A Culinary Gem in the Cameron Highlands: A Review of Singh ChapattiNestled amidst the cool, misty landscapes of the Cameron Highlands, finding a truly authentic and soulful dining experience can be a challenge. But tucked away from the main tourist hubs, Singh Chapatti stands out not just as an eatery, but as a destination for lovers of Indian cuisine. My recent visit was nothing short of a culinary revelation, a journey that left me utterly impressed from the first bite to the last sip.The evening began with a spread of classic dishes, starting with the crowd-pleasing Chicken Butter Masala. What arrived at our table was a masterpiece of flavor. The chicken was tender and juicy, having been marinated and cooked to perfection, while the gravy was a velvety, rich concoction. It struck the ideal balance between sweetness and spice, a creamy symphony that was both comforting and complex. It’s clear that this dish is prepared with a deep understanding of its flavors, and it stands as a testament to the kitchen's skill.Next, we savored the Mutton Biryani. The aroma alone was intoxicating, a fragrant blend of saffron, cardamom, and other aromatic spices that promised a feast for the senses. Each grain of rice was a masterpiece, perfectly cooked and infused with the rich essence of the spices. The mutton was cooked to an unbelievable tenderness, falling off the bone with the slightest nudge. This wasn't just a plate of food; it was a fragrant journey, with every spoonful revealing new layers of depth and complexity.But the true star of the meal, and what truly elevated the entire experience, was the chapatti. Served hot and fresh, straight from the griddle, these weren't just a side dish—they were a main event. The warmth, the softness, and the slightly crisp texture were simply sublime. They were the perfect companion to scoop up every last bit of the delicious gravies, proving that sometimes, the simplest things are the most perfect.To cap off this spectacular meal, we were served the most awesome Masala Tea. It was a warm, spiced elixir that provided the perfect, soothing end to our feast. The aromatic blend of spices, perfectly balanced with the robust tea, felt like a comforting embrace against the cool Cameron Highlands air. It was a flawless finish, a moment of pure bliss that tied the entire dining experience together with a beautiful bow.In a region known for its fresh produce and stunning scenery, Singh Chapatti adds another layer of magic. The excellent taste of every dish, the incredible quality of the hot chapatti, and the memorable masala tea make it an absolute must-visit. If you find yourself in the Cameron Highlands, do yourself a favor and seek out this gem. Your taste buds...
Read more"Singh Chapati brings a part of Punjab right to the heart of Cameron Highlands."
TL;DR: If you’re looking for delicious, home-cooked style Indian food with a simple and enjoyable experience, this is a must-visit place.
Overall Experience:
My wife and I spent two nights in Cameron Highlands, and we had our main meals (dinner) at this place, enjoying a beautiful sunset view (see attached photo). The people served food with warmth, and we absolutely loved both the food and our overall experience.
Food:
Must Try: Chapati, Baigan Masala, Masala Tea
Over two days, we ordered only vegetarian dishes—Chapati, Paneer Do Pyaza, Mixed Vegetables, Paneer Makhani, Baigan Masala, and Masala Tea. We enjoyed every dish, but the Chapati, Baigan Masala, and Masala Tea were truly memorable. We were so engrossed in the food that we forgot to take pictures on both days!
Here’s what to expect: The food here feels more like home-cooked meals rather than typical restaurant fare—less creamy, less oily, and lighter overall. It’s more like a home-run kitchen than a fine-dining place, which was exactly what we were looking for.
While all the food was very good, the texture of the paneer might not be exactly like what you get in India, but that didn’t make the dish any less enjoyable. The gravy was excellent.
Portions are generous, and one chapati is the size of two regular chapatis, so order accordingly.
Ambience:
The ambience is very simple, with plastic chairs and tables. But who wants a closed-room restaurant when you’re in the lovely weather of Cameron Highlands? We had our dinner while watching the sunset from our table (see attached photo). I just wanted to be closer to nature, and that’s exactly how it felt.
Service:
Mr. Vinney (if I got the name right) and his entire family were very polite and warm. We felt welcomed and well taken care of on both days. Food preparation took a reasonable amount of time. To avoid any confusion, they ask you to write down your order on a piece of paper. Overall, I really liked the service.
We shared our feedback with Mr. Vinney, especially about the Baigan Masala. He told us that the recipe comes from his mother and that they prepare it in ghee instead of oil. The taste spoke for itself.
All in all, if you are in Cameron Highlands, you must...
Read moreLack of Empathy Towards Families with Young Children
My recent visit here left me feeling deeply disappointed and frustrated, the lack of empathy and understanding towards families with young children was glaringly evident.
As my baby started to get visibly cranky from hunger, we politely requested something simple to tide him over until our meal arrived. However, our simple plea fell on deaf ears as the staff refused to accommodate us, citing a strict policy of serving meals in a specific order.
While I understand the importance of maintaining order in a busy restaurant, the inability to show compassion towards a hungry child is disheartening. In an establishment this lack of basic flexibility and understanding is a major letdown.
Until it revisits its policies and adopts a more empathetic approach towards families with young children, I cannot in good conscience recommend it to others in similar situations.
Updated: Reply to Owner's Response
We weren't intending to rush anyone, We understand it gets busy, but a touch of empathy would have made a difference. Our intention was simply to politely request something for our child, not to disregard others. We didn't expect special treatment, just a simple assurance, Little portion of anything suitable only for the kid when possible would have sufficed, but all we got was a flat no and asking child to wait until all tables including adults are served without any empathy was disheartening.
Regarding your suggestion to buy food elsewhere, we were looking for a solution within your establishment.
Regarding your advice, we strive to ensure our child is fed on time during our travels. However, unforeseen circumstances can sometimes lead to hunger occurring sooner than expected. We're not negligent; just dealing with the unpredictability of parenting and we certainly didn't intend to project negligence...
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