GupShup's Great Indian Feast Will Make You Rethink Indian Dining
An unlimited journey through India's most beloved street food in Singapore's most stunning colonial setting.
Entering GupShup feels like discovering a secret you can't wait to share. Situated in the basement of The Serangoon House hotel on Serangoon Road, it’s a truly unique Indian restaurant where Chef Jolly (Surjan Singh) has crafted something exceptional.
You know you're in for a treat the moment the elevator doors open. The basement transforms into a colourful wonderland thanks to legendary French designer Jacques Garcia, the same mastermind behind Paris's iconic Hotel Costes and restoration work at the Louvre.
Colourful fabric seats decorated with intricate bird scenes blend seamlessly with hand-painted murals that continue the hotel's colonial Indian theme. It's gorgeous without being stuffy, elegant without being intimidating.
Chef Jolly, the same MasterChef India judge and former Taj Palace veteran, has created something brilliant here. The idea is simple but clever: "gupshup" means casual chit-chat in Hindi, and that's exactly what this place promotes. It's Indian street food elevated to an art form, perfect for sharing stories over small plates and drinks.
The real star is their new Great Indian Feast, an unlimited dining experience that's like taking a culinary tour across India, all from your table. For lunch between September 1st and October 15th, they're offering a 1-for-1 promotion, which is pretty incredible value.
Let's talk about the food, because this is where GupShup shines. The chaat and street food appetisers are like Indian tapas, perfect for grazing and chatting. The Pani-Poori alone will make you understand why street food is India's pride and joy.
These crispy semolina shells arrive filled with crushed potatoes and chickpeas, accompanied by sweet tangy tamarind and spicy mint shots that you pour in yourself. It's interactive, it's fun, and it's absolutely delicious. I bet you get more of these!
The Bhindi Amchur (crispy fried okra) is simple, but Chef Jolly's preparation turns this humble vegetable into something addictive. Each tender okra piece has the perfect crispy exterior. The Dahl Lotus Papdi Chaat is quite textural with lotus crisps providing crunch, crushed sweet potato adding earthiness, all brought together with yogurt and pomegranate-mint sauce that's both cooling and vibrant.
Small Plates, Big Flavours
The small plates section is where the kitchen shines. The Chicken Keema Kal Dosa arrives as delicate crepes topped with spicy minced chicken; deeply flavourful but not overwhelming. The Potato Kal Dosa offers the same crepe treatment but this time filled with spicy mashed potato that's a classic comfort food.
The Gosht Seekh Kebab, minced lamb skewers, are grilled to perfection and charred just right. Each bite offers a depth of flavour that results from skilled technique and high-quality ingredients.
Vegetarians shouldn’t miss the Paneer Tawa Masala. The cheese cubes sit in a caramelised onion and tomato gravy that's rich yet light.
The Chicken Chettinad Curry deserves special mention. This South Indian specialty brings serious heat and complexity, with layers of spices that unfold with each spoonful. It's the kind of curry that makes you slow down and really taste what you're eating.
The meal concludes beautifully with Kulfi Falooda, an evaporated milk ice cream served with falooda vermicelli and raspberry sauce; think of it as a refined Indian sundae. The Elaneer Payasam, a chilled rice and coconut pudding, offers a refreshing finish that naturally cleanses your palate.
My passionfruit, pineapple juice, and soda water mocktail was the perfect companion, refreshing and light enough to complement the bold flavours without competing with them.
Restaurant manager Hari ensures everything runs smoothly, and the chance to meet Harpreet Bedi, managing director of the Garcha Hotels group (which includes sister properties The Vagabond Club, Duxton Reserve, and Maxwell Reserve), adds a personal touch that elevates the whole experience.
The Verdict
GupShup is a celebration of Indian street food. Those who know my passion for street food will understand when I say this is street food with soul, elevated without losing its essence. The unlimited format means you can try everything without commitment anxiety, and the colonial setting makes every meal feel like an occasion.
"Chef Jolly has created something magical—it's like having the best of India's street food scene delivered by a master chef in a Jacques Garcia-designed palace."
a. 301 Serangoon Rd, Basement 1 The Serangoon House, Singapore 218224
w. gupshup.sg
fb. www.facebook.com/gupshupsg
Did You Know?
GupShup is part of the Garcha Hotels group, which also owns iconic boutique hotels such as The Vagabond Club, Duxton Reserve, and Maxwell Reserve. Each property is known for blending art, history, and luxury into unique guest experiences. Read more on the refined dining experience at GupShup here
