Shish Mahal Indian food with a twist

Problem
Where can you find Indian food that's good and different in Singapore near an MRT?

Answer
Shish Mahal Restaurant in Albert Court Village Hotel.

Story
We changed venue twice. Our first choice was a Michelin restaurant, then we all decided it was too expensive. Our second choice was in Little India, but we thought that on a national holiday it would be too crowded. Our third choice was Shish Mahal which we last visited two years ago or more, in a secluded courtyard, between Little India MRT station and Rochor.

The bread we ordered while waiting for the main courses was garlic naan, very tasty, thin, not over filling.
Two poppadum were crisp, not greasy. Alongside was green mint dip, very peppery, one sip was too much.

Main courses, excellent. Murgh (chicken) korma, with large chunks of moist chicken in a sauce, delicious. Mutton (Maysore) dish, not as chewy as some. Superb side dish, a novelty for me, was aloo (potato) papri chat, with crispy bits and vegetables in a sauce.

The second novelty was the dessert, Shaki Tukda. Fried bread in syrup. Sounds horrifically full or grease and calories. It was yummy. Only two bite size pieces, which salved my conscience.

The small bottled water on the table was $1(Singapore dollar, and we had three). I ordered a mango lassi. Not brilliant, not huge, but just big enough, very nice, good enough. Others ordered tea.

We sat looking out on the peaceful and pleasing courtyard containing potted palm trees and planted palm trees.

We arrived via Little India (rather a headache finding the correct exit). We left walking through the exit arch by the clock with the plaque and the statues. This route goes past the La Salle art college, with its futuristic design. The far end of the college building is opposite the entrance to Rochor station on the blue Downturn MRT line.

The bill, including ten ever cent service was $128.90 between five people which worked out at $26 per person. in English money that's £13 per person, for breads, bottled water, meat and vegetable dishes, rice, two desserts and three coffees and teas and two glasses of mango juice.

Shish Mahal restaurant and pub Pte Ltd
Village Hotel Albert Court
180 Albert Street
#01-20 Singapore 189971
tel: 6837 3480
website www.shishmahal.com.sg

By the way, to get the hash sign on a MacBook you type Alt and 3.