Distinct notes of spices and herbs aside, Indian cuisine is well known for its diversity. Breads, yoghurts and thick curries dominate in Northern Indian cuisine, whilst the spicier Southern dishes are rice-based and more vegetarian-friendly. If you’re craving for authentic Indian food, check out these six best Indian restaurants in Singapore. Our list includes wallet-friendly options for casual meals, buffets and even fine dining restaurants for that special occasion.

1. Muthu’s Curry

Specialising in South Indian cuisine since 1969, Muthu’s Curry is touted to have the best Fish Head Curry ($22/$27/$32) in Singapore. Served with lady fingers and pineapple chunks, the fresh and succulent fish is accompanied by rich and aromatic gravy. We recommend ordering the crowd-pleasing Briyani Rice ($4), which comes with free flow pappadum and side vegetables, to go with the curry. Muthu’s Curry, 138 Race Course Road #01-01 Singapore 218591 (Image: Muthu’s Curry Facebook Page)

2. Tandoori Corner

Offering affordable North Indian food, one of Tandoori Corner’s signature dishes is their Tandoori Chicken Tikka ($11.90). Grilled to perfection in the tandoor, the succulent chicken is served with refreshing mint chutney. Another specialty is their Chef’s Special Lamb Chops (pictured above). Some vegetarian options include Aloo Gobi ($9.90), where cauliflower and potatoes are sautéed with tomatoes, ginger, green chilies and ground coriander. If you have an important celebration coming up, you can consider calling Tandoori Corner for catering services. For more information, visit their website. Tandoori Corner, Balestier Plaza, 400 Balestier Road #01-12 Singapore 329802 Second outlet at Boon Tat Street. (Image: Tandoori Corner Facebook Page)

3. Zaffron Kitchen

Exuding more contemporary vibes, Zaffron Kitchen veers away from the image of a typical Indian restaurant. It serves both North and South Indian cuisine and presents its Dum Chicken Briyani ($13.50) in a novel manner by sealing the dish with a crisp layer of dough. Crack it open and you will be greeted with a tender chicken thigh, hard-boiled egg and rice. Other popular dishes include Tandoori Chicken ($13.50 for half/ $25 for whole chicken) and Seekh Mutton Kebabs ($14). Zaffron Kitchen, Westgate, 3 Gateway Drive #01-20 Singapore 608532 (Image: OpenRice Staff Peh Yi Wen)

4. Yantra

The amount of confidence Yantra has in the preparation of their food is evident through their open kitchen concept. For meat lovers, try out their Raan-e-Yantra ($39), where lamb is marinated in yoghurt and Yantra seasoning, and served flambéed with fennel flavoured rum. Yantra also has a lunch buffet ($25++) from Monday to Thursday, 12-3pm, where you can choose from a variety of 25 dishes. Or round up the family for a hearty Sunday Brunch ($49++ per adult/ $30++ per child)! Yantra , Tanglin Mall, 163 Tanglin Road #01-28/33 Singapore 247933 (Image: Yantra Facebook Page)

5. Punjab Grill

Opened by celebrity chef Jiggs Kalra, Punjab Grill has won numerous awards in India for its gourmet versions of Punjabi cuisine. Serving both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, they have an array of weekday and weekend set lunch menus. Their Weekday Power Lunch Menu ($45++) includes dishes such as Coastal Fish Curry and Regional Dal Tadka, where five types of lentils are served with tadka. Vegetarian items from their Kebabs and Briyani Feast Xtragavanza menu ($48++) include Tandoori Mushrooms and Shahi Subz Briyani. Punjab Grill, Marina Bay Sands, 2 Bayfront Avenue #B1-01A Singapore 018972 (Image: Punjab Grill Facebook Page)

6. The Song of India

Offering modern Indian cuisine in a fine dining setting, The Song of India is one of Singapore’s best restaurants around, catering to both vegetarians and non-vegetarians. For seafood lovers, try out their Tandoor Lobster, a fresh lobster coated in a special chef’s marinade and cooked to perfection. One highly recommended vegetarian dish is Hyderabadi Mirch Ka Salon, where stuffed chillies are cooked in a traditional Hyderbad salan curry. For cheese lovers, try out their Blue Cheese Naan. The Song of India will also be launching a four-course Deepavali Celebration Set Dinner ($59++), which will be available from 1-15 November 2015. The Song of India, 33 Scotts Road Singapore 228226 (Image: The Song of India Facebook Page) See also: Must Try Local Faves Indian Restaurants in Singapore

Written by Rachel Wong