Shikar Review: New Indian Restaurant In Singapore With A Menu By Master Chef India Judge

Looking for somewhere exceptionally fancy to dine in? A place that'll impress just about anyone is Shikar, a new fine-dining Indian restaurant housed in the gorgeous Maxwell Reserve hotel at Tanjong Pagar.

Ambience at Shikar

Just the walk from the Maxwell Reserve entrance to the restaurant was a visual treat. We marvelled at the grand European-style interiors, museum-worthy artefacts, the stylish bars and the beautiful library-themed Cultivate Cafe. Arriving at Shikar at the end of the corridor, we were instantly floored by its stunning interiors.

Photo from Shikar

Every inch of the main dining space screamed opulence, from the wooden wall panelling and luxurious carpet to the armchairs that looked wildly expensive.

They've also gone all out with colours and patterns, with vibrant hues, varying textures, bold animal prints along with intricate hand-painted murals. These loud and contrasting elements unexpectedly came together brilliantly, creating a regal and vibrant ambience that made us feel incredibly bougie.

Photo from Shikar

Photo from Shikar

If you fancy a tipple after your meal, move to the stunning wine bar for a change of scenery.

Photo from Shikar

There is also an elegant private dining room that will comfortably fit eight diners, as well as an area that can be sectioned off for private events or parties.

Photo from Shikar

Food at Shikar

Shikar's menu was specially curated by the Chef Judge of Master Chef India, Chef Surjan Singh. It features traditional Indian cuisine with a modern edge that'll suit the tastes of certain Gen Zs and Millennials. For one, the food is designed to be healthier. Heavy carbohydrates are replaced by roots and superfoods, while pumpkin and sunflower seeds are used instead of nuts, butter and cream. There are gluten-free dishes made with gluten replacements such as quinoa, maize, millets and chickpeas. Even the dessert menu has sugar-free and vegan options.

As expected from a fine dining restaurant, Shikar's dishes are innovative, made with quality ingredients and come in small, beautifully presented portions.

We started with the Lotus Stem Chips & Makhana Pops ($11) coated in mango, mint and paprika. This crunchy, aromatic treat was almost like a lighter and guilt-free yet equally satisfying version of potato chips.

Photo from GirlStyle Singapore

The Roasted Sweet Potato Goats Cheese Tikki Chaat ($29) was another lovely starter, with clean-tasting sweet potato complementing the tart yogurt, pomegranate and hint of mint. Topping the dish were airy and crispy kale tempura chips.

Photo from GirlStyle Singapore

For protein, we had the Charred Cream Chicken Tikka ($41) marinated with royal cumin, green cardamon and cream. This was completely different from the chicken tikka I've had, which typically have a pretty mighty flavour and plenty of heat. Shikar's rendition had a more refined flair and mild spiciness.

Photo from GirlStyle Singapore

Next, we tried one of the more unusual menu items - the Duck Seekh ($47), which was easily our favourite dish of the meal. It had a smooth, paste-like texture and rich, robust flavour with a good spicy kick.

Photo from GirlStyle Singapore

As you can tell by the petite serving sizes, Shikar's dishes are best for sharing, but those dining solo or in pairs can still sample more dishes with the weekday lunch sets. They come with several of Shikar's signature dishes in one balanced meal.

We tried the Vegetarian Lunch Thali Menu ($49) which came with a choice of mains and bread, sides and basmati rice.

Photo from GirlStyle Singapore

We chose the Curd Cheese for mains, which were served in a tray that fit perfectly around the plate. The little cheese balls had a similar texture to mealballs, but with a cheesy flavour that paired well with the buttery sauce.

It came with a variety of side dishes served in little bowls in the same tray: a creamy spinach mash with garlic chips and fenugreek, aromatic urad lentils, green beans, cucumber salad and a mint raita green leaf bowl.

Photo from GirlStyle Singapore

For breads, we went with butter naan, and there are other options like Whole Wheat Parantha.

Photo from GirlStyle Singapore

There's also a Non-Vegetarian Lunch Thali Menu ($49) that comes with a choice of Black Tiger Prawns or Tandoor Roasted Chicken for the mains. Both Thali menus are refreshed seasonally.

We'd be lying if Shikar's outstanding atmosphere wasn't the main reason we left feeling thoroughly pampered. Still, the food was good, albeit a completely different breed from the Indian food we're used to in Singapore. Everything was light and never greasy or overpowering. There was no trace of food coma after, and it felt like a rather guilt-free feast. The waiters came across as a little pompous but it wasn't anything off-putting.

For a very special occasion (or a casual treat if you're well-heeled), Shikar is certainly one to think of.

Shikar
Address: The Maxwell Reserve Hotel, 2 Cook Street, Singapore 078857
Opening hours: Tues to Sun: 12 – 2.30pm & 6 – 10pm. Closed on Mondays
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