Tucked away on Level 5 of the Holiday Inn Singapore Little India, Gully Restaurant & Garden isn’t just another Indian eatery — it’s an energetic tribute to the colourful chaos and irresistible charm of India’s legendary street food.
On Oct 7, 2025, I visited the place for what I thought would be a casual lunch. Instead, I walked into an experience — one that was immersive, communal, nostalgic, and surprisingly elevated.
First Impressions: Walking Into a Gali, Not a Hotel Restaurant
As I entered Gully, I was immediately drawn in by the vibrant setting. Think bustling Mumbai alleys, Delhi’s Chandni Chowk, or Bengaluru’s VV Puram food street — only reimagined through a designer’s lens.
It’s all colour, texture, and attitude. The buzz of the open ambience, the natural lighting, and the green surroundings made it feel less like a hotel dining area and more like an urban escape.
There are two distinct zones — the main restaurant and the Gully Garden. While the former channels a vibrant indoor “thelawala” vibe, the latter is a breezy open-air space by the pool.
By sundown, the garden turns into an atmospheric oasis — complete with fairy lights, music, and cocktails that could rival any rooftop bar.
The Food: A Love Letter to Indian Street Classics
The menu at Gully is built around sharing. I was told by the servers (who are impressively well-versed in the stories behind each dish) that this was intentional — meant to echo how food is enjoyed in the alleys of India: together, with conversation and chaos.
We started with Pani Puri Shots — a playful nod to the Mumbai favourite, but served in sleek shot glasses. Crisp, tangy, spicy, and gone in seconds. A perfect amuse-bouche.
Next came the Gully Signature Tacos — a fusion idea that could’ve gone wrong, but totally worked.
The Mutton Seekh Taco was smoky and indulgent, bursting with North Indian masalas. The Tandoori Fish Taco had a coastal zing, while the Garlic Mushroom Taco — a vegetarian option — had umami-rich depth that reminded me of Bengaluru’s street food.
Then came the showstopper: Gully Smoked Butter Chicken. This is not your average butter chicken. It’s delicately smoked, rich but not cloying, and served in a way that feels elevated yet rustic.
The smoky aroma reminded me of roadside dhabas, and the flavour lived up to that nostalgia.
Drinks That Deserve Their Own Spotlight
Indian-inspired cocktails can sometimes feel like a gimmick, but at Gully, they’re central to the experience.
I tried the Gully Signature Margarita, which blends tequila with tamarind syrup and masala — it’s spicy, tangy, and dangerously easy to sip.
The Little Chennai Kaya Butter Whiskey Sour was a surprise hit — whiskey, coconut and kaya toast notes? It shouldn’t work, but it does. Rich, smooth, and uniquely Singaporean-Indian.
Non-alcoholic options also shine here. The Rose & Lychee Slushie was floral and refreshing — perfect for tropical evenings. The Mango Lassi wasn’t overly sweet and had just the right hint of saffron.
The Vibe: Community, Chaos, and Comfort
Dining at Gully doesn’t feel formal — it feels like being transported to a buzzy corner of Old Delhi or a festival street in Chennai.
The communal style of dining encourages interaction; dishes are portioned just right for sharing. It’s the kind of place where you’re as likely to see a family of six as you are a couple on a date or a group of friends catching up over drinks.
I sat outdoors at the Gully Garden, and there was a tangible sense of buzz — like something fun was always about to happen.
Final Verdict: Street Food, Reimagined with Heart
Gully isn’t just another attempt at upscale Indian dining. It captures the spirit of the streets — bold, unapologetic, and layered with stories.
It doesn’t water down the flavours, but it does reimagine the presentation, format, and setting to appeal to today’s diner.
The fact that it sits in Little India is fitting. It’s both a tribute and a reinvention — taking the soul of the streets and giving it a fresh, modern twist.
Whether you’re an Indian food purist, a curious newcomer, or just someone looking for a lively new dining spot in Singapore, Gully deserves a visit.
And if you do go — don’t miss that butter chicken. You’ll thank me later.
For inquiries or reservations, please get in touch with [email protected] or visit www.gullysg.com
