Call it Diwali or Deepavali but the celebration known the world over as the Festival of Lights is a billion reasons to come together with friends and family. Mythologically and allegorically the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness, Diwali is enjoyed with colour, music and, last but certainly not least, glorious, glorious food!
Local Deepavali celebrations have become bigger and more creative over the years. I remember that a Diwali dinner out when I was a kid would be delicious but rather predictable. Today, Indian cuisine has matured and become more creative as younger chefs take bold steps while retaining precious essential traditions.
With Diwali just around the corner (31 Oct 2024), here are 10 Deepavali restaurants that exemplify the best of Indian cuisine to illuminate your life through your palate.
1. Rang Mahal
This year, Rang Mahal is pulling out the stops for a spectacular Diwali celebration! From 1 Oct to 2 Nov 2024, their celebratory menu showcases an exquisite range of new creations, including Murgh Sholay (Tandoori Char-Grilled Chicken), Bhuna Gosht (Australian Lamb Cubes, Kashmiri Chilli, Tomato, Onion, Cinnamon), Goat Cheese Tikki, Beetroot Millet Kebab, Garlic Vegetable Medley, Sprout Dal, and fragrant Coconut Rice, amongst other lip-smacking dishes.
Indulge in the Festive Lunch Thali
Savour a delightful array of traditional Indian flavours with a specially curated Diwali lunch menu, featuring unlimited servings for S$68++ per pax. Yes, it’s refillable — now, isn’t that a steal? The thalis come in vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.
Our favourites from the non-veg thali were the aromatic Konkan Prawn Curry and the soft and juicy Tandoori Char-Grilled Chicken. From the veg thali, standouts were the Old Delhi Paneer Makhani and Goat Cheese Tikki. The Lychee Kulfi was the pièce de résistance of the meal, a masterpiece of flavour that left us in awe.
Elegant Diwali Dinner Soirée
As night falls, step into an opulent Diwali dining experience with their elegant dinner offerings. Choose from a set menu, à la carte selections, or indulge in the chef’s special creations— designed exclusively for the festive season.
A Festive Sunday Buffet Extravaganza
Every Sunday, Rang Mahal’s lunch buffet takes on a Diwali-inspired twist, featuring rotating live stations for a unique culinary experience. Enjoy a delectable spread of starters, vegetarian and non-vegetarian mains, a refreshing salad bar, and decadent desserts, all for just S$68++ per adult and S$34++ per child.
Rang Mahal also proudly presents their 2024 Diwali Mithais Collection, “Jewels of Tradition.” Check it out here.
7 Raffles Boulevard, Pan Pacific Hotel, Level 3, Singapore 039595
+65 6333 1788
Tue to Fri & Sun: 12pm – 2.30pm & 6pm – 10pm
Sat: 6pm – 10pm
Closed on Mon
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2. ADDA
Elevate your Diwali celebrations throughout October with ADDA’s exclusive Thali, expertly crafted by Michelin-starred Chef Manjunath Mural. Chef is a true master of his craft, driven by passion and cooking with heart.
More than just a meal, the Diwali Thali is a culinary journey— a curated platter featuring a medley of dishes where every bite delivers a harmonious blend of flavours and textures, capturing the essence of India’s diverse and flavourful cuisine.
ADDA’s Diwali Thali will be available for order from 28 Oct to 2 Nov at S$38++ (for both veg and non-veg thalis). In both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, this thali promises a satisfying and memorable dining experience, at such an affordable price!
In true Indian style, indulge to your heart’s content with everything the non-veg thali offers: Murg Malai Khumb, Poha Crusted Assamese Fish Curry, Mysore Mutton Masala, Tiranga Kofta Curry, Gujarati Kadhi, Navratan Pulao, naans, dessert (Kesar Rasmalai) and mithai. Man, what a mouthful!
The dish that stole the limelight was the Poha Crusted Assamese Fish Curry. It offered a delightful contrast of textures and flavours, with the crispy exterior of the fish complementing the creamy and slightly tangy curry.
The vegetarian thali features an array of delectable vegetarian dishes, showcasing the versatility and richness of Indian cuisine. In this thali, you’ll be treated to: Paneer Khada Masala, TirangaKofta Curry, Hirva Masala Bhaji, Kurkura Nadru, Gujarati Khadi (Gujrati Yoghurt Curry), Kholapuri Veg Goli Pulao, naans, dessert (Kesar Rasmalai) and mithai.
And of course, what’s a celebration without sweets? ADDA invites you to indulge in sweet luxury this year! Their Diwali Mithai Gift Hampers are a delightful symphony of unexpected flavours. All the sweets are handcrafted by Chef Mural, so you know you’re in for a real treat.
The Gula Melaka Pandan offers a tropical escape with its rich, caramelised sweetness, while the Rose and Gulkand delivers a delicate infusion of floral notes that linger on the palate. Blueberry and Saffron create a vibrant, exotic burst of zest, balanced by the creamy, nutty indulgence of Peanut Butter and Cashew.
For a bold contrast, the Oreo and Sesame fusion blends sweet and savoury in a surprisingly lovely combination. The luxurious mix of Figs, Dates, Mulberry, and Nuts brings a natural, earthy richness, while Paan and Pistachio reinvents a classic favourite with a modern twist. Finally, Organic Charcoal and Coconut introduces a sleek, bold flavour profile, elevating traditional mithai to a new level of sophistication. Trust me when I say you cannot stop at just one (and why would you?).
These gift hampers are more than just indulgences— they offer a chance to make a meaningful difference. Each box you purchase helps support children’s education through Smile Foundation’s Shiksha Na Ruke initiative in India.
Order here.
7500E Beach Road, Diners Building, #01-201, Singapore 199596
+65 8922 3679
Daily: 12pm – 3pm & 6pm – 10.30pm
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3. Royal Taj
The straight, sturdy angular architecture of the Mess Hall on Sentosa Island oozes a classic colonial soul long associated with India. It’s fitting, then, that the best Indian restaurant on the island, Royal Taj, sits inside.
Perched atop a gentle rise that gives it a wonderful view of the locale, Royal Taj uses that visual advantage to buttress a delectable menu. They have both a Vegetarian and a Non-Vegetarian Set Menu (Lunch S$48.90, Dinner S$58.90, Kids price S$25.90) this Diwali.
Both are 5-course affairs that begin with Golgappa Shots and Aloo Tikki Chaat.
Because I am such a fan of golgappas that I regularly eat 20 or more at a go when back on the subcontinent, I’m shocked that I actually found the Aloo Tikki Chaat to be even better!
The tandoor course follows with either the Bhutte ke Kebab (fried dumplings of American corn and minced mixed vegetables) or Paneer Hariyali Tikka for the vegetarians. They were so good that I indulged way too much and did not leave enough room for later. Alongside, non-vegetarians enjoy the Murgh Angara Kebab (char-grilled chicken morsel with a tangy marinade) or Sarsonwali Tandoori Machli (mustard-flavoured char-grilled fish).
Apart from 2 naans each, each set menu comes with 4 mains! From the vegetarian side, I enjoyed the Makhmali Kofta Curry and Dal Makhni most. The all-time favourite Kadhai Murgh and lamb-centric Laal Maas take the accolades on the non-veg side.
Both sets come with Raita and end things off with Malai Kulfi (creamy & oh-so-good ice cream) dessert. A feast for royalty, really!
Take a look at their Diwali menus here.
Royal Taj can create bespoke sweets boxes for you, too.
2 Gunner Lane, Sentosa Island, Mess Hall Block 16, 02-06, Singapore 099959
+65 9118 5896
Mon & Tue: 12pm – 3pm & 6pm – 10.30pm
Wed to Sun: 12pm – 3pm & 7pm – 10.30pm
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4. Gabbar Bistro & Bar
Kya aap apni zindagi ka sabse shaandaar raat ke liye taiyaar hain? – Gabbar
(Are you ready for the most wonderful night of your life?)
Dining at Gabbar can be described as a Bollywood-inspired gastronomic adventure. From nostalgic tunes to tantalising tastes, Gabbar’s menu takes you on a culinary journey across India. Experience the vibrant flavours of Mumbai’s street food, the comforting warmth of Calcutta’s bylanes, the opulence of royal kitchens, and the rustic charm of highway dhabas.
Set against the scenic riverside backdrop of Clarke Quay, this spot is perfect for those seeking a more relaxed vibe, paired with an impressive spread of dishes.
My all-time favourite here is the Galouti Kebab (S$34). The tender minced lamb and green papaya create an explosion of flavours with every bite, and when I say it melts in your mouth, it’s no exaggeration! If there’s only one dish you try here, let it be this.
Crowd favourites at Gabbar include Surkh Laal Chicken Tikka (S$26), Kumb Mushroom Masala (S$24), Malabar Fish Curry (S$32), Chandni Chowk Papdi Chaat (S$14) and Mutton Briryani (S$34), to name a few.
Be sure to try their Desi Asian menu. You can’t go wrong with the Gobi Manchurian (S$15), Steamed Veg Momos (S$16 for 6 pieces), Chilli Garlic Noodle (S$18) and Chilli Paneer (S$16).
What’s a party without the drinks? Gabbar doesn’t want you to ever find out – they have gone all-out with their range of alcoholic beverages. We couldn’t help but giggle at the delightfully filmy names of the shooters: Jai Veeru, Mogambo, Naach Basanti Naach… you get the drift. You can check out the full list here.
Enhancing the vibrant atmosphere, Gabbar’s resident DJ plays a mix of Bollywood and commercial hits, transforming the venue into a lively post-midnight party spot with energetic Desi beats – perfect for a memorable night with friends and family.
So swing by and join the festivities! Diwali has never looked so vibrant and fun— don’t miss out on the celebration!
3E River Valley Road, Clarke Quay, #01-05/06, Singapore 179024
+65 8755 5597
Mon to Fri: 12pm – 3pm (Lunch)
Sat & Sun: 11:30am – 3pm (Brunch)
Sun to Tue: 5pm – 12am (Dinner)
Wed: 5pm – 2am (Dinner)
Fri & Sat: 5pm – 3am (Dinner)
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Shahi Maharani yearns for the reign of the Moghul emperors but makes do with celebrating their culinary heritage. This year, that desire extends to the quintessential Indian pastime of enjoying sweets.
Before we get to those tantalising treats, though, there is a weekend-long parade of gastronomical delights specially created for Diwali 2024. The buffet on Diwali is a sheer delight for the eyes with pleasing arrangements of dishes designed and cooked by their master chefs.
Weekday Lunch Buffet: Delight in an expanded menu that includes vegetarian and non-vegetarian kebabs, starters and curries. Relish classic items like Beetroot Kebab, Seekh Kebab, Tandoori Paneer, Butter Chicken, and Goan Chicken Curry, to name a few. Trust that Shahi Maharani’s evergreen favourites will keep you going back for more!
Weekend Lunch & Dinner Buffet: The Diwali day lunch and dinner, along with the weekend following Diwali, promises an even more indulgent experience. Enjoy special dishes like Achari Paneer Tikka, Galouti Kebab, Laal Maas (Rajasthani lamb curry), Malabari Prawn Curry, and Stuffed Paneer Koftas. On Diwali night, don’t miss their signature “Dum” style biryani. Is your mouth watering yet?
Rasmalai, Jalebi, Gulab Jamun, Kheer, Gajar Halwa and Shahi Maharani’s custom Diwali mithais will infuse your Diwali with just the right sweetness for a perfect close to a wonderful celebration.
Specially curated for this festive season, their “Halwai” (Sweet Chef) has crafted a diverse selection of sweets, from rich ladoos to indulgent burfis and rolls. Each sweet captures the essence of Indian tradition, evoking fond memories of family gatherings and celebrations.
Unlike conventional mithais, Shahi Maharani’s sweets are lightly sweetened and free from preservatives. This year’s flavours include Roasted Gram Ladoo, Mango Surprise (mango and white chocolate), Milk Cake (milk fudge), Stuffed Cashew Roll (with pistachio filling), Blueberry Almond Roll, and Coconut Rose Ladoo. Made with the finest ingredients, all sweets are vegetarian, halal-friendly, and freshly prepared daily.
You can purchase their Royal Diwali Mithai range here.
28 – 30 Oct & 1 Nov: Special Diwali Lunch @S$48++ per adult, S$32++ per child*
31 Oct, 2 & 3 Nov: Weekend Celebration Lunch @S$58++ per adult, S$40++ per child*
31 Oct: Diwali Day Celebration Dinner @S$88++ per adult, S$58++ per child*
(*Kids aged 6-10 inclusive)252 North Bridge Road, Raffles City Shopping Centre, #03–21B,
Singapore 179103
+65 6235 8840
Daily: 12pm – 3pm (Lunch) & 6.30pm – 11pm (Dinner)
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6. Revolver
Making its debut on The Singapore MICHELIN Guide in 2022, Revolver has made a name for itself as one of the most exciting Indian dining destinations here. Bullet 14 is the fourteenth iteration of its menu and launched in July 2024.
Step inside on an evening and the Omakase (S$299++) is a tempting draw. It’s created by the Chef with his selection of the season’s finest ingredients and dressed up with his flair.
Want to take a little slower? Then, the Experience (S$229++) is the way to go with its 8 courses followed by dessert. It starts with Jitin’s trio of Snacks of a summery Tartlet that’s filled with masala potatoes and fresh tomatoes seasoned with cumin vinegar.
Next up is a garbanzo sponge, crowned with N25 caviar and a shishito pepper dressed in a tangy yuzu and mustard seed vinaigrette. Following that, a playful take on a British classic: sardines on toast, featuring Kyushu Island mackerel atop sourdough with a delicate layer of fig and cranberry chutney. I know it’s almost sacrilegious to say it but I could just eat this all day and be happy.
Bullet 14 is a testament to Jitin’s culinary skill, featuring a harmonious blend of sweet custard apple, aburi Chutoro (or Japanese turnip), and tangy seasonings. Likewise, the Boston lobster (or cauliflower for vegetarians) is deshelled, stir-fried with pork fat, and returned to its shell, served in a piquant sauce with smoky applewood, kinome leaves, and crispy lardo.
For dessert, indulge in a floral symphony: their homemade frozen yoghurt is a masterpiece of flavours, featuring rambutan, elderflower, lemon balm, and a touch of star anise and hibiscus.
This year, Revolver unveils its first-ever Diwali Gourmet Treats, a collection of luxurious South Asian-spiced nuts and snacks, perfect for celebrating the occasion in style. End the festivities on a sweet note with their signature Saffron Basque Burnt Cheesecake (S$55+)— a decadent 7-inch masterpiece that serves up to 8. (Pre-orders must be placed 24 hours in advance).
View their menus here.
Order their Diwali Gourmet Treats here.
56 Tras Street, Singapore 078995
+65 6223 2812
Tue to Sat: 11.45am – 2.30pm & 6pm – 10.30pm
Sun: 6pm – 10.30pm
Closed on Mon
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7. Copper Chimney
From Rajasthani Veg Jaipuri cuisine to extensive gourmet Chinese-Indian dishes to kebabs and tikkas, Copper Chimney is the place for a taste of a vast swathe of Indian cuisine. They have been attracting considerable attention for their bento sets, too.
A good start to any meal here is the Lemon Coriander Soup (S$9.35) or the Chinese-Indian classic, Manchow Soup Veg (S$9.35). The theme continues with the starters, where the Steamed Veg Momos (5pcs) (S$17.43) is a surefire hit.
From the Mains, the pick of the vegetarian options are the Palak Paneer (S$21.95) and the Malai Kofta (S$17.75). The meat lovers will not be disappointed with the Kadai Chicken (S$20.90) and the Dhaba Chicken Curry (S$18.80).
If you would rather celebrate at home (or anywhere other than the restaurant), Copper Chimney has a Diwali Catering Menu. You’ll get snacks, chaats (even live chaat stations), starters, mains, rice/noodles, desserts and drinks from S$21-$40 for Vegetarian, S$24-S$45 for Non-Vegetarian, depending on the package you choose.
This way, you can make your Diwali unforgettable without the stress of cooking. Let the catering professionals take care of everything!
Check out their Diwali Catering Menu here.
For a full list of locations, contact numbers and opening hours, refer here.
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8. Samy’s Curry
There are not very many eating establishments of any kind in Singapore that can match the over half-century of heritage that Samy’s Curry boasts. Despite a series of refurbishments, they have maintained a simplicity in décor that speaks to authenticity; it’s a sentiment that extends to the cuisine.
As the restaurant’s name suggests, the curry here is what sparked the magic and that wonder continues today. You have to try the Fish Head Curry. It was this exact dish that wow-ed Singaporeans all those decades ago and has continued to do so for successive generations. Join the club.
Overshadowed by the legend but still holding its own is the Butter Chicken which is served with tender boneless chicken. Another wonderful dish is the Sambal Prawn, a dish that combines a mild sweetness with a persistent piquancy to create a delectable duet.
We also recommend the Palak Paneer and Tandoori Pomfret; Samy’s Curry serves some of the most authentic renditions of these dishes in Singapore.
Are you ready to get your taste buds dancing with the flavours of India at Samy’s Curry this Diwali? Join in for an unforgettable feast where tradition meets culinary excellence. Let’s raise a toast to good food, great company, and the spirit of Diwali!
25 Dempsey Road, Singapore 249670
+65 6472 2080
Wed to Mon: 11am – 3pm & 6pm – 10pm
Closed on Tue
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9. Jaggi’s Northern Indian Cuisine
Jaggi’s Northern Indian Cuisine was opened by a former Army regular whose palate was obviously unaffected by combat rations. It sports an excellent location away from the bustle but is still easily accessible, and this has helped it become a very popular culinary destination for Indians in Singapore.
A look at the menu tells you that this is an authentic, back-to-basics sort of establishment. Unlike many Indian restaurants today that branch out in the fusion angle, Jaggi’s prefers to remain close to what is the essential range of North Indian cuisine.
Hankering for the taste of home this Diwali? The Chappati (S$1.60), Missi Roti (S$3.30) and Rumali Roti (S$3.80) will give you a nostalgic dose. That’s especially true when you pair them with their Aloo Gobi (S$4 single/S$8 double) or the Dhall Makhni (S$3.90 single/S$7.80 double).
The signature Jaggi’s Butter Chicken (S$8.60 single/S$17.20 double) and classic Chicken Tikka Masala (S$8.60 single/S$17.20 double) are popular with regulars, too.
36 Race Course Road, Singapore 218554
+65 6296 6141
Daily: 11am – 10.30pm
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10. Kailash Parbat
Founded in the 1940s, Kailash Parbat is one of the oldest Indian restaurant brands in Singapore. It is also completely vegetarian, making it the perfect option if you are observing Diwali. For a restaurant that does not serve any meat at all, the food is almost unbelievably good.
Crowd street food favourites such as Samosa Chaat (S$10) and Pani Puri (S$8) are always on the menu and the perfectly picturesque start to your Indian meal. Their signature dishes of Pav Bhaji (S$11), Veg Palak Biryani (S$15) and KP Kebab Platter (S$16) are highly sought after, too.
Not one to dispense with history easily, Kailash Parbat still serves many dishes that were first introduced to the menu in 1952. That includes their Bhatura Platter (S$22), Chole Bhature (S$12.50) and Ragda Pattice (S$10).
Kailash Parbat’s bento box options range from S$14++ to S$17++.
This year, Kailash Parbat ups the ante by offering a variety of traditional Indian sweets, including dry fruit sweets, mawa sweets, house special sweets, and special dry fruit selections. You’ll find delightful options including Kaju Katli, Chocolate Barfi, Kaju Roll, Kesar Peda and even Sugar-Free options for those watching their sugar intake.
Check out their Diwali sweets here.
For a full list of locations, contact numbers and opening hours, refer here.
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