20 Best Indian Restaurants in Singapore | Best of Food 2023

Being the foodie country that it is, India has a meal plan for every time of day and food available on every corner. From appetizers, bread, meals, and desserts (featuring both North and South Indian cuisine), there are a lot of meal courses for you to devour. You’ll never be able to get enough of their curries, chicken masala, chaats, and other dishes. But before booking a reservation, please take note of the COVID-19 restrictions at the moment and be informed of the MOH updates in Singapore. With an extensive variety of Indian food in the market, which then is the best Indian restaurant in Singapore? In our Best of Food series, we introduce the 20 Best Indian Restaurants in Singapore, providing quality recommendations based on your lifestyle and budget needs.

This article was last updated on 8 April 2023.

Best Indian Restaurants in Singapore

1. Komala Vilas

Source: Komala Vilas via Instagram

Authentic vegetarian Indian cuisine

Komala Vilas, one of Singapore’s oldest Indian Vegetarian Restaurants, has become a household name since it first opened its doors in 1947. Komala Vilas, along with its neighbouring sweet shop selling traditional Indian sweets and snacks, is one of Little India’s mainstays. They have been serving customers for years as one of Singapore’s oldest Indian restaurants. Throughout that time, they have remained true to their culinary principles of authenticity and freshness.

It’s also worth noting that they serve their food on freshly cut banana leaves. They present a simple but interesting food presentation technique that showcases traditional Indian dining culture. The menu includes meal varieties, dosai, idli (fluffy rice cakes) and idiyappam (string hoppers) sets, uthappam, and many more. There are also Andhra meals (another type of South Indian food) and North Indian cuisines.

2. Shahi Maharani

Source: Shahi Maharani

 Royal North Indian cuisine

North Indian cuisine reigns supreme at Shahi Maharani, which draws inspiration from India’s mightiest Maharajas. Located at Raffles City, Shahi Maharani offers an unforgettable gastronomical journey through authentic Indian cuisine with live music amidst a décor reminiscent of the royal palaces of India. Elegant, cultural decor and lush interiors are combined with traditional dishes from India’s plains, mountains, and palaces – a combination that has earned this Indian restaurant in Singapore numerous awards and accolades over the years. 

Dining here is like taking a trip through India’s cultural heritage. The best way to dine here is to splurge on Shahi Maharani’s weekday lunch buffet ($62++ per person), which includes delectable dishes such as Chicken Handi, Fish Tikka Masala, Rogan Josh, and more. 

3.  Kailash Parbat

Source: Kailash Parbat

Authentic and creative Indian food

Kailash Parbat has been in operation since the 1950s, demonstrating that they have established their brand and earned the trust of Singaporeans, Indians, and visitors to the island. Their menu features a variety of dining options, including a super saver combo, signature dishes, special offers, house specials, main courses, bento box options, and desserts. Their Super Saver Combo can be purchased for as low as $60 for 2 pax and includes various indulgent meal options.

4. Punjab Grill

Source: Punjab Grill

Royal Indian fine dining

With its stunning modern design and appetizing North Indian cuisine, Punjab Grill relives the splendour of old India’s Maharaja. To dine at Punjab Grill is like taking a gastronomic journey through India’s richly diverse Northwest Frontier Province — the undivided Punjab region. Food from gourmet metropolises such as Lahore, Peshwar, Rawalpindi, Kabul, Amritsar, Multan, and Patiala formed urbanized melting pots of different cultures. There are several menus to choose from, each with Tandoori Prawns, Palak Paneer, Butter Chicken, and desserts such as Kulfi and Gulab Jamun. If you want to host an exclusive dinner party, this fine-dining Indian restaurant in Singapore also offers a private dining area with a charming kitchen view.

5. MTR Singapore

Source: MTR Singapore

Authentic and hygienically-prepared South Indian food

Mavalli Tiffin Rooms, also known as MTR in India, was founded in Bangalore in 1924. It is one of the most well-known heritage restaurants in the world for its South Indian vegetarian cuisine. If you want to try the healthier side of Indian cuisine, you should head out to MTR. This simple restaurant is an affordable option for those who want a satisfying breakfast, lunch, or dinner. At MTR Singapore, they strive to combine traditional South Indian vegetarian cuisine with a fine dining experience unique to Singapore.

6. Chat Masala

Source: Chat Masala

Fiery and spicy Indian cuisine

Chat Masala is dedicated to bringing the hot and vibrant flavours of India to Singapore’s East Coast’s spice-loving population. Whether you want to spice up your life with a fiery curry or are looking for something a little milder but still equally as delicious, their menu caters to all tastes and includes plenty of vegetarian options. The Mama Mia Mussels (fresh and juicy mussels cooked in a sauce that fuses flavours from the east and west) and their spicy masala chicken are two of their most popular dishes. Moreover, you’ll find a variety of appetizers and sides on their menu, as well as a selection of delightful desserts to round out your meal.

7. Yantra

Source: Yantra via Instagram

Traditional and contemporary Indian cuisine

Yantra, led by chef Hemant Oberoi, is a popular North Indian dining restaurant in Singapore. They offer a fantastic lunch buffet as well as a fine dining dinner menu. Yantra pays homage to fine Indian cuisine with a diverse selection of Indian food that includes both traditional and contemporary dishes. The best part is that their menu caters to vegans. Of course, such opulent dishes should only be served at a fine dining establishment.

8. Khansama Tandoori Restaurant

Provides a wide array of Tandoori dishes

If you are craving some delicious Tandoori food, then the Khansama Tandoori Restaurant is the place for you. Take a look at their vegetarian and non-vegetarian menus with authentic Tandoori starters and mains. Fill up on their chicken tikka masala or maybe you would prefer their Bharwan bindi vegetarian dish. In addition to Tandoori dishes, they also have several Indo-Chinese starters like vegetarian fried rice and chilli mushrooms. To end the meal, guests can also try traditional Indian desserts such as moong daal halwa and badam kheer.

9. The Landmark

Offers a buffet with an assortment of Indian dishes

Satisfy your cravings with the diverse buffet food at The Landmark. Whether you are up for a simple but delicious buffet spread or celebrating an occasion, the restaurant will have the food that you need. The dishes served in their Halal-certified buffets come from North Indian, Mediterranean, Asian, and Western cuisines. This way, you can maybe start with assorted satays followed by butter chicken with your choice of naan, and ended with sweets or various fresh fruits.  The dining areas in the restaurant are also spacious which is great for families and large groups. There are also 3 different menus offered by the restaurant, all of which have satisfying and filling meals.

10. Zaffron Kitchen (East Coast)

Traditional Northern Indian cuisine with a modern twist

When on the East Coast, you should not miss out on dining at the Zaffron Kitchen. This award-winning restaurant is known for its skilful blend of Northern Indian dishes with modern styles and presentation. Enjoy traditional meat mains like Seekh Mutton Kebab and their signature Zaffron Tandoori Platter for 4 people. Otherwise, check out their vegetarian options which include Paneer Butter Masala and Tandoori Mixed Vegetarian Grill which combines multiple dishes in one. You can also have lighter bites such as various kinds of tandoori bread and traditional Indian desserts. Do also try their juicy Masala and Chicken Tikka burgers with chat masala fries as well as their various kinds of wraps. 

11. StraitsKitchen

Halal-certified Indian food and other Asian dishes

Whether you are staying at the Grand Hyatt Hotel or simply visiting, check out StraitsKitchen for their delicious buffet. Fill up on Chinese, Indian, Malay, and Peranakan food made from their Halal-certified theatre kitchens. Some of the popular Indian food on their menu include roti prata, paneer tikka, and chicken murtabak. Guests can also have local favourites like chilli crabs and Singaporean laksa. Their buffets are open for all from breakfast to dinner as well as for afternoon tea sessions. 

12. Pavilion Banana Leaf

Specializes in serving South Indian Chettinad cuisine

The Pavilion Banana Leaf is a Halal-certified casual dining restaurant with a speciality in traditional South Indian cuisine. Indulge in the restaurant’s numerous South Indian dishes from starters, like Palamilagai Chilli Paneer, and mains such as Chicken Biryani. Together with single dishes, their menu has thosai, appam, and thali set meals with both meat and vegetarian options. Additionally, the restaurant also has several Northern Indian recipes to choose from. Have your pick of meats cooked in the Tandoori style, different flavours of vegetarian curries, and various types of naan bread.

13. Atrium Restaurant

Authentic Indian food in a Halal-certified buffet

Located within the luxurious Holiday Inn Hotel is the Atrium Restaurant which is known for its mouth-watering buffet food. Take your tastebuds on an adventure with their Halal-certified buffet with over 40 different dishes to choose from. These dishes include chilli crabs, salmon sashimi, and freshly-made Prata. Together with their buffets is an a la carte menu with an assortment of food and drinks to choose from. Some of the recommended dishes on this menu are their Butter Chicken and Dal Tadka which are both filling and gluten-free.

14. Nalan Restaurant

A contemporary vegetarian restaurant featuring Indian cuisine

Named after a legendary chef and king from Indian mythology, the Nalan Restaurant promises to deliver authentic Indian cuisine made from only the finest ingredients. Using original time-honoured recipes from both North and South India, the restaurant has become one of the leading vegetarian restaurants on the island. Enjoy a selection of noodles, rice, and bread dishes as well as numerous flavours of soups and curries. Their menu also has special dishes that include Adai, Broccoli Almond Soup, and a Tandoori Platter with assorted vegetables. Furthermore, there are also flavourful set meals that can have various kinds of bread accompanied by different dips.

15. ADDA

Reimagined Indian street food and traditional recipes

Enjoy authentic Indian recipes infused with local flavours at the Michelin- Plated, ADDA restaurant. With indoor and alfresco seating, guests can unwind while savouring the restaurant’s mouth-watering food. Start a meal with their Desi-Tacos, Prata Quesadillas, and their signature ADDA Fried Chicken with curry leaf-infused mayonnaise. Follow this up with your choice of mains from their list of Tandoori and Biryani dishes as well as a selection of their various specialities. Furthermore, the restaurant also has an expertly curated list of over 50 wines that can accompany meals. 

16. Prata Alley

Serves a wide selection of South Indian and Pan-Asian dishes

Indulge in authentic Indian dishes made from locally-sourced fresh ingredients at the Prata Alley restaurant. While known for their Prata, guests can also enjoy other popular Indian dishes like Biryani, Tandoori, and their North Indian Tandoor Platter. One of their must-try signature dishes is the Big One which features pesto chicken-stuffed Roti topped with ingredients like cheese, mushrooms, and pan-fried chicken pepperoni. Prata Alley’s menu also has local favourites like Nasi Goreng Kampung and Roti John.

17. Tandoori Culture (Boon Tat)

Great Indian food and excellent service

Aiming to serve high-standard Indian food to their guests, Tandoori Culture is the place to go for tasty and authentic Indian dishes. Begin your meal by choosing from their array of signature starters like various types of tikkas and kebabs. Afterwards, fill up on an assortment of meat or vegetarian mains such as Mutton Vindaloo and Punjabi Dal Tadka. Guests can also try the restaurant’s set meals which feature vegetables or various meats that are accompanied by sides of rice, naan or roti, and sweet papad.

18. Tea Villa Cafe

Light bites and Indian-Chinese fusion food

Looking for a relaxing place to spend the afternoon? Then the Tea Villa Cafe is definitely the place for you. The restaurant serves all manners of vegetarian sweets and pastries as well as more substantial meals. Pair up their cakes, brownies, and Belgian waffles with your choice of the restaurant’s premium tea collection. If you prefer something more filling, then you should definitely take a look at their selection of risotto, pizzas, and burgers. This selection also includes Indian-Chinese fusion dishes such as Schezwan gravy and Chinese Bhel.

19. Awadh

Indian food with Ludknowi flavours

With a name inspired by the cuisine that was served in royal kitchens, Awadh is sure to give a dining experience like no other. Prepare your tastebuds for tantalising meat, seafood, and vegetable dishes with distinct Ludknowi flavours. Guests are treated to a wide range of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian starters and mains as well as various types of rice and bread. If you prefer to taste as much as you can before getting full, then the restaurant’s tasting menu will take you on a culinary experience. To complete your fine dining experience, partner your dish with a glass or bottle of one of their fine wines and liquors. 

20. Flying Monkey

A vibrant Indian tapas bar

Within the culturally-rich district of Kampong Glam is the Flying Monkey tapas bar. Offering authentic Pan-Asian cuisine, visitors can treat themselves to flavourful Indian dishes. Try small plates of Truffle Naan and Malai Kebab or grab bigger plates with Pepper Beef and Daab Chingri. For those that want to unwind with a drink after a long day, their menu also has a gin and tonic list with premium liquor sourced from both Asian and European countries. There are also several expertly developed cocktails and mocktails with Indian flavours to choose from.

We hope that our guide on the 20 Best Indian Restaurants in Singapore has helped you to choose the best Indian restaurant in Singapore for your food cravings. Please share this with your family and friends if you have found it useful.

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