Nalan Restaurant is probably the best Indian vegetarian restaurant in Singapore. It is a culinary gem that caters to the diverse tastes and preferences of food enthusiasts. Whether you are a vegetarian, vegan, or a non-vegetarian diner, Nalan Restaurant is the perfect destination to embark on a flavourful journey through the vibrant world of South Indian cuisine.
@shiokeats Freshness, quality and attention to detail – thatβs the essence of Nalanβs dining experience. #nalan #indiancuisine #vegetarianfood #sgvegetarian #indianvegetarian #sgfoodie #sggoodfood #shiokeats
With its skilful mastery of flavorus and ingredients, the restaurant presents a delightful array of dishes that showcase the richness and authenticity of South Indian culinary traditions.
Dahi Puri $12
As I took a bite, the combination of yogurt, savoury flavours, and crunchiness instantly awakened my taste buds. The dish was incredibly refreshing, making it a great choice for a snack. Each element of the Dahi Puri worked together harmoniously, creating a burst of flavours in every mouthful. Taking the whole thing into my mouth allowed the yogurt to explode, releasing its creamy goodness. It was a fantastic starter that left me eager to explore the rest of the menu.
Gobi Manchurian Dry $19
The Gobi Manchurian Dry was a remarkable dish that exceeded my expectations. The cauliflower had a surprising meat-like texture and didn’t taste anything like its vegetable counterpart. The smaller pieces were delightfully crunchy, adding an enjoyable element to each bite. The level of spiciness was just right, not overpowering but still adding a kick that perfectly complemented the meaty texture and added a touch of sweetness.
This dish is an absolute must-try, and if I had to recommend just one, it would be this. The cauliflower remained crunchy, and its crispy coating added a satisfying texture. With its fragrant aroma and the inclusion of onions, it appealed to both vegetarian and non-vegetarian palates. It truly didn’t taste like a vegetable dish but rather resembled the flavours of sweet and sour pork.
Tandoori Platter $44
The Tandoori Platter offered a diverse range of flavours and textures. Each of the five ingredients on the platter had its own unique taste, completely different from one another. The cauliflower stood out with its sour flavour, adding a tangy twist to the dish. The brown tandoori piece reminded us of the flavourful potatoes served in Muslim staff, and it was a delicious addition to the platter.
The cottage cheese was exceptional, with a hint of charred taste on its red outer layer and a fluffy yet not overly soft inner layer that left us craving for more. Biting into the mushroom released a burst of juicy mushroom cooked in spices. The accompanying sauce had a sour and greenish vegetable taste that would appeal to vegetable lovers. The curry potato was a delightful surprise, with a crispy layer and a hint of spiciness that added to its fragrant profile. The cauliflower, with its well-coated sour coating and juicy interior, was a true treat for the taste buds.
Paper Thosai $11
While many Prata shops do sell Paper Thosai, I would really say the Paper Thosai in Nalan Restaurant is truly different. I was astounded by its enormous size. Its thin and crispy crust hinted at a satisfying crunch waiting to be savoured. The three accompanying chutney spices and sambal completed the perfect ensemble. Even on its own, the Thosai was delicious, especially with a hint of butter or ghee.
However, when I combined all three spices in a single piece and took a bite, my taste buds were treated to a sensational four-way burst of flavours. The versatility of this simple dish amazed me, offering numerous combinations to enjoy. It was a fulfilling experience, and the Paper Thosai certainly had the power to satiate even the heartiest appetite.
Channa Battura $11
As our waiter placed the Channa Battura in front of us, I couldn’t help but be intrigued by its unique presentation. The dish arrived as a large, airy balloon-like creation, and our waiter explained that it was a popular Indian cuisine. Eager to dig in, we eagerly popped the balloon, watching it deflate with excitement.
It was perfect when paired with the accompanying chickpea curry, the dish was so delectable that we couldn’t resist devouring every last morsel. It truly showcased the flavours of South Indian cuisine and left us satisfied. The chickpeas were incredibly soft, and the blended onion added a fragrant touch. The sauce, in particular, was a standout, with a subtle and enjoyable taste that wasn’t overpowering or intense.
Kadai Mock Masala $19 (left) & Paneer butter Masala $21 (right)
Kadai Mock Masala was a satisfying and aromatic vegan option. The stir-fried mushrooms and capsicum were perfectly coated in a flavorful onion tomato gravy infused with kadai masala. The tender cubes of mock meat added a satisfying texture and soaked up the rich masala flavors. Despite its fiery appearance, the dish wasn’t spicy, allowing the flavours to shine through without overwhelming the palate. The vegan mushroom soy mock meat was a pleasant surprise, providing a hearty and savoury element to the dish. Every bite was filled with an intense and fragrant taste.
I was captivated by Paneer Butter Masalaβs smooth and fragrant appearance. The dish featured tender cubes of cottage cheese immersed in a creamy and flavourful sauce. What impressed me the most was that the spices were perfectly balanced and not overpowering, allowing the taste of the paneer to shine through. The dish had a light resemblance to butter chicken, with its creamy texture and subtle hint of buttery richness.
Both Masala dishes were perfect with the assorted bread basket.
Assorted Bread Basket (4 Types)
The Assorted Bread Basket, with its four different types of bread, was a feast for the senses. The butter naan was a highlight, soft, fluffy, and cooked to perfection in the tandoor, with a generous brushing of melted butter that added a rich and indulgent touch. It paired flawlessly with a wide range of Indian dishes. The basket also included garlic naan, lacha paratha, and tandoori roti, offering a diverse selection to choose from. With 18 different combinations to try, our favourite was pairing the garlic naan with the creamy paneer butter masala. The mock meat in kadai mock masala was truly exceptional, mimicking the texture and taste of real meat so convincingly that we couldn’t even tell the difference.
Paneer Fried Rice $21
I was delighted by the harmonious blend of flavours and textures Paneer Fried Rice offered. The vegetables in the dish provided a delightful crunch that contrasted beautifully with the soft and tender paneer. The spiciness of the dish was just enough to add a subtle kick without overwhelming the palate. I was particularly impressed by the fact that the fried rice wasn’t greasy or oily. It was a well-balanced and satisfying dish that fulfilled my desire for a delicious, slightly spicy meal.
Carrot Halwa $10 (left) & Rasmalai $12 (right)
When I had a taste of the Carrot Halwa, I was delighted by its unique and comforting flavors. The grated carrots were cooked to perfection, resulting in a fine and luscious texture reminiscent of coconut. The dish was infused with the warmth of cardamom, adding a delightful aromatic touch. As I savoured each spoonful, the sweetness of the halwa enveloped my taste buds. To enhance the experience, a scoop of ice cream on top added a cool and creamy element, creating a perfect balance of temperatures and flavors. The Carrot Halwa was a delightful dessert that highlighted the natural sweetness of carrots.
When I indulged in the Rasmalai, I was intrigued by its unique preparation of cottage cheese in the form of a sponge cake. The dessert had a delightful sweetness that pleased my taste buds without being overly sugary. I appreciated the balance of flavours, allowing the subtle richness of the cottage cheese to shine through. It was a delightful treat that showcased a different approach to using cottage cheese in desserts.
Masala Tea $5
To enhance the meal experience, I couldn’t resist ordering a steaming cup of Masala Tea. Served hot, this delightful beverage added a burst of flavour to the entire meal. The aromatic spices infused in the tea created a warm and comforting sensation with each sip. The blend of spices, such as cardamom, cinnamon, and ginger, added a delightful complexity to the tea, making it a perfect accompaniment to the meal.
Filter Coffee $5
When I took my first sip of the Filter Coffee, I was pleasantly surprised by its unique flavor profile. The initial taste revealed a delightful combination of bitterness with hints of chocolate, reminiscent of a rich Milo beverage. It was a coffee experience unlike any I had encountered at my local coffee shop. To balance out the bitterness, I added the sugar stick provided, which added a touch of sweetness to the brew.
Vegan, Vegetarian, and Non-Vegetarian Delights
Nalan Restaurant is a culinary gem that caters not only to vegetarians and vegans but also to non-vegetarian diners. The restaurant masterfully showcases the diverse flavors of South Indian cuisine, offering a range of dishes that are suitable for all preferences. Each dish is thoughtfully prepared with a unique blend of spices and ingredients that satisfy even the most discerning non-vegetarian palate. Nalan Restaurant is a delightful destination where everyone can come together to savor the authentic and rich flavors of South Indian cuisine, creating a truly memorable dining experience for all.
Make a reservation here and check out their full menu here!
Pssst… They have a special Father’s Day lunch and dinner menu up and coming too! Check it out below!
Nalan Restaurant
13 Stamford Rd, #B2-54 Capitol Singapore, Singapore 178905
82 Serangoon Rd, Singapore 217987
Opening Hours:
Monday to Sunday: 10am to 10pm
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