Amar Singh is the owner of many fabulous Indian restaurants in Melbourne from Horn Please [where he works as Head Chef] to Bibi Ji in Carlton and Dhaba at The Mill.
He spoke to The Write Drop for our At The Bar series ahead of Diwali and explains the many ways we can celebrate the occasion at his restaurants.
MY CITY
Fitzroy North, Melbourne. I love the neighbourhood feel, the local cafes, green spaces and the mix of people and cultures. It’s got character without being too busy, and it feels like home.
FAVOURITE FOOD MEMORY
My mum’s cooking back home in Punjab. Some of my earliest memories are of her preparing food for big family gatherings. That’s where I learnt to cook, and her recipes still inspire what we serve at Bibi Ji today.
FAVOURITE BAR
The Fitz in Fitzroy. It’s a lovely spot to unwind with a glass of cocktail and some good food, whether I’m catching up with friends or just enjoying a quiet evening I prefer visiting The Fitz.
BEST HANGOVER CURE
A big glass of water with lemon and a little salt, followed by a good rest. Sometimes keeping it simple is best!
BEST INTERSTATE BAR
The Baxter Inn in Sydney is one of my favourites. I loved its intimate atmosphere, the bartenders’ creativity and the evergreen whisky collection. You could visit more than once and have a completely different experience each time.
FAVOURITE WINE
A good, aged Cabernet Sauvignon from the Yarra Valley. I love its depth and character, especially when shared over a relaxed dinner with family and friends.
A WINERY YOU LOVE
Yering Station in the Yarra Valley. The wines are beautiful, but it’s also the setting that makes it special. I love spending an afternoon tasting wines, enjoying the views and taking things a little slower.
NEXT DESTINATION
Tokyo, Japan. As a chef, I’m always curious about new flavours, techniques and food cultures. I’d love to explore its local markets, discover small eateries and experience the attention to detail that Japanese cuisine is known for.
DINNER PARTY WITH THREE FAMOUS PEOPLE
Vikas Khanna for his incredible food stories; Gordon Ramsay, to talk kitchens, restaurants and the realities of the hospitality industry; and Shah Rukh Khan, because he’s such a fascinating storyteller. That would be a dinner full of great conversations.
BEST THING ABOUT YOUR JOB
Creating a place where people can come together over food and make memories. Seeing families celebrate, friends catch up and regular customers return to our restaurants is what makes all the hard work worthwhile.
BIBI JI PICTURED ABOVE
Pairing drinks with dishes at Bibi Ji for Diwali
For us, Diwali calls for a little bit of everything! Start with our tangy Chaat, moving on to our smoky tandoori chicken, rich Punjabi-style goat curry or creamy Malai Kofta for a delicious vegetarian option. Pair these with our signature drinks for a refreshing twist. With bold flavours, great drinks and a table full of food to share, it’s the kind of meal that calls for one more round.
We’re turning Diwali into a proper celebration at Bibi Ji, with an exclusive festive menu alongside live dhol and Bollywood dance performances. Expect the bold, familiar flavours of Indian food, plenty to share and an atmosphere that brings the celebration to life.
HORN PLEASE -pictured above; kebab with drink pairing.
PAIRING DISHES AT HORN PLEASE FOR DIWALI
For a fun Diwali dinner, we’d recommend our Village Lamb Curry alongside a refreshing cocktail, or our popular Yoghurt Kebabs paired with a cocktail for a delicious vegetarian option. Our menu brings together bold Indian flavours and a contemporary drinks experience, making it easy to find a combination you love. Whether you’re catching up with friends or planning a festive night out, it’s all about good food, great drinks and even better company. At Horn Please, we bring unauthentic Indian flavours together with a colourful, contemporary dining experience. From street-food favourites to comforting curries, creative cocktails and a lively atmosphere, we’re all about making dinner an occasion.
