Ras the Essence of India, located at Clarke Quay, has been dishing out delicious North Indian feast since 2005. As its name suggests, Ras (which means 'to taste') promises an authentic taste of North Indian cuisine to its diners. Ras' sister restaurant The Tent (Mongolian Fresh Grill and Bar) is located nearby.

• The Vibe
  Ras is elegantly furnished with contemporary modern furniture pieces. The simplicity of this restaurant allows you to focus on the food and the company with whom you enjoy the food. The focal point of this restaurant is the alfresco dining which overlooks the scenic Singapore River.


• The Food
  Brace your taste buds for some of Ras' culinary goodness with Ras' Tandoori Prawns ($20) or Chicken Tikka ($17). The succulent prawns are so well-marinated that you can actually taste the many different 'layers' of the 30 varieties of spices used. Delight in the exquisite flavours as it unfolds in your mouth - the curried flavour first, followed by a hint of cardamom and a pinch of herb afterwards ...this continues till your last bite. Similarly, the chicken tikka carries a burst of spices and herbs, though it ends off with a slightly-charred aftertaste.

  A must-try meat dish is Chicken Nawabi Korma ($19), a divine creamy gravy with tender chicken pieces. This chicken korma is cooked with almond paste, thus resulting in a smooth concoction tinged with a slight masala (mixture of ground spices) taste that does not burn your throat, hence suitable for those with a low threshold for spiciness. Ras' Lamb Vindaloo ($22), mutton gravy, is another must-have. The mutton pieces are so tender that you do not need your knife to cut it up; a slight nudge of your fork will suffice - a fact that Ras prides itself on. The vindaloo is probably the spiciest dish that I have tasted at Ras but my eyes have yet to start tearing. Instead, the vindaloo is a balanced combination of sweet and spicy with a pungent curry aroma.

  Ras' vegetarian dishes are just as impressive. The Dal Tadka ($12), made from yellow lentils, spices and herbs, is a good example. Replicating the taste of authentic North Indian dal , the Dal Tadka is mild-tasting with a slight tinge of mustard, and just a tad oily.

  If you are one to abide by the 'one dessert each' rule, this might change your mind: Ras' sweet savouries do not border on dangerously high sugar levels, and are designed to be enjoyed a few together. Must-tries are the all-time favourite Gulab Jamun ($6) , milk dumplings dipped in sugar with honey sauce syrup, and served warm, and Malai Kulfi ($8), Indian-style rich and creamy ice-cream. A 'healthier' dessert option would be the Gajjar Halwa ($8), simmered with sugar and infused with a dash of pure ghee, and served warm.

• The Service
  As with most fine-dining restaurants, the service staffs are alert enough to top up your water glass once it reaches the mid-level. If they are not refilling water glasses, they keep a discreet but sharp eye on your plates and will promptly clear empty ones. At other times, you will be left alone to enjoy your food.

The SD Food Advisor's take on Ras The Essence of India
At one glance of Ras' menu, it will appear that Ras serves the common North Indian dishes that can be found in most North Indian restaurants like tikka, tandoori, kheema, korma etc. It is only when you sample the dishes that you can really taste the difference. Being a huge North Indian foodie, it is safe to say that the warmest naan's and the tastiest chicken korma are found here. The only drawback is that Ras is heavily patronized at nights and reservations are a must.