The Tiffin Room at Raffles Singapore

Whilst in Singapore for the F1, we went to the Tiffin Room at Raffles Hotel. We had their Diwali Celebration lunch, an experience that was very enjoyable but for me didn't quite hit the spot.

Ambiance and Setting

Entering The Tiffin Room, the cooling AC was very welcome. The tables are elegantly set, properly separated, complemented by soothing music, creating a peaceful backdrop for dining. The service is a standout feature. The staff were attentive and knowledgeable, ready to offer insights about the menu. This excellent service contributes significantly to the overall dining experience.

Starters: Nice and Light

The Diwali Celebration lunch presented a delightful lineup of dishes, starting with crispy poppadoms paired with a variety of chutneys. The poppadums were light and flavorful, and the accompanying chutneys were tasty, we ate them so quickly another pot turned up.

Following this were cleverly crafted starters inspired by Indian street food. The dishes were not only visually appealing but also rich in flavours. Next was an expertly prepared fish featuring a delicate blend of spices that left a lasting impression. Neither of these starters were overly filling - which was appreciated as there was so much more to come.

The Curries: A Mixed Bag

The main attraction of the meal was the trio of curries: prawn, chicken, and lamb, beautifully served in a traditional tiffin alongside lamb mince rice and freshly baked naan. The presentation in a traditional tiffin was cool - but lacked a wow factor.

• Prawn Curry: A standout, the prawn curry was expertly crafted, striking the perfect balance between spices and the natural sweetness of the prawns. The prawns themselves were large and meaty.

• Chicken Curry: The chicken dish was equally satisfying, with tender pieces that were bursting with flavour.

• Lamb Masala: Although well-cooked, the lamb masala didn't entirely meet expectations. We both felt it lacked the complexity typically expected from such a dish.

Desserts: A Missed Opportunity

As the meal concluded, I reviewed the dessert selection on the menu card that they had left with us at the table. It was a number of traditional Indian sweets. However, when it came time to taste, they failed to impress. It was probably me though as I'm not a big fan of Indian desserts - they are overly sweet or rich for me.

Value for Money

A noteworthy aspect of dining at The Tiffin Room was the chance to use the £100 dining abroad credit from my Amex Platinum card. This perk made the experience more accessible and allowed for a luxurious meal that would normally be out of budget.

While the overall dining experience was commendable, it didn’t fully meet the high expectations that I had in my head when we first decided to go. In that I mean it was good, but it doesn't sit in the top ten of memorable meals that I've had and we had better in Singapore whilst there. The ambiance, attentive service, and standout dishes contributed to a pleasant outing; however, inconsistencies in the curries and desserts left the meal feeling incomplete.

Final Thoughts - Tiffin Room

For those looking to explore Indian culture and cuisine, the Tiffin Room is worth a visit, particularly for its ambiance and attentive service. That said maybe it would be better to consider the more reasonably priced lunch menu (which appeared not to be available during the Diwali period) or simply go for a main course. Overall, while it offers a good experience, it falls short of being truly memorable.