Indian cuisine is hugely popular in Singapore but it has only been in recent times that more hip and creative concepts have emerged that twist the classics on their heads and add a large serving of atmosphere and classy cocktails to boot.
The latest of these more “modfunk” restaurants to open is ADDA – which translates to “a place where people gather for conversation”. Located on the busy and easily accessible Beach Rd the atmosphere is buzzing with tables filled outside and plenty of jubilant birthday revellers inside – and this was on a Monday!
The décor is hip, funky and fresh with an open bar and booths around the edges. The funk factor is further emphasised by the playing of early 2000s hip hop and pop music – the sort of tunes that will have you grooving in your booth.
We start with a selection of artistically crafted cocktails – mine is a Chai Ho (Asian inspired Masala Chai with accents of pandan and fragrant lemongrass) while my friends indulge in the Desi Negroni (Banks 5 Rum, Campari & Lustau East India Sherry smoked with apple wood) and the Mumbai Express (El Maguey Vida Mezcal, Amaretto Disaronno paired with cardamom, cinnamon and ginger syrup for that spicy finish, garnished with birds eye chilli). All are beautifully presented reflecting the seasoned mixologists behind these creations.
Our culinary journey begins with the arrival of contemporary Indian street food presented in an array of hip and exotic serving dishes. The Pani Puri (fried puff-pastry balls filled with spiced mashed potatoes) are presented on a brightly coloured trolley, while the Lamb Seekh Kebabs dangle from a curved stainless steel rack. There is a delicious Chaat platter with delicate and tempting flavoured street bites and the famous AFC (Adda Fried Chicken) served in the trailer of a bright red lorry! The gorgeous green Kolkata Momo dumplings (water chestnut and cabbage spiced with a hint of ginger) are bright, lively and fresh. All the appetisers are contemporary, elevated and tantalising expressions of traditional Indian favourites.
For the mains, we gasp at the size of the Mural’s Butter Chicken Pot Pie (chef’s signature murgh makhani in a pot sealed with a small mountain of flaky pastry) - a fun and delicious twist on an all-time favourite. The Bok Choy Cottage Cheese Kofta (Cottage cheese bok choy croquettes served in a creamy sauce) is an elegantly presented and richly elevated take on this tasty treat. The classic staples are present with a bread basket of assorted flavoured Naan to mop up the good stuff and Mural’s Biryani Dum Pot (aromatic saffron basmati rice packed with spices and vegetables, cooked dum style) to satisfy any still hungry bellies.
Desserts are classy, creative and more reminiscent of a Michelin star restaurant than a casual, hip Indian eatery. We indulge in Alphonso Mango Pistachio Kulfi (a creamy Indian popsicle with Alphonso mango and pistachios) and Gulab Jamun Cheese Cake – a classic marriage of Indian and western delights.
With prices for most appetisers under $20 and most mains under $30 this is certainly a restaurant you can enjoy with large groups of friends and family – fantastic food, classy cocktails and funky vibes make for a decidedly fun and festive dining experience.
a. 7500E Beach Rd, #01-201 Diners Building, Singapore 199595
