Exchange Rates
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1.3853 |
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1.7904 |
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2.0938 |
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0.2029 |
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Singapore Weather
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Thursday - 29th Jul |  | Heavy Rain Shower
| Max | : | 29°C (84°F) | | Min | : | 27°C (81°F) |
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Friday - 30th Jul | | Heavy Rain Shower
| Max | : | 30°C (86°F) | | Min | : | 28°C (82°F) |
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Saturday - 31st Jul | | Heavy Rain Shower
| Max | : | 29°C (84°F) | | Min | : | 27°C (81°F) |
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| Singapore has many facets which make it unique amongst South East Asian states. Technically an archipelago of islands, the name also refers to the city which is located on the main island. An island city state then, there have been a great many influences which have shaped it into what it is today; a diverse mix of cultures and an important financial and commercial hub. Many early settlers arrived from the Indian subcontinent and their contribution amongst other cultural dimensions has been the cuisine and there are many superb Indian restaurants in the city.
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Much of the Indian ethnic population of the city reside within a distinct neighbourhood, appropriately named Little India. The neighbourhood lies on the east bank of the river, north of Kampong Glam, often referred to as the Muslim quarter, and together they have been developed to reflect and celebrate the vibrancy and authentic ethnic culture which plays such an important part of contemporary Singapore. The area is a popular tourist attraction in the city and as well as featuring some excellent Indian dining opportunities offers a wealth of other Indian-centred attractions such as festivals, shops Hindu temples and mosques.
Indian food is perhaps India's most famous export and there can be few places in the world which remain untouched by its culinary influence. This is perhaps more obvious in Singapore than many other places, as the city historically formed the main trading post on the old spice routes. Spices are what define the cuisine more than anything else and it is the complex and sophisticated use of the spices which make all the difference. This is why it is often difficult to recreate Indian food without the skills and knowledge of Indian chefs and why the strong Indian influences in Singapore make the Indian restaurants in the city so authentic and popular as a result.
Indian food is often thought of as hot and spicy and there are certainly some dishes which match that description, although these are particularly found outwith India. This is something of a misnomer however due to the adding of spices, since a skilled Indian chef will find a much more delicate balance in blending the spices, sauces and other ingredients. The strong cultural and historic Indian ties with the city ensure a wholly authentic Indian dining experience.
Of course, there is no single type of Indian cuisine and within India each region has its own specialities and cooking styles. In broad terms there is a north-south culinary divide, in which southern Indian cuisine is generally hotter and more spicy, balanced with coconut milk yoghurt and oil, whereas from the north the food is more delicately spiced and may incorporate cream, ghee and cow's milk as a base. Curry leaves and mustard seeds, much renowned in their use in traditional Indian curries, derives from the south and while Masala dishes will generally be hot, mild Korma dishes offer a more soothing alternative for the palate.
Some of the Indian restaurants in the city will focus on southern Indian cuisine while others will offer northern specialities, and many restaurants will serve excellent examples of both. Within Little India the whole dining experience is authentic with the ambience and style of the restaurant matching the dishes on offer. As is Indian custom, many eat with their fingers and to make the most of the experience many visitors do too, although cutlery will also be available.
If there is one dish that most defines Indian cuisine in Singapore it is Fish Head Curry which, in typical Singapore style, is a specific regional variation and not Indian at all. In this sense it complements perfectly a city so renowned for its effortless and effective blend of cultures and styles. All the Indian presentation and sophisticated use of spices are still there, of course, and make Fish Head Curry a must do part of any visit to the city.
Popular southern Indian specialities in the city include so called Indian Muslim food, which largely comprises Murtabak or unleavened bread stuffed with savoury ingredients, and also Biryanis; a rice based dish with either seasoned mutton or chicken. Northern influences are most seen with Tandoori specialities which are cooked in traditional tandoors or clay ovens. Chapatis and naan breads are also northern Indian in origin and are widely available. Tamil influences are also strong and result in Tamil-inspired dishes such as Sop Kambing, a spiced mutton soup, and Sop Tulang, a beef or mutton bone stew.
While Little India is certainly worth a visit in its own right, there are superb Indian restaurants located throughout the city. Some owe more to a high end dining experience than an authentic ethnic one and most of the top luxury hotels in the city have Indian restaurants which exude all the class, sophistication and style which befits the sumptuous surrounds. Modern Singapore has a cosmopolitan feel about it, infused with all the trappings of a successful financial and commercial centre and many of the more modern restaurants reflect this progressive and stylish attitude.
Other restaurants will be found in the hawker stores, a peculiar and popular Singaporean dining concept whereby large open dining areas consist of a series of vendors and restaurants serving a bewildering array of food. Wherever you go in the city and whatever the reason is for spending time enjoying all there is to offer, no visit would be complete without some time spent in an Indian restaurant.
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