If you think Chinatown is all about Chinese food, then head down to Smith Street at the heart of Chinatown for a pleasant surprise. Gorkha Grill is a quaint little restaurant that promises a taste of the great Himalayas, offering an exciting change of flavour from the usual Chinese fare found in that vicinity.

• The Vibe
  Mention Nepal and one conjures up images of majestic mountain ranges. That is precisely what you will see in Gorkha Grill, where an entire wall is taken by a mural painting of a typical Nepalese scene complete with cerulean skies and snow-capped mountains. An assortment of intricate wood relief carvings, artifacts and traditional paintings heightens the Nepalese dining ambience and make for great conversation starters. Even if you are averse to dinner talk, you can always tune in to the restaurant's choice of vibrant Nepalese tunes.

• The Food
  Whet your appetite with a glass of excitingly sour lime juice ($3.50) wholly made from fresh limes. This zingy drink leaves your tongue quivering in pleasure, and though it does not quench your thirst, the lime juice is a great way to start your meal.

  First-timers at Nepalese cuisine should not miss out on the momo ($8.00), a traditional Nepalese dish that resembles a fried version of the Chinese xiaolongbao . Filled with tasty minced chicken within a fried crust, momo comes with a special momo sauce that lends a fiery punch. Health-conscious customers can opt to replace the meat with vegetables and have the momo steamed instead for a healthier appetizer. Alternatively, go straight for the vegetables and order a ram toriya ($6.50), a delightful dish of fried ladies' fingers that tastes amazingly like crispy fries when eaten hot. Gorkha Grill thinly slices the ladies' fingers, fries and tops them with spices to make them a sure hit with children and adults alike.

  If you are up for something different, try the jheenge papita ($14.90), which combines the freshness of prawns with the sweetness of papayas. This refreshing dish features succulent prawns, marinated in wine and mountain herbs, laid atop a papaya boat. The taste of savory spices layered against juicy papaya is delightfully balanced. The papaya flesh is thoughtfully cut into bite-sized pieces for diners' convenience.

  For a little deviation into North Indian food, have a go with their roganjosh ($12.90), a popular lamb curry cooked in Kashmiri style. This lamb curry is not too spicy but every bit as fragrant as the usual Indian fare. The mutton is a little tough but the gravy makes up for the meat texture. Soak up every bit of the flavorsome gravy with Gorkha Grill's garlic naan ($3.00).

  Have a saccharine dining finale with the gulab jamun ($4.00), a khoya delicacy stuffed with pistachios and green cardamom seeds. Khoya refers to the milk solids that remain after evaporating milk under slow heat and is the main ingredient in this dessert. With its chewy plum-coloured exterior and dandy filling, this dessert is bound to satisfy every sweet tooth.

• The Service
  Due to the modest size of the dining area, any gesture to indicate that you need assistance will promptly be noticed and attended by the diligent waiters.

The SD Food Advisor's Take on Gorkha Grill
Authentic Nepalese cuisine is quite a rare find in Singapore and this charming restaurant has both the ambience and menu to lend that touch of exotica to diners who are desperate for a breath of fresh air in the dining scene. I was charmed by the Nepalese dishes but the North Indian menu was a tad disappointing. Customers might consider delving right into the Nepalese menu for maximum satisfaction. Do not expect fiery hot dishes because Gorkha Grill is not the chili fan's playground, but have fun being surprised by the fusion of sweet and savory. Prepare to be intoxicated by their cozy ambience that is fit for a chill-out night here at the Gorkha Grill.