Gabbar Bistro & Bar

Gabbar Bistro & Bar is a modern Indian restaurant and bar at Clarke Quay, beside the Singapore River. It pairs North Indian cooking with Bollywood music, and the evening moves from dinner to live performances and a DJ. Bollywood fans will know the name: Gabbar Singh is the famous villain of the 1975 Hindi film Sholay.

The kitchen describes its food as Indian classics with a modern twist. The menu takes ideas from across India, from Mumbai street snacks and Kolkata chaat to roadside dhaba cooking and richer dishes from royal kitchens.

What to order

The menu leans on North Indian staples. Expect meats and seafood from the tandoor, the clay oven of North Indian cooking, along with curries, biryani and freshly baked naan. Sharing a few plates is the best way to eat here.

Chaat is a good place to start. These are tangy, crunchy street snacks topped with chutneys, yoghurt and spices. The kitchen also makes Kolkata-style pani puri: small, hollow, crisp shells filled with spiced potato and tangy water. You eat each one in a single bite. Pani puri is the star of the weekend brunch, where it is served without limit alongside other brunch dishes.

There is a full bar with wines, cocktails and whisky, plus non-alcoholic drinks.

The setting

You can sit outside at the riverside tables or inside in the main room. The indoor room is the livelier of the two, with loud music. As the night goes on, it feels more like a party, with a live performer and then a DJ playing old and new Bollywood hits. The outdoor tables are calmer and better for a relaxed meal with a view of the river.

According to the restaurant, it was a finalist for Best Gastro Bar at the Epicurean Star Award 2022.

Good to know before you go

• Dress code: smart casual, with no activewear or slippers.
• Age rules: the indoor area is for guests aged 18 and over. Children are welcome at the outdoor tables.
• Door charge: on busy nights, an entry charge that includes a drink may apply at the door.
• Reservations: you can book online through the restaurant's website. Weekend bookings may need a credit card guarantee.
• Delivery: the restaurant also offers food delivery.

Nearby

Gabbar is part of the riverside strip of restaurants and bars at Clarke Quay. Our guide to Clarke Quay explains what else the area offers, from river cruises to late-night bars. For more Indian food, see our list of Indian restaurants in Singapore. You can also browse restaurants in City Hall and Clarke Quay or find a room among hotels in City Hall and Clarke Quay. Menus and bookings are on the Gabbar Bistro & Bar website.