Nalan – Vegetarian dining in Singapore with different options in Indian cuisine

Most vegetarians in Singapore would be familiar with Nalan, and the diverse options that the restaurant has in its Indian cuisine offerings. Their menu encompasses South Indian, North Indian and Indian Chinese food items and gives the customer an immense variety to choose from. They also offer vegan and allium-free dishes for vegetarian dining in Singapore. The ambience of the restaurant is very family-friendly, and they also have a private room that can house 30-35 pax for private events.

I visited their outlet to try some of their new items that feature an interesting twist, both in terms of presentation and taste. Traditionally, paniyaram is one of the staple breakfast dishes in South India. They are ball shaped dumplings made with idli or dosa batter and cooked in a special vessel called an “Appe pan”. When you add the goodness of beets to the batter, they take on the pink colour, which adds a beautiful touch of rose hues. Once you bite into them, expect a slight note of sweetness. Dip it into the chutney with a hint of spice and the overall balance is achieved.

At Nalan, they offer some special dishes that are available only on certain days of the week. Kalappam with Kadala Curry is available only on Saturdays. Kalappam is a rice pancake fermented with the sap of palm trees that makes the appam look like a cloud and makes it extremely soft. The perfect combination for this appam is Kadala curry, which is black chana made with a aromatic gravy which contains ground spices. Additionally Nalan also serves a stew made with coconut milk which was also really good with the appam. Highly recommended that you try this authentic dish.

Methi Paratha is a flatbread made by mixing fenugreek leaves with wheat flour. The paratha had the spices mixed in all the layers, and the right amount of bitterness from the fenugreek. When served hot, you can eat this as a standalone dish.

The refreshing quality of coconut is known to everyone. Consider a dessert made from tender coconut water, simmered with milk and topped with powdered pistachio and cardamom – that’s Elaneer Payasam (kheer). It is preferred to serve this dish slightly cold to enjoy it fully. This dessert was delicious and it’s a must-try at Nalan.

Nalan is famous for their idlis and dosas but do have a look at their extensive vegetarian menu and try out the slightly offbeat items, some of them will definitely surprise you in a good way!