Shikar is a new mod-Indian restaurant located in the Maxwell Reserve Autograph Collection with a concept and menu inspired by regality and royal splendour.
The restaurant’s interior is truly gorgeous from all angles, with warm lighting and luxurious furniture filling the space. The decor screams pomp and extravagance, reminiscent of Indian royalty—with gold accents, paintings of wild animals and plush seats featuring various animal prints.
You can choose to dine in the main room if you’re looking for a moody ambience with the dim lighting that casts an orangey glow upon the space; or if you prefer to have enjoy the natural lighting, you can move to the back room where it’s more quiet and the sunlight streams gently through the windows.
They also offer a private room for larger gatherings and special occasions; subject to availability (no minimum spending amount required as of now).
True to the restaurant’s concept, you can expect to be treated like absolute royalty during your visit. Shikar’s staff display utmost hospitality and attention to every diner, constantly attending to you and checking up on you periodically—we felt truly pampered and couldn’t ask for more.
Shikar’s cuisine is definitely not what you’d expect from Indian cuisine, with many of the items being quite unique and modern. The menu was also quite extensive so it can be quite overwhelming trying to decide what to order. But not to worry—if you’re unsure about what you should get, the staff will gladly (and passionately) recommend some items you should try!
Lunch Thali Menu (Non-Vegetarian), $47
And if you’re working in the area, you’ll be glad to know that Shikar has launched a brand new lunch menu perfect for quick, hearty and affordable lunches! The Lunch Thali Menu ($47) is available in both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options; and offers some of Shikar’s signature menu items in a sampling platter that includes your choice of main, assorted sides and rice, and your choice of breads. For just $47, we felt that this is a solid lun›e bit of everything and even soak in Shikar’s beautiful setting, all while being light on the pocket.
Lotus Stem Chips & Makhana Pops, $11
Crushed Corn & Fenugreek Skewers, $33
For appetisers and starters, we especially loved the Lotus Stem Chips & Makhana Pops ($11): nicely spiced snacks that kept us reaching for more. Some of Shikar’s more unique and modern offerings include the Crushed Corn & Fenugreek Skewers ($33) which were reminiscent of corn fritters.
Peri-Peri Prawns, $17
Shikari Daal, $29
We were also really impressed with the Peri-Peri Prawns ($17) that were coated with quinoa and deep fried for a fun crunchy texture. The Shikari Daal ($29) is a hot favourite at the restaurant, and is probably one of the most interesting daal you’ll encounter being a rich brownish-orange colour instead of the usual yellowish hue. This was a comforting yet fresh take on daal that was amazing when eaten with the freshly oven-roasted breads.
Tandoor Roasted Chicken Makhani, $49
Spinach Mash Garlic Chips, $39
Though Shikar describes its cuisine as progressive Indian, they don’t forget to offer some classics as well. The Tandoor Roasted Chicken Makhani ($49) is the butter chicken that we’re familiar with, done the Shikar way—also great when eaten with rice or bread.
Maimoa Grass-fed New Zealand Lamb, $51
Charred Cream Chicken Tikka, $41
Wild Caught Tiger Prawns, Market Price
For grilled items, try the Maimoa Grass-fed New Zealand Lamb ($51)—tender pieces of lamb rack grilled to a perfect pink that had no gamey scent in the slightest. The Charred Cream Chicken Tikka ($41) is also a delicious option, imbued with a distinct smoky char.
No matter what you choose to order, there’s one thing you should note when dining at Shikar: the chef (and staff) are very particular about serving the food fresh, straight from the kitchen for you to enjoy while it’s piping hot. So don’t spend too much time snapping pictures and go right ahead to dig in while the food is hot to savour them the way they were meant to be!
Shikar
Ambience: 5/5
Food/Drinks: 4/5
Service: 5/5
Price: $$
Worth a visit: Make sure to try their affordable lunch sets!
Address: 2 Cook Street at Maxwell Reserve, Autograph Collection, Singapore 078857
Opening Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 12pm-2.30pm; 6pm-10pm
