Gabbar Bistro & Bar @ Clarke Quay - Spinning To A Mix Of Bollywood Music And Scrumptious North Indian Cuisine

Gabbar Bistro & Bar is a fairly new modern Indian bistro bar located at Clarke Quay. Its live Bollywood music performances often draws huge turnouts, where diners get to experience an international DJ spinning the latest Bollywood and Punjabi mixes over an extensive selection of drinks which includes wines, cocktails and Single Malts. However, customers return to Gabbar time and time again not just for its music, but to satisfy their cravings for a scrumptious North Indian cuisine.

Lamp Chops (tasting portion) 4/5 

The Lamb Chops here wins the hearts of the Indian diasporas and locals alike. Its mouthwatering aroma delivered my expectations. Marinated for 12 hours with hung curb and spices, the meat was succulent, tender, and flavourful with just the right amount of spices. For a drink and a quick bite, this serves equally good as a bar bite too.

Surkh Laal Chicken, Tikka Fish Amritsari and Hariyali Chicken (tasting portion) 4/5

From the tandoor, we tried Surkh Laal Chicken, Hariyali Chicken and Tikka Fish Amritsari. The reddish Surkh Laal chicken was punchy with spices with a tinge of heat. The Hariyali Chicken didn't lose out either with its well-seasoned, creamy spinach marination. I have had quite a few unpleasantly dry and bland Fish Tikka before, but the version here was moist and flaky.

Dal Makhani (tasting portion) 3.5/5

Dal Makhani is a comfort food, and also quite nutrient-dense with beans and black lentils. I would have liked it even more if it is slightly more tomatoey to have some tartness to balance the richness of it.

Assorted Naans (tasting portion) 4/5

Options aplenty for naans. We tried Roti, Tumeric, Olive and Cheese, Garlic, Butter and a Lachha Parantha. Each of them was soft and fluffy, but if you can only choose one, go for the Olive and Cheese naan for that full-bodied flavour.

Chicken Biryani 3.8/5

Chicken Biryani is a great option for a quick lunch. It seems like a basic dish, yet there is complexity in the use of spices and the way the rice is being cooked and put together with the meat. Mine was packed full of flavours but not too overwhelming with aromatics and spices. Hidden underneath the pile of fluffy basmati rice is load of tender chicken cubes.

Paan Ice Cream 4.8/5

If you visit Gabbar, do go for its Paan Ice Cream. Made with betel leaves, the sweetness and milkiness were at the right amount to mellow down the sharp herbaceous flavours of the betel leaves. The spiced and nutty topping intrigued my taste buds in every bite. It was such a unique and delicious ice cream, I strongly encourage you to give it a try.

 

Besides dining in, Gabbar Bistro & Bar also offers island-wide delivery for you to dine at the comfort of your home. You can order island-wide delivery at www.sgdelivery.online

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.


Gabbar Bistro & Bar
Clarke Quay
3B River Valley Road
#01-14
Singapore 179021
Tel: +65 87555597
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Nearest MRT: Fort Canning (DT Line), Clarke Quay (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Fort Canning MRT Station. Take Exit A. Turn right and down River Valley Road. Turn right onto Tan Tye Place. Walk to the end of the road. Turn left onto Clark Quay. Walk to destination. Journey time bout 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Clarke Quay MRT station. Take Exit C or G. Walk to the river front. Turn left and walk down the river. Cross the bridge. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Butter & Spice @ Katong Point - Budget-friendly Northern Indian Cuisine

Butter & Spice at Katong Point serves up Northern Indian cuisine at budget-friendly prices. It also sets itself apart from others by offering set menus. Priced at $10, each set meal comes with a side of basmati rice and naan, together with a main that is of a smaller portion compared to an ala carte order, hence making it great for solo diners.

Chicken Tikka Biryani 4.5/5

Despite its small space, Butter & Spice uses a tandoor for their cooking. What is a must-order here, is definitely the Chicken Tikka Biryani ($8.40). Each biryani is prepared only upon your order. Brimming with herbs and spices, the piquant masala gravy served at the side brightens the dish with zest and adds a final punch of flavour to every spoonful of the biryani. The generous amount of chicken tikka given was unexpected. Each chunk was tender and moist, carrying a hint of smokiness atop of their spiced marination. The portion is good for two persons.

Lam Saag 3/5

Lamb Saag ($13) is similar to Palek Paneer but with Lamb pieces instead of cottage cheese cube. I really like the spinach, which has the right amount of garlic to bring out its flavour. However, the lamb cubes was a tad dry and too gamey for my liking.

Garlic Naan 2.8/5

To go with your curries, a selection of tandoori-grilled naan is available in various flavours such as cheese, garlic, and butter. We had Garlic Naan ($2.10). I feel it can be softer and fluffier.

Prawn Butter Malasa (Tasting portion)  3/5

 Dal Makhani (Tasting portion) 3/5

On the menu, there are also seafood and vegetarian dishes such as Prawn Butter Masala ($14) and Dal Makhani ($10). Both fall short of the robustness that I expect, which would usually leave my tongue tingling with stimulation from the spices if I met a good one. I was told there was no tomato puree inside the Dal Makahi, which makes it even milder and creamier. However, if you like curry that is buttery and creamy, this will work for you, especially given that black lentil is starchier than yellow lentil.

End your meal with their Masala Chai Tea ($1 add-on). Freshly brewed with chai tea and finished off with fresh milk, just the way they have it back in their hometown.

Written and photography 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.


Butter & Spice
Katong Point
451 Joo Chiat Road
#01-01
Singapore 427664
Tel: +65 97776349
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Nearest MRT: Dakota (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sun: 11am - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Dakota MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at Block 99 (Stop ID 81181). Take bus number 16. Alight 4 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [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]

Melt Cafe @ Mandarin Oriental Singapore - Delhi Food Festival Dinner

From 7 to 16 June 2019, Melt Cafe at Mandarin Oriental Singapore invites you to their Delhi Food Festival Dinner. Enjoy a slew of traditional Delhi dishes from both the Indian specialties station as well as their live stations which are set up exclusively for this festival.

Tomato Coriander Broth

Kick start your meal with this Tomato Coriander Broth, which can be found beside the Western Food station along with other soups. What makes this broth unique is that its rich consistency is obtained from ground basmati rice, rather than starch or potatoes. Extremely tangy and delicious, it is dangerously moreish!

Masala Dosa

I was surprised to see a Malasa Dosa Live station. You could have it plain as well, to appreciate all the beautiful and bright chutneys served alongside.

Chaat

Not to be missed is also the brightly lit Chaat station and each chaat is as colourful with flavours and textures from Moong Dhal Pakori  chickpeas, potatoes, onions, green chili, pomegranate tamarind chutney, mango chutney and sweet yoghurt.

Whole - Roasted Lamb Biryani Saffron Rice

Heading the Indian Specialties station is this iconic Whole - Roasted Lamb Biryani Saffron Rice, Vegetables. However, you can only witness its magnificence only on Friday and Saturday Dinner. So choose your date wisely.

Dal Dhaba

The Lentil Curry is a mainstayer and as humble as it may seem to be, it is the tastiest among all. I have tried it a couple of times during my other visits, and it never fails to delight my taste buds. Perhaps, it is its tomatoey flavour coupled with spices that makes it so alluring.

Macher Jhol

Among other festive dishes, my favourite is the Bengali Fish Curry with Coconut and Mango. The curry was fruity but was more piquant than sweet, which made it very appetising.

Mutton Ki Shami

A few items to highlight, such as their Signature Lamb and Foie Gras Kebab with Indian Spices. The flavours of lamb and foie gras were surprisingly good with each other without being too gamey.

Malai Jhinga

Tandoori Tiger Prawns were nicely charred, but some were slightly overcooked.

Til Wale Bharwa Aloo

The Potatoes and Cottage Croquette with Sesame Seed reminds me of sesame balls, that exudes tons of sesame flavour at every bite.

Paneer Tikka Masala

Their Vegetables and Spinach Creamy Curry Gravy is pleasing with a good ratio of spinach to the gravy, which makes it relatively light and less sinful when you reach out for more.

I wish there would be more exclusive Indian desserts to try but there wasn't. But the Alfonso Mango Lassi satisfied that nonetheless.

Pricing
$78 Per Adult Inclusive of Chilled Juices Every Sunday to Thursday Dinner
$88 Per Adult Inclusive of Chilled Juices Every Friday and Saturday Dinner

Written 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.


Melt Cafe
Mandarin Oriental Hotel Singapore
5 Raffles Avenue
Singapore 039797
Tel: +65 68853500
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Website
Nearest MRT: Promenade (CC Line, DT Line), Esplanade (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 630am - 930pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Promenade MRT station. Take Exit A. Cross the road. Walk to Marina Square. Follow the signage to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Esplanade MRT station. Take Exit B or D. Walk to Marina Square. Follow the signage to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Le Meridien Singapore @ Sentosa - Du-licious Discovery Durian Buffet

It's the season for durian again! For this harvest, why not enjoy these rich and creamy seeds a little offshore? From now till 1 September, Le Méridien Singapore at Sentosa is going to dazzle you with a range of durian-inspired delights and classics on their Du-licious Discovery Durian Buffet.

For the first time, Le Meridien opens up the alfresco patio of Latest Recipe and set up a durian pop-up stall for that one-of-a-kind one and only duo durian buffet experience on Sentosa Island. Against the backdrop of the iconic Sea Merlion, enjoy an unlimited servings of three to four premium and delicious durian varieties like Mao Shan Wang, Red Prawn, D24 and XO for 1.5 hours. Please note that this durian pop-up will only be up until 28 July.

Durian Prata

Durian Doughsticks

Within Latest Recipe, durian-centric dishes await you. Although the concept of durian pastries is not new but there are some rather creative items worth nothing here, such as the Durian Doughsticks, Durian Prata and Durian Pizza. The Durian You Tiao definitely worth the extra calories. Just a suggestion - There is Durian Pengat at the dessert counter, so you might want to use that as a dip perhaps, for the extra oomph?

The dessert counters are filled with chef's inspirations such as Durian Mousse, Durian Choux Puffs, Durian Swiss Roll and Durian Crème Brulee. The Durian Cupcakes tower just makes everyone wants to reach out and grab one!

Durian Green Bean Soup

What took us by surprise is this Durian Green Bean Soup. The durian taste is quite subtle but the durian fragrance somehow blends really well with the green beans and enlivens the taste of this classic dessert.

Indian Delights

Western Barbecue Live Station

The quintessential buffet items include Fresh Seafood on ice, local dishes such as Laksa Live station, Salted Egg Yolk Prawns and Indian delights, in which I find the Fish Curry quite memorable. For meat lovers, there are always the Roasted Meats from the Barbecue Live station to fill your stomach before the durian feast starts.

I really enjoyed savoring the durians in the alfresco area. For a better-value-for-money durian indulgence, it is recommended that you opt for both the buffet which features durian desserts and unlimited servings of fresh durian from the alfresco durian pop-up stall.

Du-licious Discovery Buffet (Fri & Sat Dinner Only)
Buffet Only (06 Jul to 01 Sep 2018 - Fri & Sat Only)
Time: 6pm - 10pm
Price: $80 per adult, $40 per child (07 to 11 years old)

Durian Pop-Up Stall Only (06 to 28 JUL 2018 – Fri & Sat Only)
Time: 6pm – 730pm / 8pm – 930pm (1.5hrs)
Price: $88 per adult, $44 per child (07 to 11 years old)

Both Buffet & Durian Pop-Up Stall Only (06 to 28 JUL 2018 – Fri & Sat Only)
Time: 6pm – 730pm / 8pm – 930pm (1.5hrs)
Price: $128 per adult, $64 per child (07 to 11 years old)

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.


Le Meridien Singapore, Sentosa
Latest Recipe
23 Beach View
Singapore 098679
Tel: +65 68183305
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Harbourfront (CC Line, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 7am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Harbourfront MRT station. Take Exit C or E. Go to Sentosa Express Station at Level 3 of Vivocity. Take Sentosa Express Train to Imbiah station. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]