Best Of Singapore Hawkers & Casual Dining: Dhal

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Best Of Singapore Hawkers & Casual Dining: Dhal

Dhal
Dhal



Nothing was sponsored, we visited as regular paying customers. Photos in this post were taken between 2000 and 2022 (across 22 years!), as such, the quality of photos varies drastically due to advances in camera technology. Mobile smartphones were in their infancy and had yet to become widespread.


Also Known As:
Dhal, Dal, Daal, Paruppu,
Dhal Tadka, Dal Tadka, Yellow Dhal,
Dhal Makhani, Dal Makhani, Urad Ki Dal


Average Price Per Serving:
SGD $3 - $8








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Description:
The Dhal is a Singaporean Indian vegetarian dish, a popular curry that accompanies a meal, well-regarded as a comforting and wholesome dish. It consists of either whole, split, or split and hulled lentils, soaked then boiled, finished with a stir-in of fried spices. Also known as Dal, Daal, or Paruppu, the Dhal dish is usually priced around SGD $3 to $8 per serving. It's commonly eaten as a side dish for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or supper.

The Dhal is typically a thick curry, with a gloopy texture rather similar to a rich stew. The key spices used include garlic paste, ginger paste, salt, cumin seeds, mustard seeds, asafoetida / hing, powdered turmeric, fenugreek seeds, powdered chili, and powdered coriander. Other spices used vary from stall to stall, but may include curry leaves, powdered cardamom, cane sugar, or powdered garam masala. The spices are tempered and ground, then fried together with red onions and sometimes tomatoes.

Separately, the lentils for the Dhal is boiled till cooked, into which the fried spice mixture is then poured and stirred in. The lentils used in Dhal are usually either yellow pigeon peas, black gram / urad beans, or mung beans. It has a lovely earthy sweet savoury spice flavour, and is best paired with bread or rice. As a dish suitable for vegetarians, Dhal is a good source of carbohydrates, protein, fibre, vitamin B, and dietary minerals.

Although there are many varieties of Dhal, the most common version in Singapore is Dhal Tadka, also known as Dal Tadka, or Yellow Dhal, and is made with split and hulled yellow pigeon peas. In fact, if you order simply 'Dhal' without specifying which variety you want, you'll be served Dhal Tadka as a default. Another popular variety is Dhal Makhani, also known as Dal Makhani, or Urad Ki Dal, and is made with whole black gram / urad beans, as well as butter and cream.


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1. ABC Nasi Kandar Restaurant
@ 67 Desker Road
Opening Hours: Daily 24 Hours

Taken in 2022


Taken in 2022


Dhal (SGD $2.50) @ ABC Nasi Kandar Restaurant.

Among the most affordably priced versions of dhal tadka around.

The mashed lentils are soft and creamy thick, bright with earthy savoury sweet spice flavour.

This has more of a sharp spicy kick than other versions, with the heat lingering on the palate, shiok.





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2. Daawat Tandoori
@ 207 Upper Thomson Road
Opening Hours: Daily 11am – 3pm, 4:30pm – 11pm

Taken in 2011


Taken in 2022


Taken in 2022


Dhal (SGD $9.50) @ Daawat Tandoori.

This premium version is delicious, with a generous serving size suitable for sharing.

Stewed with red onions and dried red chili, the lentils are creamy smooth soft in texture, with robust earthy savoury sweet spice flavour.

Best paired with rice or bread.





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3. Jaggi’s Northern Indian Cuisine
@ 36 Race Course Road
Opening Hours: Daily 11am – 10:30pm

Taken in 2012


Taken in 2022


Taken in 2022


Dhal (SGD $3.20) @ Jaggi’s Northern Indian Cuisine.

Their version of dhal tadka is thinner than elsewhere, more like a typical curry instead of a stew. I also like that they offer small portions for individuals.

It holds good earthy savoury salty spice flavours, nicely satisfying. Wished for a tad more chili heat though.





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4. Madura's Restaurant
@ Paya Lebar Square, 60 Paya Lebar Road #01-08
Opening Hours: Daily 11:30am – 9:30pm

@ 115 Syed Alwi Road
Opening Hours: Daily 12pm – 1am

Taken in 2022


Taken in 2022


Dhal (SGD $6.90) @ Madura's Restaurant.

They've actually reduced the price on this from SGD $9.90 previously.

The lentils here are slightly more chunky instead of smooth, with a thicker texture that starts to set, requiring periodic stirring.

Carries robust earthy sweet savoury spice flavour, and the garnish of fresh coriander lends a vegetal herbal bitter sweet note.





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5. The Banana Leaf Apolo
@ 56 Race Course Road
Opening Hours: Daily 10:30am – 10:30pm

@ Downtown East, 1 Pasir Ris Close #01-309
Opening Hours: Daily 10:30am – 10pm

@ 20 Sixth Avenue
Opening Hours: Daily 11am – 10pm

@ Rivervale Mall, 11 Rivervale Crescent #02-10
Opening Hours: Daily 11am – 10pm

@ 48 Serangoon Road
Opening Hours: Daily 10:30am – 10:30pm

Taken in 2022


Taken in 2022


Dhal (SGD $13.90) @ The Banana Leaf Apolo.

Among the most luxurious with a generous serving size, their rendition of dhal tadka is yummy.

The texture is creamy smooth with grainy chunks bits, enhanced with dried red chili, fresh coriander, and chili oil.

Has a bright earthy savoury salty sweet spice flavour, with a slight lingering heat that entices.





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- Mr Prata – Quality Different From Before
@ 26 Evans Road #01-02

@ 320 Clementi Avenue 4 #01-37

Taken in 2011






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- Myra's Beach Club – Permanently Closed
@ 5 Changi Village Road

Taken in 2012






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