An enclave laden with fancy eateries and artisanal grocers, Dempsey Hill is a hot-spot among expatriates, most of whom flock there during the weekends for its laid-back vibes and beautiful scenery.

Yet, hidden among the slew of posh restaurants lies an old-time classic, selling not just solid Indian food, but a rich history that has been passed along three generations since it was first set up as a roadside stall in the early 1950s.

Samy’s Curry is iconic and many—regardless of ethnicity—can ascertain to the sheer quality of their food. The restaurant dishes out a wide array of Northern and Southern Indian food but the highlight and a definite must to order is their highly acclaimed fish head curry.

Set amidst the lush greenery of Dempsey Hill, Samy’s Curry is a curry oasis that will fill you with tasty food and solid vibes.

A symphony of warm and complex flavours, Samy’s Fish Head Curry (S$21 for small, S$28 for medium & S$33 for large) is a dish that, to us, represents all that Indian cuisine is—that is a beautiful medley comprising fresh ingredients, bold spices and emphasis on flavour over finesse.

The curry was well-rounded with a tinge of sourness to balance out the mild fishiness of the fish head. Best appreciated when spooned over steamed basmati rice, each mouthful was an explosion of rich flavours that, while assertive, still allowed the taste of the fresh fish to shine through.

You will not find a table in the restaurant without it and for good reason.

Samy’s Curry has no shortage of Northern and Southern Indian dishes to choose from and one in particular that we simply cannot do without is the Black Squid (S$9).

Tender and savoury with a mild sweetness from the dark-coloured sauce it comes served with, this dish makes for a great accompaniment to the fish head curry.

Situated in an old colonial house, Samy’s Curry sports an old colonial look that wows diners with its old-school vibes and a stunning veranda that overlooks the lush greenery of Dempsey Hill.

Samy’s Curry
25 Dempsey Road,
Singapore 249670
Tel: +65 6472 2080
(Closed on Tuesdays)
Mon to Sun: 11am – 3pm, 6pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Farrer Road

Presenting a diverse and interactive dining experience, Pan Pacific Singapore’s Edge remains, till this day, one of our all-time favourite weekend brunch spots in the city.

A multifaceted buffet restaurant that goes over the edge—in every sense of the word—with 7 interactive live food theatres, 16 food stations (at least) and one epic dessert spread, Edge constantly pushes the boundaries to what most people would envision as a ‘typical’ buffet and their revamped Theatrical Sunday Champagne Brunch is no exception.

Calling all brunch lovers, come 25 March 2018, gather your family and loved ones for a refreshed selection of gourmet items that are made better with unlimited Veuve Clicquot Champagne, an all-new botanical gin bar, a new food station and even live band performances that the whole family can enjoy.

Where do we begin? Whether its Peranakan, Chinese, Japanese, Northern Indian, Singaporean and/or delights from as far as the Pacific region, champagne brunch will be redefined at Edge. And just for our readers, we are giving you the opportunity to dine like royalty without breaking the bank that much.

From 25 March to 24 June 2018, simply quote ‘ladyironchef’ to enjoy a complimentary upgrade to unlimited Veuve Clicquot Rosé Champagne (usual price at S$208++ per diner) for diners who opt for the S$188++ unlimited Veuve Clicquot Brut Yellow Label Champagne price, as well as a 10% discount on the S$128++ brunch price that includes unlimited fresh juices, soft drinks, coffee and tea.

WHOLE BABY LAMB TACO STATION

One station at Edge’s Sunday Brunch buffet line-up that will surely leave avid meat eaters in total awe is the whole baby lamb taco—that’s right, we literally mean a whole baby lamb.

Carved fresh upon request, the slithers of succulent lamb are first bathed in a sauce made from its own drippings before being plated and served. Upon receiving it, you can either choose to have the aromatic lamb on its own or construct your very own lamb taco using the crispy tortilla shells and various sauces and salsas.

Roasted to a gorgeous pink hue, the meat was tender and succulent beyond belief and we loved how the bright, zesty qualities of the pico de gallo salsa complemented the natural gaminess of the lamb really well.

Other than the Whole Baby Lamb Taco station, there’s a new live station which offers Shaved Chuck Roast that comes served with potato churros and a garlic aioli dip.

PREMIUM SEAFOOD ON ICE

What would a champagne brunch be without a fresh seafood station filled with fresh crustaceans and oysters?

Over at Edge, their range of fresh seafood offerings may not be vast but for what they lack in variety, they sure make up for in quality. Expect to slurp up some of the freshest seasonal oysters. The snow crab legs are amazingly sweet as well.

Fresh fish tartare and ceviche are also available should you desire something that packs a mean flavour punch.

GIANT BEEF BURGER

Get your cameras ready because this is one titan of a burger that demands to be shared on the ‘gram’. Essentially a beef burger, this Big Mac on steroids boasts a thick beef patty cooked medium-rare, slices of cheese, sweet onion relish and a layer of lettuce for some crunch.

NORTHERN INDIAN STATION

Amongst all the many food stations that have impressed us over the years, the Northern Indian station has got to be our ultimate go-to. Comprising a plethora of curries, chutneys, and tandoori offerings, this is one spread not to be missed.

The tandoori red snapper is a relatively new addition to the spread that sees a whole snapper covered entirely in spices and baked. Mildy charred on the outside with a heady aroma of toasted tandoori spices, the flesh in the middle retains its moist and flaky integrity—delicious!

SEASONAL TROLLIES SERVED TABLE-SIDE

Something unique about Edge’s champagne brunch is the seasonal trollies. Serving up fresh catches of the week—be it fish, meat or seafood—these roving trollies stop table-side and depending on how much you want, the chefs will carve up portions accordingly.

A tad similar to the practice at many an old-school dim sum restaurants, we like the excitement derived from never knowing what to expect from these roving trollies each time we visit.

DESSERT THEATRE

If you have kids, you can bet that the first stop they will be making is the desserts corner. Massive, vibrant and chockful of sweet treats, make no mistake that this is one station where parents have zero jurisdiction over their kids.

Replete with a magnificent display of cakes, tarts, puddings, jellies, chocolates, kuehs and so much more, Edge’s dessert station is undoubtedly the best around. There is even a waffle station and exclusively for their Sunday brunch, a chocolate lava cake station and a cotton candy machine as well!

No, really. The adults will go crazy too!

BOTANICAL GIN STATION

Now, this is the best part about Edge’s revamped champagne brunch—Botanical Gin Station. Gin connoisseurs, it’s as if the G&T Gods have answered your prayers with the restaurant’s very first gin bar that houses 7 different gin labels—namely the greats such as Hendricks, Monkey 47 and our personal favourite, Tanqueray No. 10.

To up your gin and tonic game, you can also pick and choose from an array of fresh ripe fruits, citrus and botanicals such as thyme, grapefruit, raspberries, strawberries and more!

UNLIMITED BEER, CHAMPAGNE & GIN

What would a gathering of friends, family or loved ones be without a little booze to get you in the right mood? For all the adults (thank God that we are legal because alcohol > playgrounds), be sure to help yourselves to endless amounts of beer, champagne, and gin.

From 25 March to 24 June 2018, don’t forget to quote ‘ladyironchef’ to enjoy a complimentary upgrade to unlimited Veuve Clicquot Rosé Champagne (usual price at S$208++ per diner) for diners who opt for the S$188++ unlimited Veuve Clicquot Brut Yellow Label Champagne price, as well as a 10% discount on the S$128++ brunch price that includes unlimited fresh juices, soft drinks, coffee and tea.

ENTERTAINMENT FOR ADULTS AND KIDS

There is entertainment for both adults and kids. A live band will serenade you while you luxuriate in brunch; as for the kids, a balloon artist will be going around from table to table and have balloons sculpted for every little one.

It is really more than just food and alcohol, you all!

Sunday Champagne Brunch
Every Sunday (enhanced selection available from 18 March to 24 June 2018)
12pm – 3.30pm
Adult: S$208++ (includes unlimited Veuve Clicquot Rosé Champagne, wine, beer & cocktails)
Adult: S$188++ (includes unlimited Veuve Clicquot Brut Yellow Label Champagne, wine, beer & cocktails)
Adult: S$128 ++ (includes unlimited fresh juices, soft drinks, coffee and tea)
Child (aged 6 to 11 years old): S$64++ (includes unlimited fresh juices, soft drinks, coffee and tea)

For dining reservations and enquiries, please call +65 6826 8240 or email celebrate.sin@panpacific.com.

Edge
Pan Pacific Singapore, Level 3
7 Raffles Boulevard
Daily: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Sunday Brunch: 12pm – 3.30pm
Reservations: +65 6826 8240 / celebrate.sin@panpacific.com
Nearest Station: City Hall / Promenade

This post was brought to you by Pan Pacific Singapore.

Any Singaporean who has not visited Mustafa—a glorious 24-hour megamall in Little India— is certainly losing out big time. With six different entrances, it takes a certain level of skill to navigate the madness within.

After a whole day of shopping at Mustafa Centre, head over to one of the many excellent Indian F&B joints around the area to fill your tummy up with rich Indian curry, crispy prata and hearty murtabak.

If you have no idea which Indian joint to pick, refer to our list of 12 Superb Indian Joints In Little India To Refuel After Your Mustafa Shopping Spree.

Photo Credit: A B Mohamed Restaurant

#1 A B MOHAMED RESTAURANT

This casual air-conditioned eatery is just a stone’s throw away from Mustafa Centre. With an exhaustive menu spanning both south and north Indian cuisine, this restaurant is a cut above the rest.

The speciality here is the ABM Malabar Murtabak which is filled with onions, eggs, chicken and mutton all sandwiched in crisp layers of pan-fried wheat dough. Pair this with a warm cup of teh tarik for the ultimate combo.

278 Serangoon Rd
Singapore 218106
Tel: +65 6298 1010
Daily: 9am – 12.30am
Nearest Station: Farrer Park

Photo Credit: HungryAngMo

#2 ANANDA BHAVAN VEGETARIAN RESTAURANT

For a no-frills vegetarian fix, head to Ananda Bhavan. This restaurant has been in operation since 1924 and holds bragging rights as Singapore’s oldest Indian vegetarian restaurant.

A popular eating haunt, Ananda Bhavan is known for its low-calorie options that scrap the use of additives, preservatives and MSG. Indulge in a tempting array of Rava Thosai, Chappati, Aloo Prata and Onion Uthappam.

95 Syed Alwi Road
Singapore 207671
Tel: +65 6398 0837
Daily: 24 hours
Nearest Station: Farrer Park

Photo Credit: Cookloveeat

#3 BALAJI BHAWAN

Adding another vegetarian restaurant to the list, Balaji Bhawan is located directly opposite Gate 2 of Mustafa Centre.

Renowned for their varieties of Chat (fried dough with fillings), North Indian Thali (an assortment of dishes on a platter) as well as the Gulab Jamun (spongy, milky balls), you can enjoy quite a feast here.

103 Syed Alwi Road
Singapore 207679
Tel: +65 9126 7797
Daily: 10am – 11.30pm
Nearest Station: Farrer Park

Photo Credit: Dan F.

#4 C.M.K. 2001 RESTAURANT

Even if you go shopping at Mustafa at ungodly hours and want some food after this halal-certified restaurant has got you covered for your late-night hunger pangs. From Mee Goreng Mamak, Masala Thosai, Chicken Biryani and prata of all varieties, you can recharge and chow down on decent Indian food before heading home.

2 Syed Alwi Rd
Singapore 207668
Tel: +65 6294 9013
Daily: 24 hours
Nearest Station: Farrer Park

Photo Credit: Copper Chimney

#5 COPPER CHIMNEY

The unique selling point of this restaurant opposite Mustafa Centre is the presence of Chinese-Indian fusion cuisine that features Hakka noodles and fried rice incorporating Szechuan peppers.

If you are having a tough time deciding from the elaborate menu line up, go for the all-time favourite Butter Chicken and Tandoori Naan. Alternatively, challenge your palate to the Kung Pao Chicken or perhaps the American Chopsuey.

100 Syed Alwi Rd
Singapore 207676
Tel: +65 6294 8891
Daily: 11am – 12.30am
Nearest Station: Farrer Park

Photo Credit: Nekyouto-Food

#6 KEBABS N CURRIES

If you have explored Mustafa Centre thoroughly, you would have chanced upon this fine Indian dining place on the top floor. Boasting a rooftop alfresco style dining with glass-panelled domed roofs, the place is pretty magical and romantic.

Even though the prices here are not as pocket-friendly as the ones along the streets, you are guaranteed top-notch Indian food here. There are Pakistani dishes too if you would like to switch things up a little.

171 Syed Alwi Rd, #07-00 Mustafa Centre
Singapore 207704
Tel: +65 6419 0749
Daily: 11am – 12.45am
Nearest Station: Farrer Park

Photo Credit: Komala Vilas

#7 KOMALA VILAS

Sticking to time-honoured traditions, this vegetarian restaurant is no stranger to Singaporeans with its massive loyal following. Since its opening back in 1947, Komala Vilas is famous for Thosai, delectable Thali sets and aromatic chai.

Served with lashings of sambar and chutney, dig into your meal and allow the exotic flavours of Indian cuisine to pamper your taste buds.

76 – 78 Serangoon Road
Singapore 217981
Tel: +65 6293 6980
Daily: 7am – 10.30am
Nearest Station: Farrer Park

Photo Credit: Madura’s Restaurant

#8 MADURA’S RESTAURANT

This halal-certified food joint’s menu is incredibly vast with choices ranging from Chinese Sizzlers, Tandoori & Kebab, Aromatic Biryani & Pilao and Seafood Specialties.

Chef recommendations include Mutton Rogan Josh, Chicken Tikka Masala, Chicken Dum Biryani as well as the scrumptious Kebab Platter. Satisfied diners have sung praises for these dishes that are on point with their robust flavours.

115 Syed Alwi Rd
Singapore 207683
Tel: +65 6294 1268
Daily: 12pm – 1am
Nearest Station: Farrer Park

#9 MURUGAN IDLI SHOP

In a bid to broaden the reach of exquisite South Indian tiffin cuisine, Murugan Idli Shop opened its first stall beyond India, right here in Singapore. As its moniker suggests, the signature here is none other than the mouth-watering Idli (steamed rice cakes) that is served with generous side dishes and a plethora of chutneys.

This vegetarian joint also promises authentic Thosai, Sambar rice and a slew of other full-flavoured savouries.

81 Syed Alwi Rd
Singapore 207660
Tel: +65 6298 0858
Daily: 9am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Farrer Park

Photo Credit: Sakunthala’s Restaurant

#10 SAKUNTHALA’S RESTAURANT

From its inception in 1997, halal-certified Sakunthala’s Restaurant is a popular eatery that is more often than not teeming with people who casually devour lip-smacking biryani meals here.

The mind-boggling array of classic Naan, Thosai and Prata will also leave you in a tough spot to decide. To stave off the food coma thereafter, be sure to order the Masala Tea or the Ginger Tea.

88 Syed Alwi Rd
Singapore 207667
Tel: +65 6293 6649
Daily: 11am – 3am
Nearest Station: Farrer Park

Photo Credit: Sankranti Restaurant

#11 SANKRANTI RESTAURANT

The expertly cooked Dum Biryani here hits all the right spots and the spiciness of the accompanying curries adds a lovely zing! Aside from their signature biryani, the restaurant’s forte revolves primarily around the spicy Andhra cuisine.

Savour delicious appetisers, juicy tandoor kebabs, soft Indian bread and perfectly seasoned curries amongst others.

79 Syed Alwi Rd
Singapore 207658
Tel: +65 6292 7655
Daily: 11am – 4pm, 6pm – 12.30am
Nearest Station: Farrer Park

Photo Credit: Cindy K

#12 USMAN’S RESTAURANT

Despite being situated slightly further from Mustafa Centre, this special place rounds up the list for its highly affordable Pakistani and North Indian fare. The fluffy Naan here boasts incredible texture and is traditionally made using a claypot oven known as a “tandoor”.

Their menu features everything from tandoori specialities to paneer and even briyani.

238 Serangoon Rd
Singapore 218085
Tel: +65 6296 8949
Daily: 12pm – 2am
Nearest Station: Farrer Park