Problem
Where can we eat an Indian meal with Indian friends in Singapore. We had planned to go to India Spice but discovered after phoning at the last minute that it was closed.
Where next?
Answer
We opted for an old favourite, Woodlands. Where? A short walk from Little India MRT station. A short walk along Buffalo Road and down a typical old Singapore shaded 'five foot way', famously planned to shelter shoppers and pedestrians from sun and rain by Sir Stamford Raffles.
Thalis
We saw a Thali at another table and decided for maximum variety and speed to order a Thali. We had a choice of several.
A thali is a platter or tray with several small dishes. In typical Singapore style your food is placed on a green banana leaf, with the rice in the middle. The side dishes at this restaurant are all in small metal bowls.
My Thali
I ordered a simple Thali. Others opted for the 'VIP' Thali (their name for it on the menu). My Thali came with a generous portion of rice.
The VIP Thali had a small rice and bread. I would have preferred the VIP Thali with the bread. The VIP Thali included chickpeas.
If I'd started by sipping every dish I would have discovered not only that the rice dish was a slightly sweetened dessert, but also that a thin soup could be a starter or tipped over the rice to moisten it.
Drinks
Choices include lime juice or a very satisfying mango lassi, both served in tall metal cups. I would have said metal glasses, to convey the shape, but 'metal glasses' sounds like an oxymoron (meaning a contradiction).
Decor
The tables are plastic-topped. It's not a grand venue, but prices reflect this, about S$10. But if you want a tasty lunch, this is the place. The walls have Indian decoration, which adds an authentic feel.
MRT
It's easy to remember the nearest MRT station - Little India.
Madras New Woodlands Restaurant
12/14, Upper Dickson Road
Singapore 207474
Tel: 6297 1594.
Opening hours: 7.30 am to 10.30 pm, seven days a week.
Other branches in Malaysia, India and Australia.
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