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Get ready for the ultimate upgrade! Chef Mano Thevar has officially unveiled Thevar 2.0, and it’s not just a new location— it’s a whole new chapter. This two-Michelin-starred restaurant has moved into a beautiful new home at 16 Mohamed Sultan Road, a space that’s double the size of the original.
This new spot is a passion project come to life for Chef Mano. He designed the space to be a reflection of his South Indian heritage, modern style, and global adventures. It’s a tribute to his roots, with a warm, minimalist feel inspired by his home and his grandparents’ village in Tamil Nadu. The stunning decor is inspired by traditional Indian homes, featuring a beautiful Gopura entrance tower and a Mandapam pillared hallway.
Stepping into the main dining area, we were immediately struck by the sophisticated, living-room vibe. The soft lighting and a focus on earthy tones created an incredibly warm and intimate atmosphere, making us feel right at home. It was fascinating to see how the design seamlessly blended modern sensibilities with traditional warmth, making every moment feel both elevated and deeply personal.
At Thevar 2.0, you’ll still find all the incredible signature dishes and vibrant flavours that made the restaurant famous, but now in a truly elevated setting. You can even get a front-row seat to the culinary magic at the three-seater Chef’s Table, or book the secluded Private Room for a more intimate and exclusive dining experience. It’s the same amazing food, just in a space that perfectly matches its two-star reputation.
What I tried at Thevar
The menu (S$298++) at Thevar is a journey of incredible flavours and textures, and I was lucky enough to experience it firsthand. Each dish was a delightful surprise, showcasing Chef Mano’s creativity and skill. What makes the experience even more special is the daily refinement to the menu, ensuring a fresh and unique culinary adventure every time. At its new location, Thevar maintains its extensive beverage program, featuring over 400 wine labels, expert pairings, and a thoughtful selection of non-alcoholic options for teetotallers. The price, though, does not include beverages.
The most exciting part of my meal was that the entire menu was a complete surprise! Since Chef Mano hadn’t revealed the dishes to me beforehand, each dish was a fun game of guessing the ingredients. It made every bite a delightful moment of discovery. Ready for the big secret? Here’s a look at the full menu that had me guessing all night.
Snacks
- Summer Tomato Chaat: Talk about a fantastic start! The potato shell was the perfect crunchy vessel for the tangy tamarind gel and vibrant coriander chutney. The fresh, burst-in-your-mouth tomberry tomatoes and fresh coriander made it taste like pure summer.
- Razor Clam Canelé Murukku: This was a true showstopper. The murukku had an amazing texture, and the lime cream and ginger flower added a zesty, aromatic punch. The razor clam salad was fresh and perfectly seasoned, making for a beautifully balanced bite.
- Crispy Pork: A knockout dish! The Iberico pork belly was unbelievably crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The sambal aioli gave it a spicy kick, and the betel nut leaf and jalapeño added a fresh, peppery note.
- Eel Seaweed Vadai: This dish was a revelation. The vadai was light and airy, and the charcoal-grilled eel was smoky and rich. The combination with seaweed and tamarind created a complex, umami-filled flavour that I absolutely loved. Probably the only time I’ve ever truly enjoyed eel.
Appetiser
- Chettinad Chicken Roti: This was pure comfort food elevated. The slow-cooked chicken was incredibly tender and flavourful, and it paired perfectly with the crisp shallots and tangy pickled cucumber. The homemade naan bread was the ideal vehicle to soak up all the delicious sauce.
- Lobster Curry Beurre Blanc: A truly decadent dish. The char-grilled lobster was cooked to perfection, with a subtle smoky flavour that was beautifully complemented by the rich and creamy curry beurre blanc. While everything on the menu was incredible, this dish was easily my favourite.
- Abalone Khichdi: I was initially skeptical of this (porridge), but I was so wrong. The dish was a wonderfully sophisticated take on a classic. The tender Jeju abalone and pearl couscous were a fantastic combination, and the koshikari rice tied it all together with a satisfying, comforting texture. My mother would be so proud to know I polished it off.
- Purple Cabbage Pani Puri: I’ve never had pani puri like this (and I’ve had many)! The dehydrated purple cabbage tart shell was so light and unique, and the spiced buttermilk was a refreshing, zesty filling that was a total delight.
Main Course
- Mysore Spiced Rack of Lamb, Lamb Biryani, Homemade Raita: The main event was a breathtaking masterpiece, and my second favourite dish of the entire evening. The rack of lamb was spiced and cooked to perfection, so tender it just melted in my mouth. The lamb biryani was fragrant and delicious, and the homemade raita provided a cool, creamy contrast that rounded out the entire plate. Simply outstanding!
Dessert
- Soursop & Mangosteen: This light, refreshing, and incredibly vibrant dessert was a delightful surprise that completely blew us away. The soursop sorbet was wonderfully tangy, and the mangosteen and lychee granita added a beautiful sweetness and texture. It was the perfect way to cleanse the palate. Mmmmm, I wanted more!
- Roasted Dates Kulfi: A rich and delightful end to the meal. The ghee cake was so moist and flavourful, and the roasted dates kulfi was sweet and creamy. The pecan crumbles and Parmesan cheese were a surprising but delicious combination, adding a nutty, savoury note. Very, very interesting.
- Mango Lassi Mochi: A fun and playful dessert that tasted exactly like a mango lassi. The soft, chewy mochi and the sweet mango and saffron filling were a perfect pairing.
- Spiced Madeline: This was a lovely final bite. The madeline had a delicate spice to it, and the jaggery jam was a wonderfully sweet and rich complement.
Final thoughts
My entire experience at Thevar was nothing short of extraordinary. The food was exceptional, and the opportunity to meet Chef Mano himself was a true highlight. He graciously took the time to show us the new space and explain the thoughtful, unique elements behind each dish. His creative use of unexpected ingredients makes every plate a one-of-a-kind masterpiece. This is a Michelin-starred experience that is truly worth the price, and one I would highly recommend to anyone seeking a remarkable culinary journey. Needless to say, I cannot wait to go back.
