Ms. Maria and Mr. Singh - Mexican and Indian Fusion actually works

This restaurant is no longer in operation 

Actually, I had assumed Ms. Maria and Mr. Singh is a humble Indian restaurant whenever I passed by it, until a few days ago, I received an email announcing set menus at this place and it out an emphasis that it is a Mexican and Indian fusion. Wow, that sounds very interesting since I have never heard of such fusion, and I actually like both cuisines (though I prefer contemporary Indian cuisine over old school one). I decide to just take the plunge and try out the food here.

The food here is so good, tending more towards contemporary Indian cuisine with bits of Mexican flair and sauces. The full-bodied taste of the food is unique and simulating.

The decor is an unconventional mix of the grandeur + florid designs of Indian architecture and the sunny, colourful, free-spirited embodiment of Mexican culture. Intricate tiles, Taj Mahal inspired entrance, bar counter with colour lights, windows of different bright colours, straw lamps, long stretch of chiffon floral cloth and neon lights, all these actually work well together to radiate that posh yet fun feel, with a cultural vibe.

The service is excellent, they are so friendly, efficient and such great conversationists. Totally enjoy myself in such great company.

Papdi Chaat is a great beginning since lots of harmonised flavours are showcased in this nifty creation. The yoghurt sphere explodes in the mouth to reveal creamy, tangy goodness, perked by the subtle touches of Indian spices. Definitely worth a try.

My favourite got to be Ceviche Cold Curry Scallop. Served in a cold claypot, the fresh, plump, briny sweet raw scallops taste sublime when paired with the avocado, paper thin cucumber and the special light milky sauce peppered with Mexican goodness.

I never think that scallops can go well with curry because the strong spices of curry will usually overwhelms the subtle sweetness of the scallops. But this Ceviche Cold Curry Scallop totally overturns this assumption by going light on the creamy spices feel of Indian curry and incorporating the sharp, clear spiciness of Mexican cuisine instead.

And it works wonderfully. The nuanced flavours of the scallops can actually come through the spiciness of the sauce. I love this.

When a Man Loves a Woman cocktail is intense with laces of herbal notes. Unique and easy on the palate, I can easily finish this in a flash.

The bartender, who is full of passion for his craft, in action.

Taco Pork Vindaloo is served with the Mexican sauces of salsa martajada, salsa diabla and salsa taquera. All the sauces really tease the palates, elevating the rich taste of the juicy pulled pork. Five ways to enjoy this dish (by itself, with lime, and with the 3 kinds of sauces) and I love it.

Chicken Tikka Masala is more Indian than Mexican, featuring succulent chicken coated with rich, creamy curry that holds lots of goodness of the spices. I wipe the plate clean of the curry with the prata and nice fluffy bread with crispy surface. Since the curry is very strong in flavour, eating this with the carbs actually balance the flavour.

The Churros is nice, but no exactly the best I have since I prefer those with souffle interior and crispy coat.  However, it is delicious when paired with the Sticky Rice Ice-cream that imparts the moisture to the churros and soften its exterior. I also like the light earthy flavour of the ice-cream.

Love Paradise cocktail of vertiver guava, lime and grapefruit definitely hits the right spots for me by being refreshing, light with the right balance of sweetness and tanginess.

Thoughts: So fun and good that I want to come again and again.

43 Craig Road

Nearest MRT: Outram Park