Hotspots EAT

EAT

RAELENE TAN visits Raffles icon the Tiffin Room and PIP HARRY tries a new café in the east.

The legendary Tiffin Room has been a part of Raffles Hotel Singapore’s history since 1892, serving delectable North Indian cuisine. Located off the Grand Lobby, the elegant restaurant offers authentic Indian dishes with interactive tableside service by chefs. The recently restored interiors feature herringbone wooden floorboards, along with locally made porcelains and tiffin boxes.

A la carte dinner choices include succulent boneless chicken leg cooked with chickpea flour and rich saffron, accompanied by a fragrant sweet corn and onion salad. Plump, juicy scallops in a coconut, lemongrass and tamarind curry, scented with curry leaves and coconut, marry well with cool cucumber salad. Tandoori (clay oven) bread and chawal (rice) choices add to the colourful meals.

Enjoy a tiffin box (tiered container for transporting a meal) of meat or vegetarian curries, accompanied by chutneys, pickles, rice and bread, presented in a tiered copper tiffin, harking back to homeprepared meals in India.

Indian desserts are legendary. Gulab jamun (sweet milk dumplings) with chocolate and saffron is recommended, while mango kulfi (ice cream) refreshes the palate after a spicy feast. Lassi (yoghurt drink) should not be missed and there is an international wine list. VERDICT: For a relaxing environment reminiscent of a bygone era, enjoy a delicious meal here with service to match.

Note: Due to Covid restrictions, the Tiffin Room’s breakfast and lunch buffet menus are currently available as à la carte options.

Looking for a bright, friendly café with excellent coffee and a solid brunch menu? Leading the charge of new east side F&B openings, The Brewing Ground offers outdoor seating and a leafy setting in The Yards – the site of the old Telok Kurau Primary School, which is now home to arts, dance and fitness studios. This tranquil hideaway also features a beautiful heritage kapok tree.

On my first visit I order the generous granola bowl ($12) with fresh fruits and berries, thick Greek yogurt, nuts and a drizzle of honey. On the second, the Burrata and Tomato Tartine calls my name – toasted sourdough piled with marinated cherry tomatoes, creamy burrata, almond flakes, basil and balsamic glaze. On my third and most recent visit, it was time to try the perfectly cooked scrambled eggs and sourdough, with a side of whole avocado and thick cut maple bacon. Seriously yummy.

For those looking for lunch options, the café also serves more substantial mains like the wagyu beef cheeseburger ($25), crabmeat tagliatelle ($26) and fish and chips ($22) and befitting its name, a handful of creative cocktails and craft beers. VERDICT: A lovely quiet spot for easties looking to get a coffee and brunch fix.