Grab a group, settle in and enjoy the ambience and food.
Podi & Poriyal Details
Address: 486 Serangoon Rd, Singapore 218151
Contact: +65 9711 2400
Menu: https://podiandporiyal.com/menu
What to expect
Stepping into the heritage building, you will be embraced by a chaotic scene. One familiar to all during festive gatherings with the family. Children running around as tripping hazards, a comfortable bustle with numerous conversations, all around large servings of south Indian vegetarian food.
The vegetarian menu changes every three months but promises a hearty substantial meal that will leave you stuffed. Stuffed, it seems, to be the default state that grandmothers across all cultures will want you to be. As we settled down, three different chutneys were served: coconut, tomato, and pistachio. While the pistachio chutney was a delight on its own, the tangy tomato chutney helped spice up the rest of the dishes.
I went with the Cauliflower 65 ($12) to start the meal – florets coated in a light batter and fried alongside curry leaves. Fragrant and crispy with a juicy interior. A slice of lime adds a hint of sourness to the stack of fried goodness. Adding to the experience were the available chutneys offering up combinations of flavour for one to try. In particular, the tomato’s hint of spiciness was the perfect combination for me.
Fresh cottage cheese coated with an onion jam-like consistency. The Paneer itself has a firm texture and acts as a savoury vehicle of flavour.
The fermented batter is dusted with spices and stuffed, giving me the impression of a slightly tangy vegetarian savoury crepe. Chunks of green beans can be tasted alongside the lentils in the Sambaar. Served as I was when this was served, it was still a delightful main course that was a colourful blend of flavours. Even without the use of meat, each dish served hits the right notes when it comes to flavour and texture.
Service at Podi & Poriyal was friendly and attentive. Concerned that our ordered Masala Chai was too hot, they offered to “pull” the tea, cooling it down to the perfect temperature for us. The tea really warms you up with its fragrant blend of spices, and the option to customise the sweetness to your liking.