Dabbawalla : Modern Indian Restaurant @ Robertson Quay

indian restaurant — Clarke Quay · Singapore

About Dabbawalla : Modern Indian Restaurant @ Robertson Quay

Dabbawalla is a modern North Indian restaurant at Robertson Quay in Singapore, serving bold curries, smoky tandoori kebabs and fragrant biryanis since the early 2000s along the Singapore River. Positioned as one of the most iconic riverside dining spots in the city, the restaurant pairs traditional Indian spices and cooking techniques with a contemporary dining setting overlooking the water.

The menu spans tandoori grills, slow-cooked curries and biryanis alongside signature cocktails and bar bites, and the restaurant describes itself as vegetarian friendly, welcoming walk-ins as well as reservations. Dabbawalla is popular for celebrations and gatherings, from family dinners to office parties, with reviewers frequently highlighting attentive service from staff and managers on the floor.

Located at 60 Robertson Quay, #01-10/11, Dabbawalla is open daily from 11:00am to 2:00am, and can be reached by phone, email or WhatsApp for reservations, menu enquiries or directions.

Dabbawalla: Modern North Indian Dining on the Singapore River

Along the water at Robertson Quay, Dabbawalla has built a reputation as one of Singapore's most iconic riverside restaurants, serving North Indian food since the early 2000s in a setting that pairs traditional flavours with a contemporary dining room.

Heritage on the Riverside

Dabbawalla describes itself as a pioneer in serving authentic North Indian flavours in Singapore, drawing on original spices and traditional preparation methods rather than shortcuts. The restaurant's prime location at 60 Robertson Quay puts it directly on the Singapore River, giving diners riverside views to go with bold curries, smoky kebabs and fragrant biryanis.

Tandoori, Curries and Biryani

The kitchen's strengths run through tandoori specialties, slow-cooked curries and biryani. Reviewers regularly single out the butter chicken and naan as standout orders, alongside the mutton biryani and mutton curry. Starters lean into crowd-pleasers like Chicken Tikka, Chicken Lollipop, Chicken 65 with lime and chutney, and Chicken Seekh Kebabs, while the vegetarian side of the menu includes dishes like Naan and Paneer Butter Masala and Papdi Chaat topped with sev and pomegranate seeds. A Chilli Crab dish also features among the restaurant's signature offerings, alongside a Mango Lassi for something cooling and fresh.

Cocktails and a Late-Night Bar Scene

Beyond the food, Dabbawalla runs a bar programme built around signature cocktails and bar bites, and its late closing time — open daily until 2am — positions it as an option for both dinner and a later night out. Reviewers who've booked the restaurant for office parties mention ordering cocktails and bar bites alongside their meal, describing the combination as a hit with colleagues.

Vegetarian Friendly and Family Ready

Dabbawalla makes a point of describing itself as vegetarian friendly, and multiple reviewers highlight the quality of the vegetarian dishes and attentive service around dietary requests. The restaurant is also positioned as a good option for gatherings — reviewers mention booking ahead for group dinners, celebrations, and office parties, with staff accommodating requests for a good table.

Service That Reviewers Remember

A recurring theme across Dabbawalla's reviews is the staff. Guests specifically call out manager Thines for recommending dishes on a first visit, and staff members Mr Praba and Mr Siva for attentive service throughout a meal. Reviewers describe the overall atmosphere as warm and welcoming from the moment they walk in, with several noting the restaurant is easily reached by taxi or public transport, and convenient to private parking nearby.

Walk-Ins Welcome, Reservations Available

While walk-ins are welcome at Dabbawalla, the restaurant also runs an online table reservation system, useful for weekend dinners or larger group bookings. Reservations, menu enquiries and directions can all be handled through the restaurant's WhatsApp chat, by phone, or by email.

Visiting Dabbawalla

Dabbawalla is located at 60 Robertson Quay, #01-10/11, Singapore 238252, and is open daily from 11:00am to 2:00am — making it flexible for lunch, dinner, or a late-night cocktail by the river. For anyone looking for a riverside Indian dining experience in Singapore, from tandoori classics to biryani and cocktails, Dabbawalla positions itself as a long-standing, reliable choice at one of the city's most scenic dining locations.

Signature items

  • Mutton Biryani
  • Butter Chicken
  • Chicken Tikka
  • Chicken 65
  • Signature Cocktails
  • Riverside Dining

Menu

Drinks

  • Mango Lassi — Fresh mango juice with tropical flavour
  • Signature Cocktails — Part of the bar menu, alongside bar bites

Signature Dishes

  • Chicken Tikka — Spicy tandoori chicken served with fresh salad
  • Naan and Paneer Butter Masala — Creamy paneer curry with soft naan bread
  • Chicken Lollipop — Crispy chicken lollipops with spicy dip
  • Butter Chicken — Classic North Indian curry, mentioned by reviewers as a highlight alongside the naan
  • Mutton Biryani — Aromatic biryani with tender mutton and rice
  • Mutton Curry — Rich mutton curry garnished with coriander
  • Chilli Crab — Chilli crab garnished with coriander
  • Chicken 65 — Crispy Chicken 65 served with lime, onions and chutney
  • Chicken Seekh Kebabs — Served with salad and chutney
  • Papdi Chaat — Topped with sev and pomegranate seeds

Frequently asked questions

Where is Dabbawalla located?
60 Robertson Quay, #01-10/11, Singapore 238252, right on the Singapore River.
What are Dabbawalla's opening hours?
Daily, 11:00am to 2:00am.
Do I need a reservation?
Walk-ins are welcome, but online table reservations are available and recommended for groups or weekends.
Does Dabbawalla have vegetarian options?
Yes, the restaurant describes itself as vegetarian friendly, and reviewers specifically praise the vegetarian dishes.
Does Dabbawalla serve cocktails?
Yes, it has a bar programme with signature cocktails and bar bites.
Is Dabbawalla suitable for group celebrations?
Yes, reviewers mention booking it for office parties and group dinners with good service and ambiance.
How can I make a reservation or ask about the menu?
Via WhatsApp, phone (+65 8989 1078), or email at [email protected].

Tips

  • {"body":"Reviewers recommend reserving in advance for office parties or group dinners to get a good table.","title":"Book ahead for groups"}
  • {"body":"On a first visit, staff (reviewers mention manager Thines) are happy to recommend dishes.","title":"Ask staff for recommendations"}
  • {"body":"The bar menu of signature cocktails pairs well with bar bites for a more social visit.","title":"Try the cocktails with bar bites"}
  • {"body":"Open until 2am daily, making it an option for a late dinner or drinks by the river.","title":"Take advantage of late hours"}

Good to know

  • {"family":"Popular for celebrations, gatherings and office parties","dietary":"Vegetarian friendly menu","parking":"Reviewers note it's near private parking, and accessible by taxi or public transport"}