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]

Tiffin Room @ Raffles Hotel Singapore - Celebrates The Rich Traditions Of The Festival of Lights

From 20 October to 3 November 2024, Tiffin Room at Raffles Hotel Singapore celebrates the Festival of Lights with a special Diwali set menu curated by award-winning Chef de Cuisine Kuldeep Negi. The menu showcases a vibrant array of dishes that represent the diverse flavours of India, spanning from the North to the South, East to West. Complementing the culinary experience, Raffles' resident sommeliers have curated a selection of alcoholic beverages to pair with the meal.

Makai Matar Chaat 4/5

The meal commenced with two appetizers. From West India came the Makai Matar Chaat, a delightful medley of sweet corn, green peas, onions, and tomatoes, brought to life with tangy tamarind and herbaceous mint chutneys.

Khumani Mugh Kebab 5/5

Next was the Khumani Mugh Kebab, a tandoor-grilled chicken leg from Uttar Pradesh in North India, tender and rich in spices with a smoky finish, served alongside refreshing yoghurt rice for balance.

For the mains, the dishes were served in the Tiffin Room's signature tiffin boxes, accompanied by an assortment of Garlic Naan, Butter Naan, and the moreish Kashmiri Naan. Nutty and sweet-savoury with pistachios and cranberries, the Kashmiri naan was the perfect pairing for the flavourful curries.

Murgh E Lazeez 4.5/5

The main courses featured regional specialities. From Hyderabad came Murgh E Lazeez, a stuffed chicken breast in a light, well-balanced gravy of onion, chilli, tomato, and cashew nuts. The chicken was tender and infused with the aromatic stuffing.

Erachi Ularthu 4.5/5

Next was Erachi Ularthu, a Keralan-inspired lamb chop stir-fry with caramelized onions, coconut, fennel seeds, and curry leaves. The rich and onion-sweet gravy paired harmoniously with the tender lamb.

Kadhai Lobster 4.2/5

Kadhai Lobster, inspired by Punjabi cuisine, featured a robust tomato curry infused with bell peppers and coriander. Although slightly salty, the lobster was succulent and satisfying.

Moradabadi Fish Biryani 4/5

The Moradabadi Fish Biryani, a take on the biryani from Uttar Pradesh, presented slices of fried pomfret fish buried in fragrant rice, garnished with mint and coriander. While delectable, the version from last year, featuring fresh tomatoes, was preferred for its simplicity and enhanced the rice's flavour.

Diwali Sweets 4.5/5

Dessert was a well-balanced trio of traditional Diwali Sweets paired exquisitely with 1985 Dalva Port wine. The Akhrot Halwa was a sweet, nutty indulgence made from walnut pudding with mixed nuts. The Kaju Strawberry Katli, a slightly creamy cashew fudge blended with strawberries, offered a Southern Indian twist, while the Besan Till Burfi, a chickpea flour and coconut confection, delighted with its comforting sweet finish.

The Diwali dining experience will be available for lunch and dinner in both non-vegetarian (S$122++ per guest) and vegetarian (S$110++ per guest) options from 20 October to 3 November 2024, with a wine pairing option to elevate the dining experience (S$88++ per guest).

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.


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

Opening Hours:
Lunch: 12pm - 130pm
Dinner: 630pm - 9pm

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]

Tiffin Room @ Raffles Hotel - Return of The Wondrous Flavours of Holi

Tiffin Room at Raffles Hotel is once again presenting Holi Festival Specialities, exclusively crafted by award-winning Chef de Cuisine Kuldeep Negi, at the historic Tiffin Room. The Wondrous Flavours of Holi will be available from 18 to 31 March 2024 for both lunch and dinner.

Stuffed Yellow Lentil Dumplings 3.5/5

Our dinner began with Chef Kuldeep's Welcome Dahi Gujia (Stuffed Yellow Lentil Dumplings With Sweet Yogurt, Tamarind And Spicy Mint Chutney), a beloved North Indian snack, involves lentils ground and shaped into a half-moon gujiya, generously adorned with yoghurt, tamarind chutney, coriander mint chutney, and an array of Indian spices. Combining the chutneys and spices resulted in an explosion of flavours - a delightful interplay of sweet, tangy, and savoury notes infused with aromatic undertones. The addition of nuts provided an enjoyable textural contrast to the chaat. Personally, I would have preferred a bit less of the tamarind chutney, as it leaned towards the sweeter side.

Pickled Spicy Tandoori-Grilled Chicken Wrap 4/5

Next is the Achari Murgh Tikka Kathi Roll, featuring Pickled Spicy Tandoori-Grilled Chicken Wrap served with Beetroot, Radish And Onion Salad. The chicken was tender and flavourful with a heady blend of spices, which was quite nicely balanced by the herbaceous mint chutney and the side salad.

Pan-Seared Black Cod 4.5/5

The Main Course was served in its classic tiffin set. Tawa Masala Fish was the crowd's favourite, featuring Pan-Seared Black Cod in a Special Blend Of Spices, Onion And Tomato Masala. The tangy and fruity sweetness of the masala complemented the inherent richness of the cod.

Boneless Chicken Leg 4/5

Murgh Madras is a crowd pleaser with tender Boneless Chicken Leg in curry rich in mustard seed and spices.

Pahadi Gosht 4.2/5

Pahadi Gosht is a rare treat that serves Himalayan-style Lamb Chop Curry with Fresh Herbs And Spices. The lamb was delightfully tender, and this more robust form of curry proved to be a good pairing with the meat's flavours.

Yellow Lentil Curry 3.5/5

The Tiffin set also includes Shahi Dal, a curry made with Yellow Lentil with Black Beans and Red Kidney Beans. I enjoyed the textural interplay of the various beans and lentils, but I prefer a more spice-forward curry that tastes bolder.

Tomato Mint Pulao 5/5

Butter Naan and Laccha Parantha 5/5

Despite the curries being the main focus, the Tomato Mint Pulao, Butter Naan, and Laccha Parantha truly stole the spotlight for me. The Tomato Mint Pulao was a delight, featuring light and fluffy basmati rice infused with the fragrant essence of mint and cardamom, punctuated by sweetness from softened fresh tomatoes. Both the naan and parantha proved equally satisfying, boasting the desired texture and a rich, buttery flavour that added a layer of joy to the overall dining experience.

Dessert 3/5

The Dessert is a platter of Makai Halwa, Gujia, and Gur Para (Sweet Corn Halwa, Traditional Sweet Dumplings Stuffed With Coconut And Dried Fruits, and Jaggery Bites). However, I found these selections a bit too heavy for a dessert course after the fairly rich dishes. Perhaps a lighter option would have provided a more balanced and refreshing conclusion to the meal.

Options of 2 glasses and 4 glasses alcoholic beverages pairing are available as well.

Photograph and 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.


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]

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]

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]