Thevar

• Thevar 2.0's design as a minimalistic sanctuary inspired by Chef Mano's childhood home in Penang: The restaurant's interior features terracotta walls and Chettinad-inspired motifs embedded in pillars and rugs, creating a subtle yet meaningful homage to the chef's roots, which contrasts with the bold flavors served.

• Fusion of Indian and Malaysian influences with unconventional dishes like fish biryani and a chicken roti likened to the best street taco: Thevar offers a modern interpretation of Indian cuisine infused with Malaysian elements, presenting unique dishes that surprise diners with new flavor combinations and textures not commonly found in traditional Indian restaurants.

• Relaxed, non-pretentious dining atmosphere combined with impeccable service and a unique wine list: Unlike typical two-Michelin-starred establishments that emphasize formalities such as silverware and napkin service, Thevar fosters a friendly, inviting environment akin to dining at a good friend's home, making the experience both exceptional and comfortable.

The most honored or signature ingredients at Thevar, the Michelin-starred restaurant in Singapore, reflect a sophisticated blend of South Indian flavors with contemporary techniques and regional influences:

• Butternut Squash and Tomato Sambar: Used in the Poriyal Mille-Feuille, this ingredient combination showcases a refined take on traditional South Indian sambar, highlighting seasonal vegetables and complex spice blends.

• Irish Oyster: Featured in the Irish Oyster Rassam Granita, this ingredient brings a fresh, briny element to a classic South Indian rasam, elevated with modern presentation and technique.

• Chettinad Chicken (Duck variant): Thevar reinterprets the classic Chettinad chicken curry using duck, served in innovative formats like small tacos with pickles, aioli, and fried onions, emphasizing bold, balanced flavors with lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves.

• Soursop and Aloe Vera: Used in a signature dessert falooda, these ingredients provide a tangy, refreshing contrast with sweet basil seeds and velvety ice cream, illustrating the restaurant’s creative dessert approach.

• Cardamom: A key spice in their reimagined Rasmalai dessert, cardamom adds aromatic warmth to the decadent clotted cream reinterpretation, underscoring the blend of traditional Indian flavors with fine dining sophistication.

These ingredients are significant for their role in bridging traditional South Indian culinary heritage with innovative, seasonal, and international influences, resulting in dishes that are both visually stunning and flavor-complex.