949
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS, TE Line)

Opening Housr:
Sun-Thu: 1130am - 11pm
Fri-Sat: 1130am - 12midnight

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk towards Wheellock Place via ION. Exit Wheellock Place and turn left towards Liat Tower. Cross the road at the traffic light junction and walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 1. Follow the walkway to Shaw House. At Shaw House, go to ground level. Walk to Orchard Road. Turn right and walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutres. [Map]

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
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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
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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]