Everything special is made even more special with the sheen of festive celebrations. Diwali, the biggest festival for Indians all over the world, is at the heart of Singapore’s famously multicultural society. Like with all things that bring the community together, Diwali means lights, joy, exchange of gifts and sweets, and feasting with family and friends.
For Diwali 2023 in Singapore, the heritage restaurant Tiffin Room presents aromatic North Indian dishes from a special menu created by award-winning Chef de Cuisine Kuldeep Negi. Photo courtesy: Raffles Hotel Singapore
To the people of Singapore and visitors to this city-state, the iconic Raffles Hotel Singapore is an unmissable part of the festive season when it comes to creating unique memories. For Diwali 2023, the hotel’s splendid heritage restaurant Tiffin Room (www.tiffinroom.com.sg), which has been part of the Raffles story for more than 130 years now — since 1892 — is ready to welcome guests with aromatic North Indian dishes from a special menu created by award-winning Chef de Cuisine Kuldeep Negi.
Award-winning Chef de Cuisine Kuldeep Negi has created the special Diwali menu at the Tiffin Room. Photo: Shilpi Seth for Connected to India
The splendid Tiffin Room restaurant has been at Raffles Hotel Singapore since 1892. Photo courtesy: Raffles Hotel Singapore
The Diwali 2023 menu at the Tiffin Room (available from October 30 to November 12) presents the range of different flavours and textures of North India, a geographical region of several states, each with its very own culinary traditions and innovation, each with its own signature dishes.
The gourmet meals here are a visual treat as well — the Tiffin Room serves its dishes in custom-made copper tiffin boxes. This is a truly social occasion, with an interactive dining experience and tableside service by chefs.
A sumptuous selection of vegetarian and Jain dishes is available to make Diwali fulfilling for every guest. A limited selection of the regular Tiffin Room à la carte menu will be available during this promotional period.
A feast for the eyes and the palate: Orange halwa at the Tiffin Room. Photo courtesy: Raffles Hotel Singapore
Address
Tiffin Room, Raffles Hotel Singapore, 1 Beach Road, Singapore 189673 (Located at the Main Building, accessible via the main hotel entrance)
Timing
Lunch 12 noon to 1.45pm; Dinner 6.30pm to 9.30pm; open daily
Diwali dining experience
October 30 to November 12, 2023
Dress code
Casual Chic (Dress shorts are allowed during lunch; no slippers or flip-flops)
Price
Diwali non-vegetarian set menu: SGD118++ per guest
Diwali vegetarian set menu: SGD108++ per guest
Additional wine pairing option: SGD88++ per guest
Enquiries
Call +65 6412 1816 or e-mail singapore@raffles.com
The Tiffin Room special menu pays homage to iconic street food from Kolkata, including the delightful Ghugni Chaat. Photo: Shilpi Seth for Connected to India
A gin-and-tonic is perfectly paired with the Ghugni Chaat. Photo: Shilpi Seth for Connected to India
Lagan Ki Chop, a dish from Lucknow, is traditionally served with lamb leg. In his Diwali menu at the Tiffin Room, Chef Kuldeep Negi presents this dish featuring succulent tandoori-cooked lamb chops marinated in a blend of aromatic spices, enhanced by a fusion of sesame seed and curry leaf chutney. Photo: Shilpi Seth for Connected to India
Flavourful main course specialities include Machli Jaisamandi from Udaipur, tender fish cooked to perfection in a Rajasthani-style creamy, rich broth with a refreshing touch of mint chutney; Achari Gosht Masala, lamb saddle amid a bed of zesty, pickled spices, onion, and tomato; Chungdi Malai, the chef’s take on the much-loved Oriya dish, switching out prawns for lobster, which is simmered in a blend of coconut cream and fragrant spices; and Malai Tikka Pulao, a tandoori-cooked classic North Indian dish with boneless chicken legs prepared with saffron, fresh mint, and coriander leaves, paired with fluffy Indian basmati rice. Photo: Shilpi Seth for Connected to India
A specially curated vegetarian Diwali menu is also available at the Tiffin Room. For appetiser, opt for Lagan Ka Paneer, tandoori-cooked Indian cottage cheese marinated with special blended spices, sesame seed, and curry leaf chutney, served with malabar parantha, a traditional flatbread. Photo: Shilpi Seth for Connected to India
Conclude the Diwali gastronomic experience at the Tiffin Room with an array of decadent desserts: Orange Halwa, an artful blend of orange and ash gourd, an indulgent treat popularly enjoyed in the Northern regions of India and known for its meticulous preparation; Kaju Aam Katli, a Diwali favourite featuring slices of cashew nut candy; Besan Nariyal Burfi, another beloved Diwali milk-based sweet with chickpea and coconut handcrafted into a luxurious fudge-like consistency. Photo: Shilpi Seth for Connected to India
The main course section of the vegetarian Diwali menu also has a selection of masterpieces: Dum Aloo Curry, featuring baby potatoes elevated with cumin seed in a tomato and cashew nut gravy; Dahi Gucchi Paneer Curry, which is morel mushroom, Indian cottage cheese, and traditional spices stirred in a delicious, spicy yoghurt curry; Dal Dhokli, an aromatic stew of yellow lentil, tamarind, jaggery, curry leaves, complemented with chickpea bread; and finally, Jodhpuri Vegetable Biryani, Indian basmati rice layered with mixed vegetables, rose water, saffron, fresh mint, and coriander leaves. Find the full menu here.
The Diwali special menus, regular and vegetarian, at the Tiffin Room. Photo: Shilpi Seth for Connected to India
