Shout out to the Murgh Pastoom!

The bold and fearless OCC braved the post-lockdown apocalypse and found solace in Kinara restaurant, Robertson Quay.

Adhering strictly to the Singaporean Phase 2 guidelines meant several compadres mercilessly foregoing their attendance, resulting in a much smaller group than normal.

Despite these trials and tribulations the brave few embarked heroically to sample many dishes and drinks, to ensure the highest standards of culinary accreditation.

Kinara has four Indian restaurants across Singapore and have been previously awarded the auspicious OCC approval for their Holland Village branch in September 2019. However reputation means nothing for the OCC and our jovial curry enthusiasts appraised each dish with honour and enthusiasm.

The OCC takes pride in searching out the finest Indian restaurants and providing impartial reviews of Curry Houses all over the world.

Members vote anonymously without being influenced by other members (we call this “no

swaying”) on 5 categories, and an average score out of a maximum 10 is given to each

restaurant we review. For full transparency, see below scores (out of 10). The voting is based on the votes from OCC members. Restaurants must score an average of 7/10 or above to receive the OCC sticker of recommendation. All OCC members have been through a rigorous selection process to gain entry into the Club. In short, we all know our curries.

Quality: 7.79

Customer Care: 7.14

Value: 5.63

Service: 7.14

Atmosphere: 6.0

Overall: 6.74

Kinara, Robertson Quay is NOT AWARDED the OCC badge of recommendation with atmosphere and value letting it down

Whilst it’s fair to say an enjoyable meal was had, the overall feedback on the meal took a wide spectrum.

Firstly compliments to Rawat the manager who welcomed us with open arms and his staff were ever-attentive; made even easier with us being the only people in the restaurant. The venue is tastefully modern but could have benefitted from some background music to enhance (or provide) ambience.

Poppodoms were served promptly, a unnecessary faux pas for previous contenders. (spoiler alert – this an easy point scorer for restaurants blessed with an OCC visit in the future).

When the majority of compliments on the starters are for the mint sauce you can guess this isn’t going to end well. A special call out for the Tandoori Gobi (Cauliflower florets) touted as the best dish of all from one esteemed member.

The OCC sampled five curries and their North Indian focus was eagerly anticipated. Big shout out to the Murgh Pastoom (Butter Chicken) for its balanced creaminess and the lamb Laal Maas Rajasthani was applauded for a succulent spicy kick.

Their Naan’s, like the starters, had mixed reviews with some considered dry but the inclusion of the Kashmiri Naan noted as a welcome surprise.

Total cost of the meal came at $118 per head which was judged to be slightly pricey for what was received.

Difficult to judge restaurants in these unprecedented times and whilst the meal was entirely satisfactory it is the OCC’s duty to find the best Indian restaurants. So on this occasion Kinara, Robertson Quay branch, will not be awarded the coveted OCC approval sticker and bragging rights remain with their sister branch.

Stay safe Singapore.