Beyond the Basics: Indian Restaurants in Duxton Hill That Are Actually Worth Your Time

Hidden in plain sight—Duxton Hill’s leafy laneways, colonial shophouses, and fairy-lit patios are made for slow sips and long nights. © Image Credit: Soraya Agullo/ Flicker

When most people think of Indian food in Singapore, they picture Little India, Tekka Market, or that prata place open till 3am. But if you look a little closer — especially around Duxton Hill — you’ll find a handful of Indian restaurants doing things very differently. These aren’t your textbook curries or prata joints. They’re refined, bold, and full of character.

Whether it’s inventive menus, design-driven spaces, or just excellent cooking done well, here are three Duxton Hill restaurants that are worth making a trip for. And yes — one of them is Firangi Superstar, which might already be on your radar. If not, it should be.

Firangi Superstar – Modern Indian with a Cinematic Twist

Of all the cool restaurants in Singapore, Firangi Superstar might be the most visually striking. Tucked along Craig Road, this modern Indian restaurant is known for its dramatic interiors — each dining room looks like a film set, complete with vintage furnishings and a warm, moody glow. But Firangi isn’t just about looks. The food has plenty of substance too.

Bal-ciao Bella

Start with the Bal-ciao Bella — grilled octopus tossed in balchao masala, served with crispy ginger and pickled shallots. The flavours are bold and tangy, with just the right amount of heat, while the textures — tender octopus against the crunch of fried ginger — keep each bite interesting. Another standout appetiser is the This Is Not Aloo Gobi — a playful but thoughtful dish that uses Romanesco cauliflower, spiced potato foam, and a cashew-raisin vinaigrette to reimagine a classic.

For mains, the Royal Mug delivers a luxurious combination of Mughlai-style chicken with black truffle and saffron-chicken jus. The balance of spice, richness and umami is spot ondinner.

Even the drinks show off a bit. The Bombay Koffee is a full-proof cocktail made with Eristoff vodka, coconut coffee liqueur, curry leaves, Bru coffee, and sugar syrup. It’s bold, aromatic, and finishes smooth — like an after-dinner drink that also wakes you up. For dessert, the Rasmalai “Tres Leches” combines soft rasmalai sponge with creamy saffron ice cream and pistachio. It’s rich, but not overly sweet — a solid way to round off the meal.

Service is relaxed but attentive, and the atmosphere is lively without being loud. Firangi Superstar manages to deliver a complete experience — modern Indian food that feels original, without being over-the-top.

Step into old-world opulence at Shikar—where plush textures, golden walls, and regal murals set the scene for an evening of elevated Indian indulgence. © Image Credit: Shikar

Shikar – Refined, Flavour-Forward Dining Near Duxton

Just a short drive away from Duxton Hill is Shikar, located at Maxwell Reserve. The space is sleek, stylish and leans into an elegant colonial vibe — think leather chairs, dark wood, and warm lighting. It’s perfect for a dressed-up dinner or hosting visiting guests.

Chef Jolly leads the kitchen, drawing inspiration from royal hunting feasts and traditional Indian banquets. But the execution is modern and precise. The Wagyu Seekh Kebab is a prime example — grilled beautifully with a tender texture and just the right amount of spice, served with saffron yoghurt and thoughtful plating.

Other dishes rotate seasonally, but the quality is consistent across the board. Service is professional and well-paced, and staff are confident with recommendations — including wine pairings, which are well-curated and surprising in the best way.

Shikar is ideal if you’re after a more polished experience — Indian flavours done with finesse and balance, in a refined setting.

Annalakshmi – Simple, Vegetarian, and Sincere

Most of the restaurants in this guide are modern, stylish, and occasionally flashy. Annalakshmi is none of that — and that’s exactly why it stands out.

Located just a short walk from Duxton Hill, at Downtown Gallery on Shenton Way, Annalakshmi is a rare kind of place. It’s a volunteer-run Indian vegetarian restaurant in Singapore that operates on a pay-what-you-wish model. The idea is simple: “Eat what you want, give what you feel.” There are no set prices, and no pressure. You walk in, take a seat, enjoy a wholesome meal — and donate whatever amount you feel is fair.

The food is home-style, comforting, and cooked fresh daily. On any given day, you might find creamy dal, chapatis, tamarind rice, vegetable stir-fry, rasam, and kootu, all served buffet-style and topped up generously. While the menu isn’t fixed, the flavours are consistently warm, balanced, and familiar — especially for anyone who grew up with Indian home cooking.

There’s nothing fancy about the presentation, but that’s not the point. The space is modest, peaceful, and welcoming — a calm pause in the middle of Singapore’s busy CBD. Regulars come for lunch, not just to eat, but to support a philosophy that values mindfulness, generosity, and community.

Annalakshmi is proof that vegetarian food in Singapore doesn’t need to be trendy to be meaningful. And in a neighbourhood full of upscale Duxton Hill restaurants, it offers something truly different: a reminder that hospitality can be genuine, humble, and deeply human.

Whether you're a long-time vegetarian or just looking for a nourishing lunch near the office, this quiet spot is worth discovering — especially if you're exploring the broader world of Indian food Singapore has to offer.

Golden hour hits different at Duxton Hill—rooftop dips, skyline views, and that soft city buzz setting the mood just right. © Image Credit: Tori Huang

So, Is Duxton Hill Worth Exploring for Indian Food?

Absolutely. While it's not the most obvious area for Indian cuisine, these restaurants prove that indian food in Singapore doesn’t have to follow old-school rules. You can have a beautifully plated modern take at Firangi, a fine-dining experience with classic roots at Shikar, or a heartfelt vegetarian meal at Annalakshmi — all within walking distance or a short drive from each other.

What ties them together is that each one brings a point of view. None of them are generic. And in a neighbourhood filled with big-name concepts and trendy pop-ups, that makes all the difference.