Tiffin Room x Meatsmith Little India @ Raffles Hotel - Exclusive Collaboration Showcasing North Indian Flavours With Indian-Accented American Barbecue

It is a collaboration you should not miss. Tiffin Room and Meatsmith Little India are back again for the second time, with a specially curated four-hands menu from 14 to 28 July 2022. It guarantees you a treat by marrying Chef Kuldeep Negi's expertise in authentic North Indian flavours with Chef Edwin Tan's experimental take on modern Indian-accented American barbecue. You will see their skilful play on flavours, textures and spices come through distinctly right from the starters to the dessert.

The four-hand menu is available at Tiffin Room in Raffles Hotel for lunch and dinner. There are both Vegetarian ($98/pax) and Non-vegetarian ($108/pax) options, with the choice to add on for wine pairing ($78/pax).

Trio Starter 4/5

We had a delightful start to the meal with this trio starter - Papadum with Ikura and Creme Fraiche, Smoked Feta with Watermelon, Potato and Cheese Croquettes with Caviar and BBQ Mustard. Meatsmith’s Ikura Papadum has always been a crowd favourite. Pop it in a mouthful, and you get an explosion of briny ikura with rich and tangy creme fraiche on a crisp papadum.

Smoked King Salmon with Garden Tomato and Roquefort Salad 4.5/5

A pity that the Smoked King Salmon with Garden Tomato and Roquefort Salad was only available on the collaboration’s opening night of 14 July 2022. It made such a lasting impression! The lightly smoked cured salmon was of just the right level of saltiness, matched with fun bursts of flavours from the sweet oranges and tomatoes, as well as the sharper creamy blue cheese. Salmon was tender and flaky.

Hokkaido Scallop with Tandoori Black Cod 4.8/5

The Hokkaido Scallop with Tandoori Black Cod is a combined creation by both chefs. The plump seared scallop sits with a mildly sweet smoked carrot and orange purée, white wine reduction and caviar, paired with an aromatic and perfectly spiced Tandoori black cod. I thoroughly enjoyed how the seemingly different elements worked harmoniously together as a dish.

Signature Tiffin Box 4.2/5

For mains, a selection of North Indian dishes is presented in Tiffin Room's Signature Tiffin Box. Accompanying the fluffy and fragrant Jhinga Dum Biryani are three types of curries: Lamb Awadhi Korma (Lamb Chop Curry with Almond and Cashew Nut Gravy), Murgh Hara Pyaz (Boneless Chicken Leg with Spring Onion and Spinach Gravy) and Goan Fish Curry. Our favourite was the Goan Fish Curry, which features fresh red snapper. You can also enjoy the curries with three types of Naan: Garlic, Butter and Cranberry Cheese with sweet bits of cranberry encased within.

S’mores Tart and Smoked Coconut Ice Cream 4.2/5

I didn't think I would be a fan of this S'mores Tart because of how sinfully sweet it looks. Hence I was very pleasantly surprised to be proven otherwise. The torched marshmallow layer lends a little more sweetness to the decadent and smooth bittersweet chocolate base, paired with a scoop of cleverly well-smoked coconut ice cream and coconut flakes.

Anjeer Mawa Burfi and Pista Balushahi

We ended the meal with two classic Indian handmade sweets from Tiffin Room, the Anjeer Mawa Burfi and Pista Balushahi.

Papadum, Mint Chutney, Mango Chutney, Pickled Onion

Apart from the main dishes, you can snack on crunchy Papadum on the side. It’s served with three dips - Mint Chutney, Mango Chutney and Pickled Onion.

Photos and words by Jo. A girl who loves her Mala (麻辣) at Da La (大辣), discovering hidden food gems and a good cup of matcha latte. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Tiffin Room
Raffles Hotel
1 Beach Road
Singapore 189673
Tel: +65 63371886
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Lunch: 12pm - 145pm
Dinner: 630pm - 845pm

Direction:
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Junction of North Bridge Road and Bras Basah Road. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Esplanade MRT station. Take Exit F. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

OUMI @ CapitaSpring - New Contemporary Japanese Kappo Cuisine At The Top Of Level 51

Located on level 51 of CapitaSpring is Oumi, the newest Japanese restaurant serving contemporary Japanese Kappo cuisine. It shares the same space with Kaarla, a contemporary Australian restaurant and bar.

Momotaro Cheese 4.5/5

We started our dinner with the Momotaro Cheese ($20) whereby miso cheeses are sandwiched between slices of Momotaro tomatoes. The sweet and savoury combination worked harmoniously on the palate, while the nori rice puff topping provided the extra textural enjoyment.

Kabocha Uni Tofu 4.8/5

A beautiful dish that is both pleasing to the palate and sight is the Kabocha Uni Tofu ($30). The housemade silky smooth pumpkin tofu is accentuated by sea urchin's topping, dressed in lovely shiitake tsuyu

Nasu Dengaku 4.2/5

I felt that the Nasu Dengaku ($20) may not be everyone's cup of tea due to the egg plant's slimy texture that has been grilled over binchotan with nori white miso and chopped into chunks and garnished with deep-fried golden buckwheat, deep-fried sakura ebi, hojiso (shiso) flowers and cat whiskers from the 1-Arden Food Forest. However, I enjoyed the dish for its complex play of textures and flavours coupled with smokiness from the grilling.

Gyutan Yaki 4.8/5

The thinly sliced Gyutan Yaki ($35), seasoned lightly with salt and pepper is grilled over binchotan for a delightful crunchy finish. The serving of shio negi complemented and freshen up the appreciation of the tender beef tongue.

Foie Gras Monaka 4.5/5

The dishes at Oumi are very beautifully presented. Take for example the Foie Gras Monaka ($15/pc) which is not only appetising in sight, but bright in taste profile too. The delicious foie gras ganache is piped into the light and crispy wafer, topped with Japanese salmon roe, Japanese flying fish roe, chrysanthemum petals, kombu-pickled daikon, wasabi, edible flowers and leaves from the 1-Arden Food Forest.

Tempura Crepe 5/5

Another beautiful dish on the menu is the Tempura Crepe ($25 for 2pc). I personally felt it can be one of their signature must try items. The cheesy crepe is topped with Australian scampi roe, Japanese flying fish roe, avocado slices, Ao-togarashi yoghurt, deep-fried sakura ebi, balsamic-teriyaki sauce, hojiso flowers and chrysanthemum petals. It is another multi-sensational dish with a delightful play of flavours and textures.

Kohitsuji Yaki 4.8/5

The Kohitsuji Yaki ($70) is another item on the menu that I enjoyed a lot. The juicy and tender Australian lamb chop is coated with finely chopped lemon myrite and lemon balm, served with Japanese sweet potato puree, fresh calamansi and garnished with edible flowers from the 1-Arden Food Forest.

Buta Kakuni 4.5/5

The Buta Kakuni ($60) reminds me of Okinawa cuisine which has Chinese influence. The wobbly and melted in the mouth braised pork belly has a hint of tang from the orange peel, served with grilled eringii mushrooms, fame flower, fresh egg yolk, mountain caviar, wasabi, edible flowers and leaves.

Awabi 4/5

The exquisite Awabi ($50), fresh live Australia abalone is salt-baked on the teppan. Once cooked, it is sliced and served on its shell, together with the innards topping and chipped wasabrina.

Wagyu 4.5/5

The Wagyu ($30 per serving) with fill you up at Oumi with the luxurious Kagashma A5 wagyu sirloin on top of Akita Komachi sushi rice, topped with an onsen egg yolk, Ao-Togarashi Yoghurt, Japanese leeks, lemon balm and served with freshly grated wasabi.

Kyoho Sorbet 4/5

To wrap up our dinner, we had the Kyoho Sorbet ($20) paired with warabi mochi and black sesame praline. A light and delicious dessert to end the dinner on a sweet note.

Note: This is an invited tasting


Oumi
CapitaSpring
88 Market Street
#51-01
Singapore 048948
Tel: +65 83383251
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Raffles Place (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Raffles Place MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Malacca Street. Turn right and walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Tiffin Room @ Raffles Hotel Singapore - Celebrates Diwali With A Specially Curated Diwali Experience Menu

From 21 October to 7 November 2021, Raffles Hotel Singapore’s historic Tiffin Room welcomes you to join in their celebration of Diwali, the joyous festival of lights, with a specially curated Diwali Experience menu prepared by award-winning Chef Kuldeep Negi.

Golgappa Shots 4/5

The Diwali Experience begins with a classic cold appetiser of Golgappa Shots - deep-fried stuffed crispy bread complemented with three different fillings - mint, mango with sweet tamarind and yoghurt to evoke the nostalgia and celebratory spirit of the season. It is recommended to start with a little fiery Mint, followed by Mango with Sweet Tamarind, which is sour and ends the journey with sweet yoghurt. Spicy, sour, sweet and savoury, these little flavour bombs are indeed a great way to whet my appetite.

Tandoori Lobster 3/5

Next is a warm appetiser Tandoori Lobster, featuring Tandoori-grilled lobster served with onion fritters and mint chutney. While its flavour was good, especially with the smokey charred bits around the edges of the lobster, I found mine a little over-seasoned and overdone.
  

Main Course 4.5/5

Butter Naan. Carom Seed Laccha Parantha

The main courses are prepared and presented in the iconic tiffin box - Nariyali Gosht Chaap (lamb chops with rich coconut and mustard seed curry); Doi Mach (barramundi with yoghurt and spices); Sarson Da Murgh (boneless chicken leg presented in a mustard leaf gravy); and Kheema Pulao (premium Indian basmati rice cooked with minced lamb and perfumed with rose water and saffron). Freshly-made Butter Naan and aromatic Carom Seed Laccha Parantha will also be served to sop up the goodness of the curries.

Nariyali Gosht Chaap

Both the mustard seed curry and yoghurt curry were highly flavoursome and stimulating. The piquant and robust mustard seed curry balanced and complemented the gamey nature of lamp chops well.

Doi Mach

Whereas for a more delicated Barramundi, the tangy and sharp yoghurt curry brought out the meat's sweetness.

Sarson Da Murgh

Sarson Da Murgh reminds me of Palak Paneer. I genuinely enjoy this dark mustard leaf gravy that I didn't have the chance to try anywhere else.

Kheema Pulao

Last but not least, the Kheema Pulao. Perfumed with rose water and saffron, the Indian basmati rice was cooked with just the right amount of minced lamb to flavour the rice without overpowering it.

Petha Kheer with Mango Rabdi, Kaju Strawberry Burfi, Moong Dal Burfi 4.8/5

Rounding out the meal were sweet treats in which we had Petha Kheer with Mango Rabdi and two Mithai - a Kaju Strawberry Burfi and a Moong Dal Burfi. Served elegantly in a glassware, Petha Kheer layered with Mango Rabdi. The ash gourd with mango in a milk and saffron cream pudding itself was sweet and comforting. I like how the tartness of the layer of mango rabdi underneath balances the sweetness of the dessert. As for the Mithai, handmade speciality sweets of cashew nut and yellow lentil were among the finest I have tried. Best to have alongside a cup of Masala tea for a complete experience. Suppose you wish to spread the joy with your family and friends. In that case, the Mithais are available in a Mithai gift box containing handcrafted sweets in five delightful flavours.

The Diwali Experience will be available for lunch and dinner in both non-vegetarian ($98++ per guest) and vegetarian ($88++ per guest) options from 21 October to 7 November 2021. In addition, the Mithai gift box is available for takeaway and delivery via www.RafflesGrabandGo.com from now until 7 November at S$58+ for a box of 15 pieces in an assortment of five lovely flavours, including Churma Ladoo, Katli Aam, Moong Dal Burfi, Pista Paan and Kaju Strawberry Burfi. Orders of 100 boxes and above will enjoy a special rate of S$48+ per box.

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.


Tiffin Room
Raffles Hotel Singapore
1 Beach Road
Singapore 189673
Tel:+65 64121816
Website
Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW Line, NS Line), Esplanade (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 2pm, 630pm - 930pm

Direction:
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Junction of North Bridge Road and Bras Basah Road. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Esplanade MRT station. Take Exit F. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Revolver @ Tras Street - Hottest New Restaurant That Offers Progressive Grill Menu with Indian and International Flavours

Revolver is the latest and hottest restaurant to be opened at the bustling Tras Street. The restaurant embraces the fire of Indian cooking sensibilities, world-class premium produce and carefully selected global spices to create a progressive and exciting dining experience. There is three tasting menus - Discovery Menu ($139++), Experience Menu ($179++) and Vegetarian Menu ($129++).

Stuffed Courgette Flowers 5/5

I have the 9-course Experience Menu ($179++), starting with the Stuffed Courgette Flowers. It is gently grilled, stuffed with a creamy cottage cheese mash, and lightly finished with a spiced tomato relish. I am taken aback by the perfect combination of flavour and textures, firing to a whole new gastronomic experience.

Boneless Wings and Necks, Yuzu Aioli 4.2/5

Cooked in the hand-built Tandoor, the Boneless Wings and Necks are beautifully spiced, tender and just delicious. Perk up the enjoyment by pairing it with the yuzu aioli.

Fresh Paneer, Goan Sambal 4.5/5

I thought the Fresh Paneer tasted like a block grilled soft tofu. However, the highlight has to be the Goan Sambal that elevates the enjoyment of the paneer.

Barramundi, Raw Mango Dust 4.2/5

The Barramundi sprinkled with raw mango dust is moist, smokey and flavoursome. I would recommend tasting the original flavour before squeezing the burnt lemon to zest up the flavour.

Wagyu Scotch Egg 3.5/5

The Wagyu Scotch Egg probably is the weakest link among the different dishes. You can also opt to add 5gms of caviar for an extra $25. Though the scotch egg has a luxe interpretation using wagyu and caviar, it didn't wow me. Instead, I was more interested in the addictive crispy potato nest, reminding me of tikha gathiya.

Lobster Pepper Garlic Butter 4.8/5

Another beautiful course we enjoyed a lot was the Lobster Pepper Garlic Butter. The fireworks of spices complement the sweetness of the bouncy lobster flesh excellently. It even comes with rice on the side.

Marga Lamb Chop 4.2/5

I love the simplicity of appreciating the Marga Lamb Chop grilled to a delectable juicy, tender and moist texture.

Pulled Pork and Gruyere Kulchette 5/5

Another dish that impressed me is the Pulled Pork and Gruyere Kulchette. The flatbread stuffed with gruyere was crisp on the exterior with a delightful textural bite inside, topped with pulled pork that has been flavoured with coconut milk and tamarind chutney. It is super good! It is a fitting finale for the savoury courses.

Berries, Cream, Almond Tuille

Wrapping up the 9-course meal is the Berries, Cream and Almond Tuille, topped with pistachio. It may be just an ice cream dessert, but the addition of textures from the pistachio and almond tuille accentuated the sweet indulgence.

Guest can also go for 3 or 5 glass Wine Pairing menu ($50++ or $120++) or the Experience Pairing ($168++) featuring a choice of cocktails, wine and sake to complete the gastronomic experience.

Note: This is an inviting tasting.


Revolver
56 Tras Street
Singapore 078995
Tel: +65 62232812
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 12 - 230pm, 6pm - 12midnight
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Tras Street. Turn right on Tras Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

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
Facebook
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]