Tonight’s dinner was one of those simple hawker meals that makes me happy all the way home, Fried Fish with Briyani rice from De’ Tandoor, Homemade Masala Cuisine with Heart at Geylang Bahru. Big name, bigger flavor, and a plate that’s tidy, generous, and honestly kind of photogenic. The chef here clearly cares about the details, and that care shows up in every bite.
Let’s start with the rice, the star that quietly lets the other players shine. The briyani grains were long and fluffy, each one distinct, lightly perfumed with spice rather than drowned in oil. It’s the kind of rice that makes you keep eating between conversations because the seasoning has that gentle, savory hint to it. Paired with cool cucumber slices and a handful of colorful crackers, there’s a playful contrast on the plate that feels very Singapore, Indian roots with local touches that keep things bright and fun.
Then the fried fish. Fresh-tasting and fried just right, it arrived with a delicate golden crust that crackled lightly when my fork tapped it. Inside, the flesh stayed moist and flaky, no dryness, no heavy batter, just clean, well-seasoned fish that plays nicely with the rice. I loved how the crust held on without turning greasy, whoever mans the fryer knows exactly when to pull it.
On the side, a small bowl of curry kept things organized (bless them for serving sauces separately!). The gravy taste masala-forward with a simple, comforting heat, bold enough to wake up the palate, not so fiery which I prefer. Dunk a piece of fish, chase it with a spoon of briyani, and you get that satisfying “click” when flavors lock together. There was also a hard-boiled egg soaking up the curry.
Portion-wise, De’ Tandoor is generous without being messy. The plating is neat, the components are balanced, and the whole experience feels considered, like they’re aiming to make you feel good about both value and taste. Price-wise, it’s comfortably affordable for a hearty briyani set in a popular hawker centre, which makes it even easier to recommend. You can absolutely come hungry and leave satisfied without denting the wallet.
A quick word on “fusion.” This isn’t fusion for the sake of novelty. It’s more of a natural blend, the unmistakable Indian spice profile, paired with the local hawker sensibility of clean flavors, tidy presentation, and those little sides we all grew up loving. It’s the kind of plate that welcomes everyone to the table, no overthinking required.
Overall impression, straightforward food presentation. If you’re the type who loves briyani but sometimes wants something lighter than a heavily spiced meat, this fried fish option is a winner. The textures are on point, the flavors land where they should, and the presentation stays calm and composed (my table stayed clean, my taste buds had a party).
No wonder I keep craving this set. De’ Tandoor, you’ve got me, again. Highly recommended if you’re around Geylang Bahru and want an Indian-Singapore hawker plate done with heart. See you again next craving!!!
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