[Review] Chef Varun Inamdar’s 27 Degrees West Brings a Modern Indian Culinary Experience to Orchard Road

Singapore’s latest dining hotspot, 27 Degrees West, helmed by Mumbai’s celebrity chef Varun Inamdar, offers a modern take on Indian cuisine. Nestled in the bustling Orchard Road shopping belt, this vibrant restaurant promises a gastronomic journey through India’s diverse culinary landscapes with innovative twists.

We were invited for a dinner tasting with Chef Varun and were able to meet him for a chat during the restaurant’s launch and opening week when he was in town.

Chef Varun, famed for his appearances on culinary shows and his work for international dignitaries, including the Obamas, reimagines Indian dishes by blending traditional flavours with contemporary techniques. Affable and always with a smile across his face, Chef Varun eagerly interacts with the patrons at the restaurant, sharing on the culinary inspiration behind the creation of each of his dishes with passion.

Upon arrival, we were impressed by the modern yet welcoming decor of the standalone restaurant, tucked in a quieter corner of Orchard Road. The bar is up front while the dining area is more private, behind the bar.

For our dinner, we were presented with a selection of the restaurant’s signature dishes and beverages, curated by Chef Varun:

Our culinary experience began with the Togarashi Tossed Bhindi Jaipuri (S$15), an appetiser featuring crispy fried okra dusted with Japanese shichi mi togarashi. Paired with a 72-hour fermented beetroot ketchup, the dish delighted with its crispiness and a subtle kick from the togarashi.

Even beetroot skeptics might find themselves enjoying this unique twist​.

Next up was our favourite dish for the night, the Crabmeat Thecha Thermidor (S$35). This dish, an ode to Singapore’s love for crabs, marries French technique with Indian spices. In Chef Varun’s own words, this is “literally the best of three worlds – India meets France in Singapore!”

The thecha—a traditional chili garlic condiment from India—infuses the thermidor with an exciting, spicy flair. Generous amounts of crab meat and the creamy texture make it a must-try​. The exotic flavour and texture is a unique creation.

Following the two appertisers, we were treated to three curry mains to go with accompanying assorted naans, featuring Chef Varun’s signature butter chicken, a vegetarian eggplant dish and a smoked lamb rack.

First up was The Varun Inamdar Butter Chicken (S$29), a dish popularised on Chef Varun’s culinary show. With a rich, creamy gravy that perfectly complements the succulent chicken pieces, it is a comforting and indulgent main​ that you cannot go wrong with.

Next up was the Bagara Baingan ($28), a vegetarian dish featuring smoky eggplants in a nutty sauce, said to be derived from the Nizam of Hyderabad’s Royal kitchen recipe.

We enjoyed the blend of smoky and nutty flavours, infused into the eggplants that are a little crisp on the outside and moist on the inside. The green chili adds an extra kick, together with the generous drizzle of roasted sesame.

The third main, the Smoked Lamb Rack, Beliram (S$55) was another favourite. Tender and flavourful, the lamb is marinated in Kolhapuri masala and served with a rich Punjabi Beliram gravy.

Its smoky flavour and tender texture made it irresistible​. It is so good we soak out every last drop of the gravy with our naans in hand.

The Smoked Lamb Rack, Beliram (S$55) was another favorite. Tender and flavorful, the lamb is marinated in Kolhapuri masala and served with a rich Punjabi Beliram gravy. Its smoky flavor and tender texture made it irresistible​(

The mains were enjoyed with an assortment of Naan (S$6), which comes in various flavours like black pepper, garlic, and truffle. The naan’s light crispiness paired perfectly with the lamb gravy and butter chicken​.

To conclude the meal, the Chocolate Mess (S$15) was a fitting artisanal dessert.

Crafted for former U.S. President Barack Obama during his visit to India, this indulgent dish combines dark chocolate ganache with cranberry and raspberry, offering a perfect balance of richness and fruity sweetness​.

Other than good food, 27 Degrees West also offers a wide range of cocktails and mocktails to be paired with its eclectic Indian cuisine.

We sampled four of the drinks, two cocktails and two mocktails:

Among the beverages, the Indian Ocean (S$24) is a visual and sensory treat. Infused with blue spirulina, the glittering drink mimics the beauty of the ocean and blends flavours of wakame and white chocolate for an unforgettable sip​.

Chef Varun’s 27 Degrees West is a fun and bold addition to Singapore’s dining landscape, offering a creative fusion of Northern and Southern Indian cuisines. With its modern interpretations of classic Indian dishes, this restaurant provides an upscale yet accessible dining experience. Whether you a fan of Indian cuisine, it is worth visiting 27 Degrees West at least once to try out Chef Varun’s thoughtful creations for the local palate.

27 Degrees West

Address: 362 Orchard Road, Singapore 238887

Operating Hours:
Sun-Thurs 11:30am-11pm
Fri-Sat 11:30am-12am

Reservations: +65 9100 0949