By Lakshmi: (Updated Sept 22, 2014)
By now regular readers of Paupers would recognize that we take immense delight in our trips, whether it is an exotic destination half a world away or simply savoring a new dish locally. And when a beautiful tropical locale meets up with some amazing food, the delight is quadrupled.
Our trip to Singapore was a high on many fronts. We loved the fact that this tropical island was the best amalgamation between the east and west. We delighted in the city’s cleanliness, the people’s friendliness, gaped open-mouthed at how expensive it was to own cars and of course loved eating our way through the city.
Throughout our stay, Komala Vilas, a tiny restaurant dedicated to authentic south indian food became a frequent stop. The first time we went to this famed Serangoon Road based outpost, we were surprised at how small and busy it was. It was still early in the day and people were hustling for breakfast and coffee. We got a table for two and in a matter of minutes, there were others seated at the same table.
The place had no fancy menus, no fancy waiters, no frills. They just served really good southern indian cuisine. So that morning, we had idli’s (steamed rice dumplings) and vadas (deep friend lentil balls) and we were literally smacking our fingers. And that’s not where our delight ended. We got the bill and felt ashamed that they were charging us this little to eat to our hearts content. We left a tip for the server and he gave us a look like we were crazy.
On subsequent visits, we tried multiple items ranging from their dosas (rice and lentil crepes) to a full-blown lunch plate which filled us to the brim. Each time, the food was consistently good.
On one such visit, we were seated next to a local couple who had a very nice conversation with us. As we were leaving, they asked us what our New Year’s plans were. When we mentioned that we planned to ring in the New Year in Penang, they took down our hotel name and said they would call us. A week later, the phone rang in our Penang hotel room and we got invited to a New Year lunch with our new Singaporean friends and their extended family! And we kept in touch with them long after our initial bonding over dosas at Komala Vilas.
We have had many a family member and friend go back to the restaurant and have yet to hear a disappointing story.
Komala Vilas is located at
76 / 78 Serangoon Road
Singapore 217981
Tel: 6293 6980
You can look at their menu at:
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