In the heart of Little India, you will find The Serangoon House, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel by Marriott International, which pays homage to Indian colonial design and interior architecture. Set within this richly designed beautiful space is GUPSHUP, a fitting culinary establishment that elevates Indian cuisine with gourmet Indian tapas. Here, diners can discover truly vibrant regional dishes, where cultural delicacies from Delhi, Bombay, Punjab, Calcutta, and the coasts come together in a dance of flavours – from ting-tang to peppy-sweet, and textures from crisp-crunch to soft-fluffy.
You will find GUPSHUP tucked away in an intimate space that seems to flood your vision with its vibrant colours as the elevator doors open to the hotel’s basement. Like its hotel home, GUPSHUP’s interiors, too, evoke old-world charm with jewel-toned banquettes, colonial murals, and soft golden light – excellent for all your picture-perfect posts. Blending rich culinary traditions with contemporary flair, it offers an immersive experience in a glamorous, vintage setting that reflects the hotel’s opulent colonial heritage. With a name that means “conversation” in Hindi, GUPSHUP is certainly the ideal setting for a quiet tête-à-tête, or a lively exchange that turns new acquaintances into lifelong friends. GUPSHUP is part of The Garcha Group, a Singapore-based luxury boutique hotel operator.
He Makes Happiness On A Plate: About Chef Jolly
The culinary mind behind the menu at GUPSHUP, bringing depth, personality, and purpose to every dish, is Chef Surjan Singh Jolly, affectionately known as Chef Jolly. With over three decades of experience across luxury hotels, Michelin-starred kitchens, and international culinary stages including appearing as a judge on MasterChef India, Chef Jolly is one of India’s most celebrated culinary figures.
Starting his journey in June 1993 as Chef de Partie at the famed Taj Palace, New Delhi, he has since risen to become a chef, mentor, TV personality, and global ambassador for Indian cuisine, using his training in classical French and Indian techniques to push the creative boundaries of gastronomy. He has led prestigious kitchens across India, the Middle East, the UK, and the United States, and previously served as Executive Chef at JW Marriott Bengaluru.
Charismatic, with a deep-rooted knowledge of Indian food traditions, and an innate ability to bring bold, nostalgic flavours to life with elegance and flair, Chef Jolly is also known for his warm, story-driven approach to food that celebrates India’s rich traditions while embracing global innovation.
At GUPSHUP, he brings this global perspective to life – curating a menu that is both elevated and approachable, soulful yet sophisticated. Every dish bears his signature: heritage-inspired, deeply flavourful, and beautifully plated. His vision for GUPSHUP is clear: to create not just a restaurant, but a stage for conversation, connection, and culinary artistry.
A Taste of Heritage With A Contemporary Twist
GUPSHUP presents gourmet Indian dining in the heart of Little India, with a refined menu of inventive small plates, hearty mains, and creative desserts. From favourites like chaat to elevated tandoor-grilled specialities and regional delicacies, every dish at GUPSHUP celebrates authentic flavours elevated by contemporary techniques.
The Great Indian Feast
Comprising 13 authentic Indian dishes, The Great Indian Feast is an unlimited dining journey that is both playful and refined, celebrating the grandeur, diversity, and festive spirit of India. Guests embark on an all-you-can-eat vibrant culinary adventure, from the smoky tandoors of Punjab and the bustling chaats of Delhi, to the spice-laden markets of Chennai. Curated with passion by Chef Jolly, The Great Indian Feast by GUPSHUP showcases a sumptuous array of flavours that celebrate India’s festive spirit.
Appetisers begin with Bhindi Amchur, an addictive bite of crispy fried okra dusted with chickpea flour, cumin and mango powder. Then, delight in an endless crunch concerta of Pani Poori, the beloved Indian street snack of crisp, hollow semolina shells styled like a gourmet tapas, filled with crushed potatoes, chickpeas, sweet-tangy tamarind water, and spicy mint shots. Also on the menu is the refreshing Lotus Papdi Chaat, delicate lotus crisp layered with sweet potato, onion-tomato mix, yogurt and a pomegranate mint sauce.
Now that your palate has been awakened, choose between Chicken Keema Kal Dosa or Potato Kal Dosa – soft, fluffy rice crepes filled with either spiced minced chicken or curried crushed potatoes. For mains, indulge in the classic Chicken Chettinad Curry, a robust South Indian-style curry simmered with tender chicken, curry leaves and house-made spices paired with a piping-hot, handmade parotta that is perfectly crisp on the edges and delightfully doughy within.
Be spoilt for choice with other small plates: GUPSHUP’s signature Amritsari Chole & Tandoori Kulcha, stewed and curried mashed chickpeas served with crisp bread topped with a tinge of spice, stuffed with spiced potatoes, coriander, lime, and dried pomegranate seeds; the bold Gosht Seekh Kebab, punchy lamb mince skewers with garlic, coriander and mild chillies; the beloved South Indian crispy snack Chicken 65, deep-fried with curry leaves and chilli; and Chilli Paneer, Tangra-style chilli-garlic-soy paneer with notes of black pepper and spices. To accompany these, select from aromatic Basmati Rice or a Bread Basket of wheat roti, naan and whole wheat paratha.
For a sweet finale, conclude your meal with two irresistible dessert options. Of note is the signature Kulfi Falooda, whichfeatureshouse-made frozen reduced milk with almond, pistachio, cardamom and rose, layered with vermicelli, holy basil seeds and a drizzle of raspberry sauce. A most delicious rendition of Indian ice cream.
The Great Indian Feast Menu is available from Fridays to Sundays, from 12pm to 2.30pm and 5pm to 9pm. The menu is priced at $59++ per person, for unlimited ala carte dining for 90 minutes.
“Dabbawala” Tiffin
Literally meaning “one who carries a box” in Hindi, this menu is a tribute to the dabbawalas in Mumbai, India, who would flood the streets on their bicycles during lunchtime, delivering freshly made, home-cooked lunch tiffins to thousands of office workers across the city.
While you won’t be greeted by a literal dabbawala at GUPSHUP, what diners enjoy are the same home-style lunches, with an upclass twist. You get a choice of one main, accompaniments, and an optional dessert. For the main, pick from Tandoori Paneer Makhani, the tandoor-grilled Indian protein-rich cottage cheese served in a rich tomato and butter sauce; or the Classic Delhi Butter Chicken, boneless tandoori chicken tikka in a creamy tomato-butter sauce – a true North Indian favourite. There’s also the hearty Meat Tariwala, Punjabi-style slow-cooked lamb curry in robust, aromatic spices with pickled ginger.
Complementing your main are sides of Maah Di Daal, the iconic “Dal Makhani” – black urad lentils slow-stewed for 48 hours, finished with cream and butter. There will also be Vegetable of the Moment, Chef’s daily selection of seasonal vegetables, and steamed basmati rice. Round off your cosy tiffin meal with a dessert or two (add on $9 each). Options include Jamun, milk cake dumplings in a sweet and aromatic saffron-cardamom syrup; Kulfi, traditional Indian ice cream with pistachio, cardamom, and rose; and Elaneer Payasam, chilled tender coconut pudding infused with cardamom.The “Dabbawala” Tiffin Menu is available from Tuesdays to Thursdays, from 12pm to 2.30pm. Minimum 2 pax to dine. Vegetarian Menu is priced at $21++ per person, and the Non-Vegetarian Menu at $23++ per person.
