Punjab Grill @ The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands: Special Monsoon Menu

With the recent rise of Singapore's very own Michelin star bites, our after-dinner conversations at a North Indian Restaurant piqued up my ears.

"So where do you reckon is the best North Indian restaurant in Singapore?" The innocuous query led to many inquisitive stares at me.

With a hand on my heart, I relished the words as they rolled off my tongue, "Punjab Grill at MBS" and a well-known foodie sitting opposite me excitedly approved. Thus my story of this incredible restaurant was recounted to our excited company.

Not too long ago, Punjab Grill rolled out its incredible crafted menu to pay tribute to the Monsoon season, incorporating a bevy of starters, and assortment of mains and a treasure chest of desserts to invigorate one's sense and evoke the seasons. This promotion lasts till 31st August 2016, with prices ranging from starters at just $18++ and mains averaging around $45++ for a steal. With plenty of hot and cold cocktails galore to select from, and a huge range of fine wines to pair with your Tandoori duck, this is one deal I could not resist as the quality of the food was incredible.

First off, an Apple Wood Smoked Salmon and Tempered Quinoa Salad ($18++) was not usually found in any traditional Indian cuisine - however, the welcoming spicy twang of the quinoa and the unmistakable Indian spices emanating from the salmon will soon convince any sceptic that it deserves a gold medal.

Monsoon Assorted Pakoda platter

The Monsoon Assorted Pakoda (Fritters) platter ($45++) was just too good to pass up, so we launched straight into tempura heaven, with a palette of dips on the side. Chef Javed Ahamad, the veteran chef who has conducted culinary concertos at Song of India and Rang Mahal, puts his own spin on the traditional Indian pakora by using broccoli and artichoke whilst frying them ala tempura. Each fritter even has its own dip and cottage cheese, with a presentation befitting that of an artist.

Mango chutney spiked sweet and sour lamb ribs

Following the exquisite plating of the previous starters, the Tandoori kukud wings tamarind flavored ($40++) did not disappoint, for its savory sour notes soon paved the way for the Mango chutney spiked sweet and sour lamb ribs ($45++), the hero of the entire culinary feast. Testament to the chef's skill with the wok, the marinated ribs are grilled then wok-fried, but only after doused and cooked with milk, a method he shared generously with us. By now, my stomach was already reaching critical mass, but no matter. This dish soon found a new home, and more was to follow.

Tandoori kukud wings tamarind flavored

The Aloo gobi ki tehri Briyani ($34++) with its smear of butter chicken curry was in a league of its own; the fragrant basmati rice and cauliflower nestled within it was a perfect accompaniment to the three curry soloists that followed. A trio of curries - the Punjabi pakoda kadhi ($34++) or vegetarian curry, the Smoked Tandoori duck simmered in kashmiri organ Jus ($48++), and the vegetarian Tofu lababdar ($34++) with the assorted basket of tandoori breads astounds - more so if you pair it with the popular garlic naan! A gastronomical feast for the senses is more than guaranteed if a couple share their favorite curry with the Assorted bread basket ($24++); after all, the more choices the merrier and sharing is, in this scenario, caring.

Aloo gobi ki tehri Briyani

Assorted naan basket

After many dishes later, I had no space at all for desserts, no matter how exquisite or tempting they called out like sirens that bewitched the forlorn sailors. At the end of our epic meal, perhaps the only substitute I could recommend for those with a sweet tooth would be the Fennel Chino chocolate drink, infused with scotch whisky ($26++), where the chocolate an1d coffee masks the alcohol very well. And of course, mocktail versions are readily available.

If you would like to embark on a journey of degustation, please note that Punjab Grill's Monsoon menu will last only until the 31 August 2016 and is available for both lunch and dinner expeditions.

Punjab Grill

2 Bayfront Avenue

#B1-01A 

The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands

S(18972)

Operating Hours:

Daily: 12pm - 2 45pm; 6 30pm - 10 30pm

Written and Photographed by Sim Yi Kai. Pianist by day and foot-massager to his better half by night. Mister Sim takes food and travel seriously. Drop him a message on @thedrinkseekers to talk about craft beers.