Khazana
Units 02-01 and 03-01, 79 Circular Road,
Tel: 6534-4166, 6327-4156
Operating hours: 8.30pm to 3am (Sun-Thu), till 4am (Fri and Sat)

Simple wooden doors on the upper floors lead to cosy bars with a live band on the second storey and exotic dancers on the third. Step in here and one is instantly transported to India, as everything feels authentic, right down to the very simple decor and fixtures.

Moshi Moshi Bollywood
Units B1-26/27 Cuppage Plaza, 5 Koek Road, Tel: 6235-0185
Operating hours: 6pm to 2am (Mon-Thu), till 3am (Fri and Sat)

As the name implies, the joint is more than just an Indian bar. It is a fusion lounge and disco that sees a lot of Japanese, Korean and Caucasian clients. Even its dancers come from all parts of the world, such as France and China, and they sashay and belly-dance to Bollywood, bhangra, Canto and hip-hop hits.

Shi Sha - Lounge Bar (above picture)
Unit 02-04, 3A River Valley Road, Clarke Quay, Tel: 6333-4664
Operating hours: 5.30pm to midnight (Sun-Thu), till 3am (Fri and Sat)

The water-filtered smoking apparatus used to stand on every table, like the opium dens of long ago. Now, even with the smoking ban, the cosy little joint is still favoured by the diners in Ivory Kitchen right beside it, as the place for a drink or two. The lounge offers several mocktails with recipes from its sister-outlet in India and authentic Indian finger food.

The Rupee Room
Unit 01-15 The Foundry, 3B River Valley Road, Clarke Quay, Tel: 6334-2455
Operating hours: 6pm to 4am daily
Cover Charge: $15 (Fri and Sat), inclusive of one standard drink. Free entry on other nights

This place stands out in Clarke Quay, and not only because of its interesting name. Dressed in seductive purple lights with colourful seat cushions and lampshades painted with faces of Indian stars, the place draws both Indian and non-Indian clientele. Throw in the latest Bollywood beats and you have one of the most interesting upmarket Indian bars on the island.