[Review + Promo Alert] GUPSHUP: A MasterChef’s Modern Indian Culinary Hideaway in a Colonial Basement

Tucked away in the basement of the elegantly colonial Serangoon House hotel, a modern indian culinary secret awaits. As you step into GUPSHUP the moment the elevator doors open, an intimate, jewel-toned den is revealed that feels both opulently vintage and irresistibly Instagrammable:

The name, meaning “conversation” in Hindi, perfectly sets the stage for a meal that is meant to be shared, discussed, and remembered.

The mastermind behind GUPSHUP is the charismatic Chef Surjan Singh Jolly, a verteran culinary figure familiar to many as a former judge on MasterChef India.

With a career spanning over three decades across Michelin-starred kitchens and luxury hotels worldwide, Chef Jolly’s forte is in curating stories through the dishes he present. We experience it first-hand during a four-hands preview when he joined forces with Chef Teo Yeow Siang, celebrated for his refined Asian creations, for “When Singh Meets Siang” at Shikar, Maxwell Reserve.

Chef Jolly’s philosophy is clear at GUPSHUP: to honour India’s rich culinary heritage while fearlessly embracing modern techniques and presentation. Beyond being just your typical curry house, GUPSHUP is positioned as a destination for gourmet Indian tapas, where every dish is a vibrant character in a larger, delicious narrative.

Currently, the conversation at GUPSHUP revolves around two promotional offerings that will get foodies buzzing.

The Great Indian Feast

The first is GUPSHUP’s The Great Indian Feast, an unlimited à la carte buffet that is as festive as it is refined.

Priced at a wallet-friendy $59++ per person, it’s a sprawling culinary tour across India’s diverse regions, all presented in one free-flow menu.

The adventure starts with addictive appetisers like the crispy Bhindi Amchur, cripsy fried okra made with chickpea flour, cumin and mango powder, as well as an interactive, gourmet-style presentation of Pani Poori, where crisp semolina shells are filled with tangy tamarind water and spicy mint.

There’s also the Lotus Papdi Chaat, whereby lotus crisps are topped with sweet potato, a mix of onion and tomato, served with yoghurt and pomegranate-mint sauce. This dish has rich flavours, with diverse textures and is perfect as a starter to get whet your apetite for the evening.

Mains come next, served in small plates, modern tapas-styled, featuring robust flavours like the classic Chicken Chettinad Curry from the south, paired with a flaky, buttery handmade parotta.

A key highlight for the night was the signature Amritsari Chole & Tandoori Kulcha, featuring a hearty stew of mashed chickpeas with spiced bread. The latter packs a powerful spicy kick that will leave you wanting for more and is a must-try, alongside other small plates like the punchy Gosht Seekh Kebab and the famously crispy Chicken 65.

If you prefer something lighter, go for the Chicken Keema Kal Dosa or the vegetarian alternative, the Potato Kal Dosa. For an extra spice kick, go for the Chilli Paneer.

The feast concludes on a sweet high note with the signature Kulfi Falooda, a delightful rendition of Indian ice cream layered with vermicelli and a raspberry sauce.

“Dabbawala” Tiffin

For a more curated, homely experience, the “Dabbawala” Tiffin menu is a charming tribute to Mumbai’s iconic lunchbox carriers:

Available Tuesday to Thursday for lunch, this set menu offers a choice of a main like the rich Classic Delhi Butter Chicken or the Tandoori Paneer Makhani, served with the decadent, 48-hour slow-stewed Maah Di Daal (Dal Makhani), seasonal vegetables, and steamed basmati rice.

Promo Alert

For a limited time until 15 October, GUPSHUP is offering fantastic promotions. Diners can enjoy 1-for-1 on The Great Indian Feast (valid Friday to Sunday lunch) or 50% off the “Dabbawala” Tiffin (valid Tuesday to Thursday lunch), making it the perfect opportunity to experience Chef Jolly’s artistry.

Go try it!

GUPSHUP @ The Serangoon House Hotel

Location:
Basement 1, The Serangoon House, 301 Serangoon Road, Singapore 218224

Opening Hours:
Lunch: 12pm – 3pm | Dinner: 6pm – 10pm