Singapura - The Alternative to Indian Curry Houses

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Parent Category: Travel Info

Category: Places To Eat

Published on Wednesday, 04 July 2012 17:44

Written by Elaine Ing

Here in Manhattan, there’s a new kid in town.

In the Murray Hill area (affectionately known as Curry Hill -- on Lexington Avenue between 26th St. and 29th St.), Singapura is great alternative to the standby Indian curry houses. 

Singapura offers foodies an introduction to Nonya (or Peranakan) cuisine, which is a unique blend of Chinese, Malay and other influences (such as Thai, Indonesian and Indian). A true traveler knows that Singapore is known for two things -- its shopping and amazing cuisine. No where else would a true foodie eschew star chef-run restaurants to line up en masse at hawker stands before the daily special runs out. 

NYC has come come a long way from the days of cheap dogs and pretzel vending carts. However, Singapore has had a long tradition of serving the best food in these government-regulated hawker food stands. 

Singapore (derived from the Malay word Singapore) is a true blending of different cultures -- Chinese, Malay, Indian and English, with each being officially recognized. As well, the variety of food representing different ethnicities is seen by the government as a symbol of its multiculturalism. 

Nonya cooking is the result of blending Chinese ingredients and wok cooking techniques with spices used by the Malay/Indonesian community. The food is tangy, aromatic, spicy and herbal. There are regional variations in Nonya cooking, however the standby dishes are clearly present in Singapura's menu. 

The smallish interior of Singapura offers a cozy alternative to the hustle and bustle outside, and harkens back to a time gone by. The earth-toned/ wood panelling interior with hanging lotus blossom lamps with abacuses (abaci) now reused as hanging frames in lieu of pictures, is not what you'd find in a typical Chinese restaurant. Even the chairs are chosen with care -- they are laden with mounted brass lion head door knockers (perhaps in reference to Singapore's moniker as "The Lion City-State?”). 

The meal brought me back to my days as a tourist in Singapore. I salivated over the menu and was not disappointed. The meal started off with Roti Canai (a flaky pancake served with a potato curry), Laksa Noodle Soup (a spicy noodle soup dish) and Tamarind Shrimp (grilled shrimp which came with a variety of sauces). The main meal consisted of Malay Fish Curry (Tilapia), Devil's Curry (a spicy chicken dish) and Lamb Rendang. The first two curry dishes were absolutely wonderful, however the lamb curry was lacking a bit on the sauce. 

Singapura's dessert menu was rather minimal -- only two options were available: Mango Sticky Rice and Fried Banana. My guest and I tried both but perhaps we were so full from the main meal that we weren't really that impressed with the dessert choices. 

Overall, Singapura is a delight. I like being able to have Singaporean food without having to trudge all the way down to Chinatown. The interior is delightful and the cuisines extremely well-affordable. Staff was extremely helpful and accommodating, and the food not as intimidating spicy as one would think.

Though it just recently opened in April 2012, Singapura is here to stay. 

Singapura
106 Lexington Ave. (at E. 27th St.)
New York, NY 10016
212-684-6842

singapuranyc.com

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