I would have to say wow for the food here! It's been a really long time since I've eaten at Komala Vilas and the last time was a vague memory of dosai and tea in metal cups probably 13 years back. I've passed by this place on numerous occasions on my way to Chellas and wherehaveyous in the district of Little India and haven't walked in until now.

This rather famous Indian restaurant which has been around before 1950 whips up volumes of very common fare like rice based meals and snacks like dosai, chapati, battura, idlis and vadai for the consistently large crowd on a daily basis. The thali (South Indian rice meal) which comes with soft, fluffy and steaming rice was simply mouth watering. I must mention that the rice (which comes with an array of condiments) is so good, you can eat it plain on its own. The likelihood of that happening is little however, since you get a bunch of stuff like thairu (yoghurt), spicy pickles or the huge bucket of sambar which the servers walk around with. This rice meals are all you can eat orders and one can always request for more rice and vegetables as desired. The Bombay Thali (also known as the vegetarian briyani on the menu) comes similar with the exception of a saffron based rice and an additional chapati. I'm not familiar with all the names of the vegetable sides here, but I would have to say that they're all good.

pictures here

Last night's visit to Komala reminded me once again why I used to have brunch there at least twice a month. The Bhatura ($3.50) is simply fantastic! The big brown crispy ball excites me each time i see it emerge piping fresh from the kitchen. For those who have never try it, please do! the side chickpea curry that comes along with it is so yummy too, i usually ask for second helpings.

The bhatura's the first dish i've ever tried at Komala's, and its so fingerlicking good (you attack with your right hand, don't bother with cutleries) that i've never been tempted to order anything else as my main. From trying what those around me order, I'm still convinced the Bhatura's the best choice.

There's a smaller version of the bhatura called the poori, which comes in pairs. It's quite good too, but the combination of spices used doesn't quite hit home like the bhatura.

The paper tosai ($2.60) is good for a paper tosai. But why order it when the Bhatura's available? That said, the Bhatura is only available from lunch onwards - i still remember the time when i had to order the poori because i went too early. I was one sad girl for the rest of the day.

I always make it a point to order the mango lassi ($2.10). It's a mango yogurt drink that's refreshingly rich and thick. Simply divine. There are times when it's served less chilled which is a bummer, but when it is cold, i'll usually finish 2 cups (2nd one ordered only after the first is finished to keep it chilled of course.)

The tea is really good too. But tasting like teh tarik, and being in Singapore, there's nothing too spectacular there. I guess what makes this one different is the way it is served: in a metal cup that's placed in a shallower and wider metal cup. If the place is not too busy and if you ask really politely and smile really sweetly, the waiter may show you his tea-pulling prowess. Another way to see it is to act like a tourist and ask them why the tea is served that way. (remember to ooh and ahh if they oblige.)

I usually avoid the indian sweets, because i find them excruciatingly sweet (almost like nibbling sugar) but for those who like such food, i guess they are not too bad.

Komala is not a place where you get to hang around to chat; you leave as soon as you finish eating. But being in little india, it's nice to walk off the food at the shops nearby.

Here, it's good vegetarian Northern Indian food at good prices. No frills.

The place consists of 2 stories where proper meals like vegetarian biryani is served upstairs, while lighter bites downstair. Forget the air-con and napkins and fancy-pantsy crap. Think Punjabi. For those who think you're an expert at Indian food because you're a regular at the prata shop, you're not.

Try things like the masala dosai, puri and bhatura. You can't go wrong there. They are accompanied by chickpea curry along with 1 or 2 more gravies. If you prefer, ask them to include red onions and a lime, which I can't do without.

Pick a dessert or two from a wide range to end your meal if you want, and wash it all down a cup of freshly pulled tea.

Sheer bliss...