Swaadhisht – Our First Kerala Cuisine

We chanced into Swaadhisht as LD is having a craving for Appam. Located in Chander Street Little India, it was a nightmare trying to find street parking here. Luckily, Hilton Garden Inn is just opposite the restaurant, so we decided to park there.

Swaadhisht

While I am doing some prep to write the review, I learned that Swaadhisht is the first restaurant in Singapore serving authentic Kerala cuisine. It has grown over the years to become a refuge for Malayalees (the ethnic people from Kerala) craving a taste of home. The food here is prepared without any artificial colouring or preservative. The name Swaadhisht is derived from the Sanskrit word for tasty.

Swaadhisht Dum Briyani, Mutton ($16). We choose our dum briyani to be cooked in bamboo. Unlike the Malay version of bamboo rice, the bamboo used here looks like a musical instrument and the briyani here is based on Malabar Style. This means the rice is infused with the flavour of spices, dry fruits and ghee. Saffron and other colours are not used here, except for the green colour from the mutton seasoning.

Swaadhisht Mutton Dum Briyani - Cooked in Bamboo

The rice is light, fluffy, infused with the sweet onion and ghee aroma. The mutton is lean, yet tender but packs a spicy punch to it. Surprisingly, the clean taste of the rice makes me unable to resist scooping it into my mouth. Yummy!

Mutton Dum Briyani

Mutton Dum Briyani. (Pradhaman - Top Right)

Palak Paneer ($10.90). LD favourite dish. The spinach puree is thick, while the cottage cheese is not salty. I find the version here as it feels very healthy and easy to pair with the briyani.

Palak Paneer

Varutharacha Chicken Curry ($11.50). The Kerala version of chicken curry. Unlike the usual Indian chicken curry, this version uses coconut paste. It has a similar flavour as our Nanyang chicken curry; however, it does not have the lemak taste and texture as no coconut milk is used. Although the curry tastes nice, the chicken is a bit tough for my liking.

Varutharacha Chicken Curry

Varutharacha Chicken Curry

Appam ($2). This is what we are here for. It has a crispy edge, followed by a soft, pillowy centre. The fermentation is strong in the pillowy part. I ate my appam a few different ways. Original, dipped in Varutharacha Chicken Curry and also with Pradhaman (easy payasam – kheer / pudding). I find dipping in the Pradhaman is the best, feels like a dessert as the dip tasted like gula Melaka sago, though a bit mushier.

Appam

Appam

The décor of the restaurant is not very ‘updated’. The furniture seems to be there for a long time, at the same time, it seems to give the place some long-lasting credibility. Service is friendly, though communication can be a bit difficult. The ordering process is very simple, just scan the QR code on the table and place your order there. You only need to make payment after you finish your meal.

CBK Verdict: We love it. Our first-time trying Kerala cuisine and we are already planning for our next visit here. Next time around, we will bring our briyani lovers’ friends and other makan kakis as well to try the rest of the dishes. Cheers!!

Food & Drink: 8/10

Value: 8/10

Service: 6.25/10

Ambiance: 6/10

Budget per Person: $11 - $25; $26 - $50

Swaadhisht

47 Chander Road

Singapore 219546

T: +65 6392 0513

W: https://www.swaadhisht.com/

F: https://www.facebook.com/Swaadhisht

IG: @Swaadhisht

OH: Daily 11.00 – 23.00

Salaam Bombay – Delicious and Excellent Value Indian Meal

Egg Biryani

We were introduced to this place by M&A, our friends living in the South of Singapore. Located in Fusionfolis, the restaurant name of Salaam Bombay (“SB”) means salutation to Bombay, the historic name of Mumbai, a melting pot of Indian cuisine. In addition to North and South Indian Cuisine, SB also serves the quintessential Bombay Street Food (Chaats, Pav Bhaji’s, Vada Pav’s and the Unique “Bombay Chinese”). 

Our starter is Papadum with Mint Sauce. This starter is complimentary from the restaurant. Light and crispy lentil crackers served with a refreshing mint sauce that will entice your appetite. 

Papadum with Mint Sauce

Fish Tikka ($18.90) boneless cubed fish marinated with yoghurt and Indian spices and bbq in tandoor. The flesh used for this dish, normally come from a bigger fish that have a firm texture. The fish is moist and juicy. Though the texture is good, we find the seasoning was too heavy, making the dish salty. 

Fish Tikka

Fish Tikka

Mutton Bhuna Gosht ($18.90). The Indian version of mutton rendang. The mutton is fork-tender filled with the multi-layer taste of spices. The hint of sweetness from the onion and garlic is just delicious. 

Mutton Bhuna Gosht 

Butter Chicken ($16.90). This is probably the most common dish that we order in any Indian Restaurant. It is creamy, buttery, sweet and tangy gravy together with succulent chicken thigh is just irresistible. The version at SB hits all the right spots and a definite must-order here. 

Butter Chicken

Palak Paneer ($16.90). A second dish that we likely to order in any Indian restaurant. Creamy blended spinach, mixed with feta cheese and blend with spices. This dish will not win the prettiest dishes, however, the subtle texture of the blended spinach with the spices and savoury flavour of feta cheese is just comforting. 

Palak Paneer

Egg Biryani ($14.90). Instead of the usual chicken or mutton biryani, we ordered egg biryani. This biryani served with hard-boiled eggs and without any gravy in it. The basmati rice is al-dente, infused with saffron and different spices. I like the version at SB because it is very well balanced and the cardamon flavour does not sticks out. It is easily mixed with the butter chicken, mutton bhuna gosht and palak paneer. 

Egg Biryani

Aloo Gobi ($13.90). Classic Indian dish made of spiced potato and cauliflower. We specially ordered this dish without the cauliflower, so our version is just potatoes. Creamy, soft, yet with a distinct potato crunchiness in it. 

Aloo Gobi

Garlic Naan ($5 for 2). Fluffy with subtle garlic flavour. For those that really like their garlic, you might want to ask them to whack extra garlic into the naan. 

Garlic Naan

Dessert, Gulab Jamun (Complimentary). Fried milk balls soaked with saffron flavoured sugar syrup. Think of it as donut soaks in maple syrup. Those who like their desserts extra sweet, this dish is perfect for you. 

Gulab Jamun

The restaurant setting is casual, modern and filled with lots of natural lights due to the tall windows. Service is friendly and efficient. This restaurant is also value for money, if you make your reservation from Eatigo (or you can call the restaurant directly), you can expect 50% discount on the ala carte menu especially during the off-peak time on the weekday and all day on the weekends for dine-in and takeaway. 

CBK verdict a must try Indian restaurant in the South of Singapore. The food is delicious and with the 50% promo it is just value for money. Cheers!! 

Food & Drinks: 7.5/10 

Value: 9/10 

Service: 6.5/10 

Ambiance: 7.25/10 

Budget per Person: $11 - $25 

Salaam Bombay 

86 Robertson's Quay

#01-04, Robertson Blue

Bar Bar Black Sheep

Singapore 238245 

T: +65 9111 6995

W: https://www.salaambombay.sg/

F: https://www.facebook.com/SalaamBombaySingapore

IG: @Salaambombaysingapore 

OH: Daily 11.30 – 21.30 

Previous Location:

1 Fusionopolis Place 

#02-03. Galaxis. 

Singapore 138522 

AWADH – Authentic Lucknow Cuisine [MEDIA INVITE]

Zaffrani Malai Phirni or Rose Phirni

AWADH is the first and only Indian restaurant in Singapore and South East Asia that serve authentic Lucknow cuisine. Their Master chefs belong to the famous Qureshi family of Master-chefs from Lucknow, trained to create the culinary spread fit for the Nawabs (Emperors). 

AWADH

AWADH gastronomic creations use more than 120 spices, all of which worth their weight in gold. The chefs trained on the ancient secret recipes and “temper” the dishes with aromatic herbs, spices, flavoured ghee and saffron. Located centrally in Orchard Road, AWADH is easily accessible from all parts of Singapore. 

Spices use in AWADH

While waiting for our feast to start, we whet our appetite with homemade lassi and pappadam. 

Homemade Lassi

Pappadam

Murg-Multani Shorba ($14), AWADH signature chicken soup officially kicks start our tasting session. Tasted like robust chicken soup with a touch of curry. The peppery heat at the end warms up your throat and tummy in preparation for the upcoming feast. 

Murg-Multani Shorba

Murg-Multani Shorba

Tandori Macchi ($22) is a chargrilled boneless piece of fish gently marinated in tandoori spices and thickened yoghurt. The fish is well marinated, firm and hold its shape nicely. When you bit into it, the texture is moist. It is a bit salty, so you might want to dip it with the tomato bell pepper chutney to balance the saltiness. 

Tandori Macchi

Tandori Macchi - The Fish

Gosht Galawat Kebab ($27). A staple in Awadhi cuisine, melt-in-your-mouth mutton patties with a blend of over 25 rare spices complemented with Mughlai paratha & yoghurt mint chutney. The patty is moist, soft and packed with a lot of spices. However, the strong and bold flavours in the kebab might not be suitable for everyone. 

Gosht Galawat Kebab

Kurkuri Okra ($16). A delicious crispy ladyfinger. I must confess that Okra and Me do not get along, However, as the okra is deep-fried, I gave it a try. It is crispy, lightly seasoned with spices while removing the sliminess in the middle part. Yum Yum. 

Kurkuri Okra

Tandoori Lehsuni Jhinga (Special Order Only). Garlic marinated prawns chargrilled in the tandoor oven served with a mint sauce. Crunchy tiger prawn, nicely seasoned with a nice smoky aroma. The mint sauce on the side enhances the flavour of the prawn beautifully. 

Tandoori Lehsuni Jhinga

Reshmi Broccoli ($19). AWADH version of baked creamy broccoli. A combination of creamy and crunchy that is easy on the palate. 

Reshmi Broccoli

Bhatt Ka Murgh ($24). Pan-seared bone-in marinated chicken served on a hot plate. This dish is sizzling when it arrived on the table. The chicken is fork-tender and nicely marinated meat easily fall off the bone. One of the best dishes of the day. 

Bhatt Ka Murgh 

As we have completed the starters, we are ready to move on to the Main Course. Yup, the dishes above were only starters. Frankly, we were about 70% full and we were re-arranging the space in our tummy. The main course in Indian cuisine are the dishes that paired with rice, naan, paratha and roti. 

Our Staters - Flatlay

Bhuna Gosht ($27). Mutton cooked with fried onions and tomato paste and a blend of aromatic spices. A fork-tender mutton dish with thick and creamy gravy. The spices almost covered all the gaminess of the mutton, making it acceptable to most diners. 

Bhuna Gosht

Murgh Makhni Jehangiri ($23). Popularly known as butter chicken; succulent pieces of chicken in a mildly spiced creamy tomato gravy. Tender and succulent chicken pieces, cooked in a rich buttery and tangy gravy. 

Murgh Makhni Jehangiri 

Lehsuni Motiya Saag Paneer ($20). Seasonal green vegetables with a choice of corn or cubes of cottage cheese. LD and my favourite greens in an Indian restaurant. This time it was served with corn (cottage cheese version also available). The seasonal green vegetables are smooth and creamy, followed with a crunchy burst of sweetness from the corn kernels instead of the usual savoury cottage cheese. Our first time trying this, and it is just yummy. 

Lehsuni Motiya Saag Paneer

Sultani Dal ($19) A combination of yellow and red lentils tempered with cumin and green chillies, best complemented with crisped buttered tandoori roti. It is light and tasty, works well to balance the rich naan. 

Sultani Dal

Some of the Main Courses

AWADH Murgh Biryani ($25). Biryani fit for the Royals. Boneless pieces of chicken, marinated in a blend over 40 spices, layered with basmati rice and slow-cooked “dum” style for 6 hours. 

AWADH Murgh Biryani 

The result is amazingly fragrant basmati rice with fork-tender chicken pieces and explosions of flavour in each bite. I like the texture of each grain of the rice remain al-dente and not mushy. 

The main meal also served with Plain Naan ($6), Garlic Naan ($7), Ulte Tawe Ka Paratha ($8) and Rumali Roti ($8). While we are familiar with naan, Ulte Tawe Ka Paratha, the signature Lucknawi paratha is a something you should try here. It is tasty and it has that extra chewy texture. 

Naan, Paratha & Roti with the Mains

Main Course

Meanwhile, the Rumali Roti is light, paper-thin and fluffy at the same time. Perfect to soak up those delicious gravy. 

Finally, we reach the finish line with desserts. Apple Jalebi ($12). AWADH unique take on the common jalebi dessert, granny-smith green apple slices covered in a spiced batter and steeped in sweet syrup. A combination of crispy and crunchy texture. The sourness from the apple reduces the sweetness from the sweet syrup. 

Apple Jalebi

We also have a shot of Zaffrani Malai Phirni or Rose Phirni. Phirni is a rich and creamy Mughal milk pudding. Zaffrani is cardamom flavour, while Rose Phirni is flavoured with rose essence. LD enjoyed the Rose Phirni, however, my taste bud does not agree with cardamon flavoured phirni. 

Zaffrani Malai Phirni or Rose Phirni

AWADH at Centrepoint Singapore is decorated in a combination of Indian and Persian flair. The tables are covered with black table cloth with the chairs are red. The bar and live band area are the main attractions in the restaurant, but during this covid-19 period, there will be no live band. 

The Bar

Overall, we are delighted to have tried the food at AWADH. Although the dishes look familiar, you can taste the difference of the unique multi-layer flavour from extra spices used in each of the dishes. Definitely worth to try. Cheers!! 

Live Band Area

Thank you very much Kris for inviting us and AWADH Team for hosting us. 

Food & Drinks: 8.25/10 

Value: 7/10 

Service: N/A (Tasting Invitation) 

Ambiance: 7.75/10 

Budget per Person: $26 - $50; $51 - $80 

AWADH 

Royal Indian Dining and Lounge 

176 Orchard Road 

#01-33H, The Centrepoint 

Singapore 238843 

T: +65 9385 5337 / 6909 9971 

W: https://theawadh.com/

F: https://www.facebook.com/awadhdining/

IG: @Awadhdining 

OH: Daily 11.00 – 23.30

Full Menu available online

My Briyani House Marine Cove – Unveiling New Menu [MEDIA INVITE]

Lamb Shank Briyani

My Briyani House is an Indian Restaurant concept by Mr Teh Tarik Group. It serves a wide range of traditional and authentic Indian dishes as well as the iconic Teh Tarik. My Briyani House is also MUIS Halal Certified Restaurant.

My Briyani House @Marine Cove

My Briyani House at Marine Cove just revamps its menu and ready to tantalise our taste buds. The start dish for this new line menu is Lamb Shank Briyani ($13.80 for 1 pc, $25 for 2pcs).

The lamb shank is cooked over a long period as the flesh is almost fork-tender and easily fall off the bone. It is tasty and only has a little gamy taste. The briyani rice is fluffy, al-dente and flavourful. The spices are just right to ignite the aroma instead of overpowering the whole meal. The best part is to dig out for the lamb gravy at the bottom of the briyani rice.

Lamb Shank Briyani

Sambal Prawn ($8). Crispy and crunchy prawns. The sambal sauce has a multilayer and distinct spicy and sweetness. The sambal prawns are good with any type of rice, it can easily be a “rice thief” dish here.

Sambal Prawn

Masala Squid ($8). Aromatic and coated with creamy and delicious masala curry. The squid has a good bite to it, followed with a slight chewiness. 

Masala Squid (Left) and Sambal Prawns

Chettinad Chicken ($8). This chicken dish sure packs of punch. The gravy is solid and absorbs well into the flesh. The chicken use is a bit too small for my liking, as the meat tasted a bit firm. The gravy from this chicken and masala squid goes nicely with the Butter Naan ($4).

Chettinad Chicken

The butter naan is aromatic and buttery. I like the chewy bread-like texture and the aromatic butter inside. Of course, it works wonder to polish the gravy from the Chettinad chicken and masala squid.

Butter Naan

Curry Fish Head ($28). The new signature dish here. The fish is fresh and cooked in spicy and tangy curry. There is no coconut milk inside this curry, so the curry fish head does not feel heavy. The curry spices stand out, together with a tangy and spicy flavour. In case you are wondering, the curry fish head is catered to Singaporean taste as the recipe was finetuned by Mr Mok, the owner of Mr Teh Tarik Group.

Curry Fish Head

Other than the briyani, we ate the fish head curry with the plain prata ($1.40, min 2 pcs). The plain prata is crisp and fully and if you let it swim in the curry fish head, it is a perfect vessel to savour the curry fish head.

Curry Fish Head

Vegetarian Briyani ($7.50). This vegetarian briyani is a medley of flavour and texture. The rice is fluffy and al-dente, accompanied by crunchy and juicy vegetables. The sweet flavour extracted from the vegetables together and spices just work wonder. As there is no meat in this briyani, this dish feels light and you won’t feel guilty when you scoop more of it.

Vegetarian Briyani

Side dishes that we tried include Papadum, Lady Finger Poriyal ($2) and Mixed Vegetable Thoran ($2). The mixed vegetable is sweet and crunchy. Combine with the attractive fresh colour, it is easily paired with white rice of briyani.

Mixed Vegetable Thoran and Papadum

I can’t comment much on the Lady Finger Poriyal, as I did not taste it. Lady finger just not of my liking. Papadum is crunchy with the right saltiness.

Our Meal, Lady Finger Poriyal at top roght

Of course, the meal here won’t be complete without the Signature Ice Teh Tarik ($2.50). Smooth milky texture followed with a strong tea flavour. Yummy!!

Signature Iced Teh Tarik

The décor of My Briyani House is simple, almost like a food court style. The place is very spacious and one of the attractions here is the kids’ corner. It is open 24 hours, so you can enjoy it any time of the day.

Indoor Seating Area

Kids' Corner

Outdoor Seating Area

Overall, I like the new menu of My Briyani House. It combines the popular Authentic Indian dishes with local dishes as well. There have been improvements compare to the last time I was here for my prata fix. Do take note that this new menu is only applied to My Briyani House @Marine Cove. Cheers!!

New Menu 1

New Menu 2

New Menu 3

New Menu 4

Thank you Chef Mel Dean and My Briyani House for hosting us.

Food & Drinks: 7.5/10

Value: 6.5/10

Service: N/A (Media Tasting)

Ambiance: 6.5/10

Budget per Person: $0 - $10, $11 - $25

My Briyani House @Marine Cove

1000 East Coast Road Parkway

#01-04, East Coast Park. Marine Cove

Singapore 449876

T: +65 6742 5522

W: https://www.mrtehtarik.com.sg/

F: https://www.facebook.com/mybriyanihouse/

IG: @Mybriyanihouse

OH: 24 Hours