A stalwart at Raffles City for over 20 years, Shahi Maharani is loved for its exquisite ambience, superb service, and deliciously authentic North Indian cuisine. Enter by its gorgeously carved doors, hear the beautiful traditional live music, and take in the heavenly scent of spices. A meal here is always a treat and the food all prepared using unique spice blends and time-honoured techniques.

The menu is extensive with popular starters like papdi chaat, a dish best described as Indian nachos with potatoes, tomatoes and onions, smothered in a sweet-tangy tamarind sauce, creamy yoghurt and mint chutney. Then tuck into luscious lahsuni jheenga, or tandoori grilled garlic prawns; raan sikandra, a tender leg of lamb stewed in a rich, spiced blend of tomatoes and cashews; and a simple paneer makhni, involving rich bites of cottage cheese cooked in a fragrant tomato and butter sauce. Get some flatbreads fresh from the tandoor and one of their excellent pilaus to soak up the flavours.

Dessert options are aplenty. If you can’t decide, order the indulgent dessert platter which includes portions of gulab jamun, rasmalai and gajar halwa, and pair with hot masala tea for that soothing end. Just perfect.