Tucked away in Holiday Inn® Singapore Orchard City Centre, Tandoor is a hidden gem that deserves recognition. In its elegant interiors, a glass-walled kitchen shows off chefs working their magic at the tandoor.

The tandoor-grilled paneer tikka—layered with spiced green chutney and Philadelphia cheese—impresses. Paneer tends to hardens under heat, but chefs here skillfully retain its soft texture.

Skip the tandoori prawns and go for mains where Tandoor truly shines, in particular, the dish simply called mango curry, a thick Manglorean curry made with tempered mango and a fruity gravy with tangy, spicy, tantalising flavours. Using seasonal fruits and vegetables, and elevated by one or two whole spices, it is a wonderful example of Indian cooking. Lap it up with garlic naan. The flavourful saufiyani gosht ki biryani served with yoghurt is also memorable. Each basmati rice grain is separate from the other, and combines delectably with spiced mutton. Like the mango curry, it is less fiery, allowing diners to relish the component flavours such as saffron and fennel.

For a thoroughly satisfying end, have the gajar ka halwa where grated carrots are slowly cooked with milk—just like how grandma makes it.

Service is warm, but sometimes forgetful.