It was when we went down to Raffles Hotel Singapore’s Tiffin Room that we realised that while Indian street food isn't one that we expect white tablecloth theatrics from, it displays a great depth of finesse and culinary skill nonetheless. With Chef Kuldeep Negi helming the kitchen, we recently tried the best of India’s street food. Or at very least, the best we can get in Singapore.
Chef Kuldeep is known for his perfectly executed North Indian dishes, but now, he’s delivering a new limited-time street food menu that will only be available till May 5. While Tiffin Room might’ve gotten its start during the late 1890s with traditional and practical tiffin carriers, the street food menu is a surprisingly direct contrast: beautifully presented to a tee.
It starts with the Bombay Bhel Puri, a puffed rice and vegetable mix that’s been tossed with various chutneys for a sweet and spicy flavour. This course is served with Moong Dal Ladoo – yellow lentil and radish dumplings that is inspired by the street snacks of New Delhi.
The appetisers already promised a heartening start, but when they came swiftly followed with a Punjabi deep-fried fish and potato-stuffed chilli with spices, we knew that we were in for a 10/10 meal. While the chilli itself might be too overpowering for those used to milder flavours, it was enjoyable for those who enjoy their spice. There was then a Kolkata Kathi Roll, a hand-held dish that’s similar to a wrap with wheat flour bread that’s crammed with generous chunks of chicken thigh – tender, with a cucumber yoghurt dip by the side.
The main course though was the star of the show. A minced lamb curry, otherwise known colloquially as a keema curry, came served with a bowl of grilled lamb kebab biryani and onion naan. And while not necessarily one to seek dessert after a multi-course meal, the spiral-shaped Jalebi Fafda was a true delight. This came with deep-fried dough made from chickpea flour and green pepper, just to help cleanse your palette from overbearing sweetness.
While we normally gravitate towards Indian classics like butter chicken, palak paneer, and homemade garlic naan, Tiffin Room’s Chef Kuldeep Negi showed us that there’s plenty more to expect. The street food menu starts from $88 per person, and there’s also a vegetarian option that is $78 per person. It will be available from April 21 onwards.
You can book here to try India’s best street food before May 5.
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