North Indian Restaurants in Singapore

A guide to North Indian restaurants in Singapore

North Indian restaurants in Singapore serve the food of northern India, from regions such as Punjab and Delhi. This style is known for wheat breads, clay-oven grills and rich, creamy sauces. It is quite different from the rice-based South Indian food served in many simple Little India eateries. On this list, you will find North Indian dining rooms in Little India, Bugis and the city centre.

North Indian dishes to order

From the tandoor

A tandoor is a very hot clay oven. Meat, fish and paneer are marinated in yoghurt and spices, then cooked on long skewers inside it. Paneer is a mild, fresh Indian cheese that holds its shape when cooked.

• Tandoori chicken: chicken in a red spice marinade, charred at the edges.
• Tikka: boneless pieces of chicken, fish or paneer, cooked the same way.
• Seekh kebab: spiced minced meat pressed around a skewer.

Curries and dal

• Butter chicken: tandoori chicken in a mild tomato, butter and cream sauce. A good first choice if you dislike strong heat.
• Rogan josh: a slow-cooked lamb or mutton curry with deep, warm spices.
• Dal makhani: black lentils simmered slowly with butter and cream.
• Palak paneer: paneer in a smooth spinach sauce.
• Chana masala: chickpeas in a spiced tomato and onion gravy.

Breads, rice and drinks

Naan is a soft bread baked against the inside wall of the tandoor. Garlic naan and butter naan are popular. Roti and kulcha are other breads to try. For rice, order a biryani, rice cooked with spiced meat or vegetables. See Biryani for more places. Finish with a lassi, a yoghurt drink served sweet, salted or with mango.

North Indian restaurants on this list

• Tiffin Room and Rang Mahal are both in the Bugis and Kampong Glam area. Both suit a sit-down dinner, so book ahead at busy times.
• Khansama Tandoori is in Little India. It makes an easy stop after a walk around the area.
• Kinara is in the Marina Bay and CBD area. It is handy for dinner after sightseeing in the city centre.

Punjab Grill also serves Indian food in the Marina Bay and CBD area.

Best areas for North Indian food

Little India

Little India & Jalan Besar has the most Indian restaurants in Singapore. Walk along Serangoon Road and its side streets, then stop to eat. Visit Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, a Hindu temple on Serangoon Road. Cover your shoulders and knees, and take off your shoes before you enter.

Bugis and Kampong Glam

Pair dinner with a walk through Kampong Glam & Haji Lane, with its shophouses and small shops. The Sultan Mosque is also in this area. Visitors should dress modestly and check visiting times before going in.

City centre

Marina Bay and the CBD suit an evening meal after a day at the waterfront. See Things to Do in Marina Bay: Sights, Walks and Food for ideas.

Tips for eating North Indian food

• Order to share. Pick one or two grills, a couple of curries, a dal, rice and bread for the table.
• Ask about heat. Many dishes are mild and creamy, but some are hot. Staff can suggest milder choices.
• Use bread as a spoon. Tear off a piece of naan with your right hand and use it to scoop curry. Cutlery is always fine too.
• Vegetarian choice. Paneer, dal and chickpea dishes make North Indian menus easy for vegetarians.
• Halal food. If you need halal food, look for the MUIS halal certificate on display. MUIS is the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore.
• Know rough costs. A sit-down North Indian dinner often costs roughly S$25 to S$60 per person, and more in hotel restaurants. Prices change, so check menus first.

FAQs about North Indian restaurants in Singapore

What is the difference between North and South Indian food?

North Indian food uses more wheat bread, cream and tandoor cooking. South Indian food is based on rice, lentils, coconut and tamarind, with dishes such as dosa and sambar.

What should I order on my first visit?

Try tandoori chicken or paneer tikka, butter chicken, dal makhani and garlic naan. Add a mango lassi if you like something sweet.

Is North Indian food very spicy?

Not always. Many popular dishes, such as butter chicken and dal makhani, are mild and creamy. Ask staff to point out the hotter dishes.

Is North Indian food good for vegetarians?

Yes. Paneer, lentil, chickpea and vegetable dishes are common, and most menus have a clear vegetarian section.

Where is the best area for Indian food in Singapore?

Little India has the widest choice. For North Indian dining rooms, the Bugis and Kampong Glam and Marina Bay areas are also good.