Gaggan Anand, the man behind the eponymous Gaggan, deepens his love for Gaggan, with the opening of Ms. Maria & Mr. Singh’s first overseas outpost in the Lion City. The restaurant is officially opening on October 24.
In collaboration with The Proper Concepts Collective, the local hospitality group behind brands like The Feather Blade and RAPPU, expect some of the original hits in Bangkok as well as new tantalizing dishes specially created for Singapore.
Gaggan himself first got a taste of Singapore’s vibrant dining scene and global palate back in November 2021 with a residency of his eponymous Gaggan Anand experience.
Initially slated for only two months, the residency was extended multiple times due to popular demand, prompting his desire to launch something more permanent on these shores while expanding his love for the island.
Ms. Maria & Mr. Singh is Chef Gaggan’s cheeky culinary venture in Bangkok that was first opened in March 2020, two weeks before COVID-19 hit Thailand. The cross-cultural concept is based on a fictitious origin story that reflects the love affair between a Mexican Girl, Ms. Maria, and an Indian Boy, Mr. Singh.
Once you step into the restaurant, you are immersed in the romantic story of how Ms. Maria and Mr. Singh meet and eventually fall in love, which is depicted in a charming menu, and comic style. The comfortable and unpretentious casa setting is reminiscent of Ms. Maria & Mr. Singh’s house, where the two cultures find their similarities in gastronomy and design, showcasing a vibrant palette of orange and blue colors inspired by the cities of Oaxaca and Jaipur.
The food itself marries home-style Mexican and Indian cooking, a dynamic blend of flavors and traditions, reproducing a menu that is romantically influenced by both cultures. Expect a rendition of some of the greatest hits served at Gaggan Anand Restaurant such as Papdi Chat, a yogurt explosion of flavors featuring the popular Indian street food made with crisp fried puri, sweet and sour chutneys, yogurt, and sev, as well as Crab Curry, a coconut and coriander based curry dish, combined with shallots, tomatoes, tamarind, and juicy chunky crab meat. Alongside a refined menu tailored for Singapore at accessible price points, the chef-driven menu will whisk diners away on a culinary journey from India to Mexico.
The outpost in Singapore features especially crafted cocktails by Boo Jing Heng, beverage director of The Proper Concepts Collective who was named Singapore Diageo Reserve World Class Winner 2016.