Mustard (Flavours of Bengal and Punjab)

It’s embarrassing sometimes when I don’t know exactly where the various states in India are located. That’s why I was excited to see a map and I was surprised to see that Bengal is just next to Bangladesh. I had no idea. I always thought it was in the Western part of India. My geography teacher from years ago would be so disappointed in me right now.

photo by bookjunkie

Anyway back to Mustard. It’s a charming little restaurant with the most gracious service and lovely interior. I just loved the dancing lady door knob.

photo by bookjunkie


photo by bookjunkie


photo by bookjunkie


photo by bookjunkie

photo by bookjunkie

photo by bookjunkie

I am sorry to say that I didn’t quite enjoy the fish as I didn’t find it fresh, but Indian restaurants typically don’t do fish very well apart from Fish Head curry. As you may have noticed, Indian food is often prepared for lunch and then kinda left out and you’ll probably be eating what was made earlier for dinner. Anyway, in India there is no such thing as Fish Head curry. It’s a totally Singaporean invention due to Singapore being a melting pot of cultures and cuisines. It’s the one thing that makes us feel truly Singaporean – the food!

I did like the bread dunked in the lamb curry and dhall. The masala tea was rich with milk and I give it a thumbs up too.

photo by bookjunkie

Loved the mango chutney dip. There’s also mint chutney.

photo by bookjunkie

Papaddum which you break up and dip into the chutney.

photo by bookjunkie

The lamb was ok, but not the fish.

photo by bookjunkie

Used the bread to dip into the lamb curry. I somehow prefer the denser more chewy texture of Naan.

photo by bookjunkie


photo by bookjunkie

The dhall was thick with lentils and good.

photo by bookjunkie

For otak style fish (in coconut and wrapped and baked in banana leaves) I would stick to Nonya Food. But even with Nonya Food this is not one of my favourite dishes. I guess I don’t like the coconut and fish combo. But my partner didn’t find the fish fresh either so perhaps it was an off day.

photo by bookjunkie


photo by bookjunkie

This is supposed to be a traditional mouth freshner – cumin seeds. Isn’t the silver box so pretty?

photo by bookjunkie

A breakdown of the bill and it came up to a whopping S$62.85 for 2 persons which is real expensive for a meal in Little India. I think I would prefer a South Indian meal for half the price at Samy’s Curry at Dempsey Road, but that’s just my personal preference. My blogger friend at Suddenly in Aisa, loves Mustard, so check out her blog and read her review for a more balanced view:

Elaichi/Masala Chai (2): S$7.00
Macher Paturi: S$16.90
Kosha Mangsho S$15.90
Luchi: S$3.50
Saffron Rice: S$6.90
Open Food: S$6.90

Mustard
32 Race Course Road
Singapore 218552
Tel: 6297 8422

About bookjunkie

Blogging about life in Singapore & recently cancer too.
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2 Responses to Mustard (Flavours of Bengal and Punjab)

  1. kierstens says:

    Oh I’m so glad you checked out this restaurant! I’ve actually never thought to order fish at an Indian restaurant, but maybe I’ll try. You’ll have to give me your recommendations for places in Little India too…

    • bookjunkie says:

      My faves are Muthu’s Curry especially for the fried mutton and Banana Leaf Appollo for the masala chicken (Little India). Samy’s Curry at Dempsey Hill is another fave of mine. I always tend to order the spicier items, but people do like the fried fish and cutlet as well. I also love South Indian Vegetarian Food at Komala Villas. It’s a set that’s called Vegetarian Thali and costs about S$7 with free top ups. (this might be a bit of an acquired taste because even people who live for years in Singapore may find this meal a bit sour as they describe it)

      The Fish Head Curry at Banana Leaf Appollo is famous but the portion is humongous and you need to go with a group of friends to have this as one of the dishes. One of our friends likes chicken65 which is basically fried chicken with spices (I don’t think it’s on the menu but they make it – it’s on the menu of Indian restaurants in London where this friend is from)

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