I came to know about this place by the way of a heads up from Camemberu, whom has mentioned about this place which also serves coastal Indian cuisine from Goa and Kerala. I thought that it would probably be a good opportunity to check out what the seafood was about since I had missed the chance back in Spice Junction.

I'm taking a shot in the dark here by saying this, but I am presuming that the murg makhani (or butter chicken) was less creamy because this is essentially a southern Indian place or at least serves food done in their style. The thick gravy held a sharper tang since it wasn't masked by so much cream, but I think I generally enjoy the northern versions better. The green mango curry was something we decided to try out of the spirit of adventure and turned out to be quite a pleasant surprise. The taste of the curry was generally quite mild and tangy with a hint of mango citrus while preserving it's creamy texture. There were pieces of the fruit in the curry which turned out soft (not mushy) like boiled potatoes. The whole dish was generally enjoyable since it was appetizing.

I thought that the green mango garlic prawns looked like a Chinese dish. The initial impression upon serving was disappointment. These prawns aren't large for tiger prawns and didn't look too vibrant. Fortunately, the taste was pretty awesome. Belying the dull steamed prawn look was flesh that was surprisingly firm and crunchy in texture soaked in a buttery sauce loaded with minced garlic. For $27, it was certainly quite pricey considering that it was just three prawns that were quite small in size.

The naans here are good because they were really light and fluffy. I really do mean freshly made, light and fluffy here. In fact it was so light and fluffy that we had to order a portion of basmati rice (pretty costly at $3.80 and didn't exude much fragrance) after two naans. The downside to these breads were the purported flavors. Apart from tasting slightly sweetish, the mango naan didn't taste like it had mango. At all. And I ate the most of it without any gravy so I'm quite positive of the taste. Likewise, the cheese naan didn't taste like it had any cheese baked into them. At all. This was seriously a bummer. The restaurant was kind enough to offer replacements, but we didn't pursue that since they were insistent that it did contain cheese.

I hadn't been in this area for so long that I had forgotten that restaurants here could be pricier like it is in town. I had ordered a glass of lassi without looking from the menu and it turned out to be a little smaller than the usual I've had before and it set my wallet back 7 bucks for it.

pics and original writeup here

The Mango Tree at Marine Cove specializes in cuisine from Goa and Kerala on India's southwestern coast. I'm not too familiar with cuisine from that region but it seems the food tends to be chili hot and fish/seafood dominates.

The beachside restaurant is small and understated, but has a nice veranda for a view of the sea. Upon seating, they present you a lovely platter of complimentary plain and black pepper papadum with three dips (mint, mango and coconut chutneys).

Our starter of mushroom pepper fry (S$7.90) was deliciously addictive - a sign of good things to come. A simple dish - just mushrooms, garlic, onion, green chili and lots of cracked black pepper - but oh so good! Beware the green chili though, they really bite!

Hubby thought this was the best Indian food he's had in a long time.

We chose the Allepey Fish Curry (S$15.90) as one of the mains. It is unusual, very mild yet beguiling. Still, not my favourite dish of the evening because of the use of mullet, which to me has a strong "fishy" smell by nature.

Now this was my favourite - Erachi Ularthiyathu (S$14). I was wowed by the harmony of the rich, complex spices in this mutton dish. The meat is genuinely tender and without any gamey mutton taste. Went so well with the basmati rice. Oh, I popped one of the green chilis into my mouth, thinking these larger ones would be less killer. Boy, was I mistaken. Now, my tolerance for chili is pretty respectable (I can chew chili padi fine) but this fella took me to a new endorphin high.

Bhindi Do Pyaza (S$8.50), okra with onions, came in a savoury tomato-based gravy. Interesting combination but I wished there was a lot more okra to it. Still, I mopped up the gravy with my rice and naan. Yum.

They serve fantastic, fluffy soft naans here (around S$3.80) - choose from plain, butter, garlic, cheese, even mango or machli (stuffed with seafood). Gotta try the last two next time!

The coconut kulfi (S$5.90) is beautifully homemade, with detectable chunks of sweet coconut flesh. The light dash of crushed pistachio adds to the nutty taste.

Now this is a dessert that I rarely see. Payasam (S$5.90). Served hot, it's a thick milky concoction that's both sweet and spicy. Fortunately not too sweet (as many Indian desserts tend to be).

The small portions in the copper bowls may seem pricey but they're worth every cent. Good quality ingredients cooked with finesse. Service is equally genteel and attentive. They also have a full bar and wine list.

More photos here with link to their website.

*Dedicated to a fellow food-gobbler, wine-lover & excellent Italian cook.

Ambience ~ Cool sea breeze, near our most popular beach.

Entertainment/view ~ Amateur Roller-bladers & scantily-clad joggers/bikers.

Toilet inside the restaurant ~ Super-small. Sorry, I don't mean to spoil your appetite but hey, you should wash your hands before you eat, no?

Papadum & spicy dips ~ BEST appetiser/starter.

Wine ~ Very nice selection, the right choice compliments the meal exquisitely. I'm no wine critic but have never rejected any offered by the wine experts I dine with, particularly I.F.

Mango Lassi ~ THE reason for its name. Best non-alcoholic Indian beverage in town.

Garlic Naan ~ Next BEST staple to Garlic Rice (Chinese/Japanese). Tip: Know how many of these HOT, freshly cooked things you can stuff & order it at the BEGINNING. Takes a while to prepare & a while for it to expand in your tummy. I can hold 3 without exploding, or 2 with the dishes.

Curry-anything ~ Delicious. Good selection of spicy & non-spicy meats & vegetables.

Overall, fav outdoor dining experience with E.F.Papa & Co. Never saw the bill & forgot the menu prices - was too occupied with everything else.

Indian food lovers staying at the east should pay this place a visit. Located just behind east coast McDonald's....this is one of the most understated Indian restaurant run by a chinese and eurasian couple. Their chefs are mostly from India and have many years of culinary skills.

When u are at the main entrance, you are greeted by a large solid door....the ones you will find in most Indian palaces....making your way through..you will find an ambience that welcomes you to a world of Indian fine dining.

For starters...I guess the usual papadams are a must....freshly fried...hmm....now...the goodies....the garlic crab is a MUST TRY.....very fresh and oh so buttery and creamy....wow...very rich in taste....then order some vegs...can't remember the name...but hey...it's good....next...some Indian...ah...and how can u forget the kerala mutton ? Very tasty...and cooked just perfectly nice...what more can I say....and dun forget to order lot's of delicious garlic naan to mopped up those delicious gravy...It's ok...eat all u can.....but remember to go for a jog, or cycle around east coast park to lose some additional kilos you've piled up at The Mango Tree...oh well....it's worth the effort...trust me...they are that good : )

It was a nice clear evening, so decided to take my American friend and his Thai girlfriend to this place.

I always walked past this place, and always thought this place looked expensive..... but since I couldn't find any other North Indian outlet in the east, decided to try this place.

Decor is under-stated but so beautiful. Mirrors on the walls and ceilings, and nice little touches here and there. The main door was this huge heavy wooden door, which I would love to have it at my house.

We sat at the veranda, facing the beach. Good for people-watching! They served us papadum and some other chips. There were about 4 pieces and 3 different dips - coconut, mint and mango chutney. Guess what - they were complimentary - this one I give big plus point! The dip were interesting - especially the coconut. Never seen a coconut dip before.

We ordered tandoori chicken, kerala mutton, raita, mussel masala and 4 different types of naan.

The naan was huge and soft and delicious. We ordered plain , garlic, cheese and butter naan. They didn't disappoint, the smell was heavenly.

The tandoori chicken was not as moist as I would have liked, but the taste is there. For $14, it came with 4 pieces, so quite disappointing with the sizes, but I think tandoori chicken generally is quite expensive! It came with shredded salad, raw onions and lime.

The mussel masala is supposed to be an appetiser, but I asked them to serve it at the same time. I didn't think it was mussels, i am very sure it was clams... oh well, I don't mind, I love both. The clams were juicy and totally immersed in the masala taste - oh s0 lovely! The serving was quite generous - there must have been more than 15 pieces of clams. If they have used mussels, I don't think it would have worked! Mussels may be too rubbery to pull off the taste.

Kerala mutton came in nice bite bizes. Very tender and totally delicious. highly recommend this one.

For fibre, we ordered raita which are cubes of vegs in yoghurt. It was nice and refreshing as it diffused the "jelak"ness of the food. It balanced the heaviness of the other food. If I had ordered palak paneer, it would just kill my appetite.

Overall I love this place. Service was excellent. The waiters and waitresses wear traditional white outfits, giving the place a very high-class feel. But the price is not bad! $60 for 3..... no credit card discount! damn!