A Taste of Singapore Elevated: A relaxed afternoon lunch at TIGA, The Leela Hyderabad

Perched on the 9th floor of the opulent The Leela Hyderabad, the newly opened TIGA restaurant brings a luxurious and thoughtfully curated Singaporean dining experience to the city. With panoramic views of Hyderabad’s skyline and interiors that merge modern sophistication with traditional Asian elements, TIGA is ready to establish itself as a culinary destination worth celebrating.

From the moment we arrived, the hospitality was nothing short of exceptional. General Manager Rajesh Gopalkrishnan welcomed us warmly, setting the tone for the evening with a personal touch that is increasingly rare in fine dining. His attention to detail and genuine passion for service shone through every interaction. Alongside him, Chef Shah, who hails from Singapore, masterfully curated our menu, tailoring it thoughtfully to my dietary preferences and allergies.

The lunch began with a glass of red wine, gracefully poured and served as we settled into the ambient surroundings. The restaurant’s interiors are stunning—deep wood tones, subtle gold accents, ambient lighting, and rich textures give TIGA a distinctly upscale yet inviting feel. It’s the kind of place where every corner is Instagram-worthy, yet the focus never shifts away from what truly matters: the food and experience.

Our journey through Singapore began with a specially curated platter of dim sums and baos, each bite bursting with flavor and finesse. The chicken and mushroom baos are worth mentioning. The dim sums, delicate and translucent, hinted at the precision behind their preparation. A standout from this platter was the lamb satay, grilled to perfection and served with perfection.

Next came a comforting lamb soup, which reminded me of a marag; rich with flavor and depth, accompanied by a fresh platter of house-made sauces—each crafted to enhance rather than overpower the dishes. Chef Shah’s attention to balance and seasoning was evident in every element.

For the main course, we indulged in honey-doused prawns—crispy, succulent, very large sized with mild notes sweet, they paired perfectly with the beautifully textured fried rice. Each grain was separate, ensuring satisfaction without overwhelming the palate.

But the undisputed star dish of the evening was the crab in pepper sauce. Served whole and generously coated with a bold, aromatic black pepper glaze, the crab was a showstopper. The pepper sauce, with its complex blend of heat and umami, clung to the sweet crab meat, making every bite an unforgettable experience.

Desserts at TIGA offer a fusion of East and West. The coconut tiramisu was a refreshing tropical twist on the Italian classic, combining creamy mascarpone with a light coconut essence. Alongside it, the crème brûlée, with its perfectly caramelized top and silky vanilla custard beneath, was a classic done right. The gold sprinkle coated blueberries were a delight.

TIGA is more than just a restaurant; it’s an immersive journey through the best of Singaporean cuisine, made remarkable by the team’s dedication to service, quality, and ambiance. With Chef Shah’s culinary artistry and Rajesh Gopalkrishnan’s impeccable hospitality, it promises to become one of Hyderabad’s premier dining destinations.

For those seeking a refined and memorable dining experience—whether for a special occasion, a romantic evening, or simply to explore Singapore through flavor—TIGA at The Leela is a must-visit. From start to finish, the experience is seamless, thoughtful, and utterly delicious.