Growing up in the Midwest with culinarily unadventurous parents, I didn’t know the difference between tikka masala and vindaloo until I moved to the land of schnitzel, sausage, and potatoes in my late twenties.
About seven years ago, a quick takeaway order, at the urging of my now-wife, started a long-term relationship with one of my favorite eateries in Wiesbaden.
Tucked away on an unassuming street near the main railway station, Singh’s Tandoori Indian Restaurant serves up an extensive menu of bold flavours for lovers of cuisine from the Indian subcontinent.
On a recent Monday evening, I stopped in to enjoy a meal inside, something I hadn’t enjoyed since living in the neighborhood in late 2019.
The place is cozy and lively, with two dining areas that seat about 50. I was the only one there when I walked in around 5:30, but seven other patrons soon gathered at the front bar and dining area.
We toured the North Indian menu, which included curries, biryani rice dishes and meat-centric tandoori dishes, savouring chicken, lamb, seafood and over 20 vegetarian dishes.
I started with a samosa as an appetizer, and had to laugh a little inside at the heart and rose shaped vegetable garnishes on a potato and pea stuffed pastry. I liked the presentation, even though it was a bit abstract.
The samosas have a fantastic crust – crispy and flaky with a slight salty flavour, while the filling is moist and fragrant. The deep fried dumplings come with three different sauces, making for a “rock paper scissors” type experience.
The sweet and fruity flavour of the chutney was a perfect match for the savoury snacks. Of the three, my favourite was the chilli sauce, with its tangy vinegar flavour that complemented the sweetness of the chutney, while the yogurt mint sauce added a creamy texture to round out the flavours. I cut the two samosas into slices and repeated this pattern a few times.
For my main course, I chose the Lamb Jalfrezi (super spicy) with Paneer Naan. The curry was an explosive combination of flavours and textures. The tomato-based sauce was rich and complex with hints of garlic, ginger, turmeric and a strong chilli flavour. One bite of the lamb almost melted in my mouth.
After stuffing myself with flatbread, rice and curry I didn’t have room for dessert so I had a coffee and enjoyed the slight endorphin rush that rounded off a delicious meal.
It’s hard to find anything to complain about: 80 degree temperatures, spicy food, and no air conditioning certainly made the meal muggy, but I never once felt uncomfortable.
Parking can also be a challenge, but that’s to be expected since it’s located in downtown Wiesbaden: Singh’s is just a few minutes’ walk from multiple surrounding parking lots.
The restaurant also offers a wide range of takeaway and delivery options. I’ve ordered from Shin’s at least a dozen times, and it was my go-to meal during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic lockdown.
I’ve tried just about the entire chicken curry menu and have never been disappointed with my order, though of course delivery lacks the fantastic presentation that comes with dining in.
On my way out, I bought some palak paneer to bring home for my wife, who described the cheese and spinach curry as smooth, well-seasoned and well-balanced. “I don’t know what else to say. It’s amazing,” she told me as she took another big bite.
Although we cook and eat most of our meals at home, Singh’s will continue to be our family’s go-to place when we want to pamper ourselves.
I already know the best Indian restaurant in Wiesbaden so I’m not sure if I’m willing to try another one in the town.
Singh’s Tandoori Indian Restaurant
Address: Albrechtstrasse 21, Wiesbaden, Germany
Opening hours: Monday, Wednesday to Friday, 11am-2pm, 4.30pm-10pm, Saturday and Sunday, 12pm-10pm.
Price: 20-30 euros per person for drink, appetizer and main course, 10-15 euros for limited lunch menu
Information: Phone: +49 0611 50568750; Online: Singers Wiesbaden