Vatan Se

Vatan Se is a casual North Indian restaurant at 368 Tanjong Katong Road. It sits in a conservation shophouse near the southern end of the road, close to the East Coast Parkway. The restaurant seats about fifty people and keeps a homely, relaxed feel.

An architect with a love of cooking started Vatan Se in July 2012. The name means "from my country", and the aim is simple: dishes that taste like a family meal in North India. Alongside the dining room, it runs delivery, catering and a small shop of Indian food products.

What to order

The menu covers kebabs, curries and biryanis. A kebab platter is a good way to start, especially for a group. Platters come in vegetarian and non-vegetarian versions. The meat platter mixes kebabs such as chicken tikka and fish tikka. Sizzlers bring tandoori dishes to the table on a hot plate, with vegetables and fried rice.

Paneer is a strong point here. Vatan Se sells its own fresh paneer, including flavoured versions, so the cheese dishes are worth ordering. At lunch on weekdays, a thali is the easy choice. The set tray holds dal, vegetables, paneer or chicken, salad, papad, bread and a dessert. There are also a few Indo-Chinese dishes for anyone who wants a change.

Save room for the drinks and desserts. Banta, also called goti soda, is a traditional Indian fizzy drink. Tilli kulfi is traditional Indian ice cream on a stick.

How the kitchen cooks

The kitchen keeps its cooking close to what you would make at home. It uses as little oil as it can and avoids MSG. It also skips artificial red and orange food colours. Cold-pressed oils and Himalayan salt replace refined oils and ordinary salt.

Food arrives on pattal and dona. These are plates and bowls made from dried leaves, a traditional way of serving food in India. They make a meal here feel a little different from a standard curry house.

Good to know before you go

• There are separate Jain, vegan and gluten-free menus, which makes this a good pick for mixed groups.
• The restaurant asks diners to put their phones away during the meal. Guests who do so can earn a discount.
• You can book a table through Chope from the Vatan Se website.
• Catering and islandwide delivery are also available if you are staying in a serviced apartment.

Nearby

Katong and Joo Chiat are good areas to explore on foot. Walk past the colourful Koon Seng Road shophouses, then stop for dessert at Birds of Paradise Gelato Boutique. If you want to stay in the area, look at Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong.

For more ideas, browse restaurants in Katong and Joo Chiat and our list of Indian restaurants in Singapore. Our Indian food guides explain the dishes you will meet on the menu.