For Indians looking for a taste of home in Singapore, Urban Roti has been the answer. A brand born in the UK and raised in Singapore, its two outposts in the city in central locations like near the Singapore Stock Exchange and the other close to the legendary Mustafa Centre in Little India, are popular hubs. Step into either of the restaurants during lunch hour or even way past it, and you’ll find it a bit hard to score a seat. Food lovers from across the world have been introduced to good North Indian food, with a smattering of regional favourites, in the black, blue and red platters of Urban Roti, Singapore.
Sathya Anbazhagan, director, Urban Roti Holdings Pte Ltd, who also brought the legendary Kailash Parbat to Singapore, believes passionately that Indian dishes cooked with quality ingredients, and in a way that we are all familiar with, is the key to the success of the brand. With Kailash Parbat being a runaway success in the vegetarian market, Urban Roti filled the gap for quality North Indian food.
And now this popular chain has found a home in Indiranagar in Bengaluru, its first Indian outlet. Climbing up to the first floor where the restaurant is located, you are greeted by the signature signage of rolling pins around a large neon sign. The restaurant seats around 75, with a small outdoor green space should you want to take in Bengaluru’s good weather. Seating is flexible, making room for large groups as well as cosy corners for those who may want privacy.
The food at Urban Roti is essentially North Indian, but you will find a good number of Asian dishes on the menu as well. The dishes are familiar, in terms of names and even flavour profiles, with subtle twists. Some are true to the original, others bring together two Indian cuisines in an interesting mix. The menu is compact and enough to give you good choice without overwhelming.
Start your meal off with some Mutton Yakhni Shorba, with bits of shredded mutton added in to give you some bite. It whets the appetite for an indulgent meal. Vegetarians may want to try the Gajar Adrak Ka Shorba, with charcoal roasted carrot and ginger. From the small plates section, we enjoyed the house specials – the Kele aur Palak Ke Pakode. It especially stands out for the flavour of the banana that comes through.
The Naadru Shaami is quite the delight – minced lotus stem, marinated in a melange of Indian spices and shallow fried, it’s an interesting rendition of lotus stem that is increasingly finding its way into mainstream menus. From the clay oven, you may want to try the Ajwaini Rataloo for the simple reason that it is a great dish with sweet potatoes in a Peshawari marination.
Meat eaters can make a start with the Curry Leaf Prawns, which go really well with the Housemade Ginger Lemonade. The Lal Mirch Murgh Kebab packs in a punch in the spice department. For those missing the taste of a good Delhi-style mutton, the Delhi Da Lamb Chop is for you.
Among the mains, we recommend ordering the Lemon Butter Chicken with a satin-like gravy, paired with the Rogni Kulcha that’s covered with a layer of toasted sesame seeds. The Duo Chicken Curry is a visual delight – two different gravies of chicken plated together.
Close your meal here with the Gulkand ki kheer. The Walnut Barfi Tart is quite indulgent, without being too high on the sweet quotient.
The restaurant does not serve alcohol currently, but does some great mocktails. Typically Indian drinks like the Patiala Lassi, the Jaljeera and the Masala Chaas are available too.
The restaurant is set to expand across the country, but for now you can head on over to Indiranagar for some good Indian grub.
Where: 1st floor, No 59, Devikalaya, 100 Feet Rd, HAL 2nd Stage, Indiranagar, Bengaluru
Contact: +91 80 4394 2503
Opening hours: 12:00 pm to 10:30 pm
Recommended dishes: Paneer Hare Pyaaz ki Tikki, Fish Kasundi, Purani Choke ki Nalli Nihari
Price: Rs 1,300 for two, exclusive of taxs
Noise levels: Medium
Service: Efficient
All images: Courtesy Urban Roti
Ruth is an independent journalist based in Bangalore. Always in pursuit of the next story that interests her, loves her food and drink, bookworm and a sucker for sunsets and airplane journeys.
