Showing posts with label Naan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Naan. Show all posts

Thursday, August 14, 2025

Firangi Superstar @ Craig Road - Enters Its Next Delicious Chapter

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Firangi Superstar, the modern Indian restaurant along Craig Road known for its cinematic flair and fearless flavours, ushers in a new chapter with a refreshed menu of creative debuts and beloved returning favourites. Inspired by India's diverse culinary regions, each dish here is vibrant, layered, and imaginative, offering thoughtful vegetarian alternatives for most plates to cater to all dietary preferences.

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Papi’s Jammed Gun 4/5

Papi's Jammed Gun ($29) pairs wagyu beef tartare with crispy papdi, finished with caviar, grated egg, and Firangi's signature gunpowder spice for a punchy, umami-rich bite. The vegetarian version swaps in beetroot tartare and Moai Caviar, delivering the same savoury depth without the meat. It is an excellent introduction to their modern Indian approach.

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Big Baller Peperoner 4.2/5

A playful reimagination of the classic paneer Manchurian, the Big Baller Peperoner ($28) features a golden-brown burrata sphere atop tangy, umami-packed Manchurian chilli sauce. The combination of creamy indulgence and bold spice makes this fusion dish both comforting and exciting.

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This is Also Not Aloo Gobi 3.5/5

Firangi's twist on the traditional cauliflower-and-potato Aloo Gobi ($18) swaps in bite-sized Romanesco Cauliflower over a spiced potato foam, finished with crispy potato strips and a dusting of aromatic spices. While visually appealing, it leans more subtle in flavour compared to the other bolder offerings.

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The Nut Kraken 4.2/5

Octopus cooked pollichathu-style, marinated in spices, wrapped in banana leaf, and grilled to smoky perfection – is served over a sweet, smoky gravy with banana leaf oil and crispy coconut chips for texture. The Nut Kraken ($32) strikes a nice balance between spice, smokiness, and freshness.

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The Bengal Bake Off 5/5

My highlight of the night, The Bengal Bake Off ($108), features tender seabass baked in salt dough with a creamy Kasundi marinade. The mustard's bright tang, mellowed by cream and lifted with aromatic banana leaf oil, brings depth and layers of flavour that linger beautifully on the palate. A smart, brilliant pairing that elevates the dish to star status.

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Back In The Saddle 4.5/5

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Naan 4.2/5

A returning crowd favourite, Back In The Saddle ($21 per 100g) is Tandoori-spiced lamb cooked until tender, infused with confit garlic and fragrant curry leaves. The sauce is rich and flavourful – perfect for scooping up with Firangi’s signature naans, which have a satisfying chew and char.

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Rasmalai “Tres Leches” 4.2/5

The Rasmalai "Tres Leches" ($16) is an inventive dessert that sees layers of cake soaked in rose-saffron cream, topped with pistachios and served with a scoop of saffron ice cream. It's a fragrant, floral twist on the Latin American classic.

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Banoffee Fritters 4.5/5

A playful nod to local goreng pisang, the Banoffee Fritters ($14) feature churros-style crunch with crisp spring roll pastry filled with banana mousse, coated in dark spiced chocolate, and plated with crushed Parle-G biscuits for extra crunch. Comforting, nostalgic, yet refined.

Firangi Superstar’s refreshed menu keeps its signature flair intact while adding clever new creations that span the spectrum from playful to elegant. Whether you’re here for a bold, spice-laden main or a quirky dessert that channels local flavours, this cinematic Indian dining experience continues to deliver both style and substance.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Firangi Superstar
20 Craig Road
#01-03
Singapore 089692
Tel: +65 63043022
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line), Maxwell (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 12pm - 230pm, 530pm - 1030pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Walk to Tanjong Pagar Road. Cross the road. Walk to Craig Road. Turn left and walk down Craig Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 3. Turn righ and walk to Neil Road. Cross Neil Road. Walk to Duxton Road. Turn right onto Duxton Hill. Walk to Craig Place. Cut through Craig Place to Craig Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Tuesday, May 6, 2025

Coriander Leaf @ Craig Place - New Flagship Location Serving Signature Pan-Asian Cuisine

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After over a decade at Chijmes, Coriander Leaf has found a new home at Craig Place. Staying true to its food philosophy, the menu continues to celebrate the richness and diversity of Pan-Asian cuisine. Contrary to what many may mistake as Asian fusion, Coriander Leaf is all about taking classic regional favourites from across Asia and reimagining them into modern, shareable small plates. The menu is divided into five distinct flavour profiles: Fresh, Spicy, Familiar, Umami, and Sweet. The restaurant also offers an Executive Lunch Menu Set, perfect for individuals to get a taste of different regions.

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South Asia Lunch Set

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Tomato Soup, Butter Naan 5/5

There are four options for the lunch set inspired by Thailand, South Asia, China, and Persia. I picked South Asia and Persian ($38 each). South Asia features Tomato Soup, Nepalese Chicken Momo Dumpling, Tandoori Chicken, and Butter Naan. The tomato soup, drizzled with roasted cumin oil, was thick and robust — perfectly seasoned and spiced to bring out the richness of the tomato. The butter naan was soft and stretchy, a delicious pairing with the soup.

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Momo Dumpling 3.8/5

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Tandoori Chicken 4.5/5

The Momo Dumplings were served with a tangy roasted tomato relish that complemented the meaty filling well. They were flavourful, with a subtle hint of Sichuan pepper, though I found them leaning slightly on the dry side. The Tandoori Chicken was succulent, with a lovely char that added an alluring smokiness. A tangy cucumber relish and refreshing mint chutney balanced its spiced flavours. Between the butter naan and steamed jasmine rice offered in the set, the naan was definitely the better choice, especially to soak up the soup and pair it with the meat.

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Persian Lunch Set

The Persian set began with a Watermelon Salad made with watermelon, mint, pomegranate, and Turkish white cheese. I reckon more mint and leaving them as a whole would have brought a better balance to the flavours. The main dish featured a Persian Beef Kebab, served with Vegetable Shashlik, Mixed Pickled Vegetables, and Butter Basmati Rice.

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Beef Kebab 4/5

The Beef Kebab was delightfully tender, served with a dollop of yoghurt atop, which elevated the meat with a refreshing tang. But what made the dish even more enjoyable was the incredibly fluffy and aromatic Butter Basmati Rice. The pickled vegetables added a refreshing acidity to cut through the richness of the meat.

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Vegetable Shashlik 4/5

The Vegetable Shashlik was delicious. The bell peppers, eggplants, and onions cooked down nicely and seasoned with aromatics and spices, making them rather moreish.

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The new environment is also designed to be cosier and even more inviting than the previous location, offering an ideal setting for an intimate meal amidst the bustle of the CBD.

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.


Coriander Leaf
Craig Place
20 Craig Road
#01-01
Singapore 089692
Tel: +65 9618 0142
Facebook
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Nearest MRT: Maxwell (TE Line), Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 12pm - 3pm, 5pm - 1030pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Orchid Hotel. Walk to Tanjong Pagar Road. Cross the road and walk to Craig Road. Continue on Craig Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 3. Cross the road and walk to Duxton Road. Walk down Duxton Road. Turn right onto Craig Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Tuesday, April 8, 2025

Fragment Private Dining - Modern Asian Cuisine meets European Influences

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Our latest home private dining adventure brought us to Fragment Private Dining, helmed by Pristina Mok and her husband. One of the newest entrants into the private dining scene, Pristina only began hosting guests in 2024. She offers an eight-course menu featuring modern Southeast Asian cuisine with European influences. Her experience working at Skirt and Magic Square shines through in the thoughtfully curated dishes, blending familiar Asian flavours with refined Western techniques.

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Shima Aji, Brown Crab, Radish Cake 4.2/5

The meal started on a strong note with a trio of small bites: Shima Aji paired with Bonito and Gu Chye, Brown Crab with curry and passionfruit, and Radish Cake topped with spicy bacon and uni. Each bite packed a punch, showcasing a beautiful interplay of flavours and textures. The fusion of Asian ingredients with European techniques was impressive, setting the tone for what was to come.

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Beetroot & Persimmon 4.2/5

This light yet refreshing starter featured Beetroot and Persimmon, complemented by peanut dukkah and achar sorbet. The achar sorbet was a particularly clever touch, adding a tangy brightness that elevated the dish beyond the ordinary.

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Aburi Sawara 4.2/5

Next, we were served Aburi Sawara, a prized Spanish mackerel known for its delicate flavour and buttery texture. It was presented in a Tom Kha broth — a Thai-inspired coconut milk-based soup — and further enhanced by adding Amela tomato, lending a delightful balance of creaminess and acidity.

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Scottish Hand Dived Scallop 4.5/5

One of the most memorable dishes of the night was the Scottish Hand-Dived Scallop. Encased in an Otah (fish paste) filling and finished with a crispy exterior, it was paired with a curry emulsion. This unexpected yet well-executed combination worked wonderfully, bringing together the best of texture and bold Southeast Asian flavours.

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Braised Lamb 4.8/5

This dish was an absolute standout. The Braised Lamb was served in a piquant black pepper sauce made from a unique blend of three different types of peppers. The sauce was so good that it came with a side of fluffy naan, perfect for mopping up every last bit. The rich, aromatic flavours made this one of my favourite dishes of the night.

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Quail & Claypot Rice 4/5

For the mains, we had the Quail & Claypot Rice. The quail was perfectly grilled and accompanied by sambal belachan, mixed mushrooms, and black truffle. While not pictured, the meal also came with a small serving of claypot rice, ensuring that diners looking for a heartier bite got their fill of comforting carbs.

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Whiskey & Coffee Malai Gao 4.5/5

The dessert course was just as impressive as the savoury dishes. The Whiskey & Coffee Malai Gao featured malted barley cream, dark chocolate sorbet, and sesame brittle. The combination of earthy, bitter, and sweet flavours worked in perfect harmony for a delightful and indulgent finish.

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Pistachio Nougat, Hawthorn Tea 4.2/5

As a final touch, our meal ended with homemade Pistachio Nougat, accompanied by a cup of Hawthorn Tea infused with black lime and Yakult foam. It was a light, refreshing way to cleanse the palate and conclude a truly memorable private dining experience.

Fragment Private Dining is an exciting new addition to Singapore's private dining scene, offering a modern Southeast Asian menu with European influences that showcases chef Pristina Mok's creativity and expertise. From the impeccable execution of dishes to the warm, intimate setting, the experience is one that both food enthusiasts and adventurous diners will appreciate. Would I return? Absolutely. The thoughtfully curated menu and innovative flavour combinations make it a standout in the home dining space, and I can't wait to see how Fragment Private Dining evolves in the future.


Fragrment Private Dining
Clementi
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Clementi (EW Line)

Monday, February 10, 2025

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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
Facebook
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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]

Saturday, October 19, 2024

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

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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
Facebook
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Website
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]