Touted as a a foreigner's love letter to India, Firangi Superstar is a new modern Indian restaurant that opened in June this year. I made a reservation 2 months in advance to try it out after seeing it on social media (the decor was intriguing!) and modern Indian food is one of those really exciting cuisines that I like as well.
The restaurant's facing Craig Road at Level 1 of Craig Place (just behind Duxton Hill) so you can't miss it.
The entire interior was mysterious... and very dark. Do also note that they require smart casual dressing so no shorts/slippers! I felt like I was being transported to another dimension in the restaurant.
The decor's really quite something. It was obvious a lot of thought went into it. I especially liked the portrait wall.
Gives me the vibe of a colonial tea room.. mixed with a train carriage? The train cabin design is evident in some of the private rooms.
This was one of the few big tables where up to 5 could gather (previously). Rather cosy and intimate but pity no music can be played.
Here's their cocktail menu. They have one page dedicated to just the G&Ts Express. TBH I found the prices a little high but then again, you'll be expecting such prices in 2021 and in Singapore, at such a location.
I got the Chai Ramos Fizz (S$22), pretty to look at but nothing that impressive. Pleasant, a bit tart, gave me a slight buzz!
Here's the menu I took outside cos it really is super dim in there (pardon the pics, too!) The menu was presented like a newspaper, quite interesting. And that's a huge selection of chutney!
We got the 2 for $10 chutney and raita (can't remember which now..I think roasted pistachio was one of them) that came with some papadum. It was a pleasant way to start the meal!
We first tried from their starters list, the Paneer or not (S$24) which saw burrata, alphonso mango cubes and spinach puree combined. I liked how the palak paneer dish got a twist with the softer burrata replacing the cottage cheese. 4/5
I heard the Sacred samosa (S$26) was a must-try, and I have to concur. The wagyu beef tartare sandwiched in samosa crisp with the citrus pickle and bit of caviar was quite the experience. It's sacred because cows are revered in India, I'm guessing. The combination of textures and flavours was one to remember! 4.5/5 In the background (I didn't take a pic) we also got the This is Not Aloo Gobi (S$16) which had cauliflower as couscous with masala compote and crispy potato. Yes indeed, not an aloo gobi though a deconstructed version is quite close. It was yummy as well. 4/5
Another starter, the Bombay Elote (S$14) was an appetiser of grilled baby corn with smokey corn puree and finger lime. This was super appetising - I just love baby corn as starter/side because they have this delectable tiny crunch and clean flavour! 4/5
Then on to the mains! We only had 2 mains between the 4 of us because we weren't fans of lamb (the lamb is supposedly also a must-try). We paired them with the Firangi Naan Basket (S$12) which I think was a choice of black garlic butter, cheese trio or nigella seeds. They were perfectly executed and I think a really good carb accompaniment! 4/5
We gave The Eggplant That Ate Karnataka (S$38), a vegetarian main a go, since tandoori eggplant with sweet and sour puree and vaddai sounded quite intriguing. It was simple but that allowed the flavours to shine through. And we all thoroughly enjoyed the fried dough balls! 4/5
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We were hard pressed to find a meat main but finally settled on the Punjabi Frontier (S$17/100g) which had iberico pork chop from the grill along with curried fennel puree and peratal sauce. I don't think I've tried or know what peratal sauce is, but the meat was juicy, fall-off-bone and incredibly delicious! You could even taste a bit of that smokiness from the grill. The sauces were like the backup dancers in a Bollywood movie. Colourful and complements the main lead very well. 4/5
Now dessert was again as mysterious and reinterpreted as the entire restaurant. We got the Chocolate jamun (S$15) with chocolate mousse and rose creme patisserie after the waiter assured us that it is not the typical sweet jamun. Phew. This turned out to be less exotic than it sounded in the menu and quite a standard chocolate mousse. 3/5
The more unique dessert had to be the Mango mousse cake (S$12) with mango-saffron mousse and alphonso tea. That was quite interesting because the white stuff seemed like rice cakes? Anyway it was a good balance with the mango flavour.
They gave us a handmade lolly each after the meal, and a cleansing shot of soup? (tasted a bit like a seafood bisque.. quite strange but hey, open mind!)
Overall, Firangi Superstar was quite the gastronomic journey into Indian culture and food. I like how they reinterpreted it for a modern and experimental approach, though it might be a tad too much especially with the desserts. The only thing that was a bit difficult to swallow as well as the bill, which came up to $130+ each at least! OH and fyi for guys, no shorts or slippers or activewear - attire is smart casual.
🙅 Thank you, next
🤷 Try if nearby
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Firangi Superstar
20 Craig Road, #01-03, Singapore 089692
Lunch Monday to Friday 12-2.30pm
Dinner Monday to Saturday 5.30-10.30pm
Closed on Sunday
Reservations on Chope
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