There's a reason why Little India has earned a rep as a hip 'hood. We explore the best restaurants, boutique hotels and things to do.
The name says it all. This vibrant neighbourhood is a little slice of India in multicultural Singapore. Blending old and new, the buzzing ethnic enclave is peppered with spice shops, jewellery stores, saree specialists, flower vendors, trendy cafes and hip watering holes. Each offers a heady experience like no other. Along with the gleaming Deepavali lights and authentic restaurants, there’s plenty to see and do in Little India.
Guide to Little India: Best restaurants and cafes
1. Podi & Poriyal
This establishment in Little India is all about showcasing South India’s cuisine. Podi & Poriyal serves dishes not typically present on our island; diners can expect small and large sharing plates that are good for up to four people. Enjoy toasted rice lentil balls, idlis, and grilled zucchini in peanut gravy before moving on to delicious sweet treats.
Podi & Poriyal, 486 Serangoon Road, Singapore 218151
2. Kunthaville
Who says you can only get Indian food in this enclave? Say hello to Kunthaville, a new restaurant in Little India offering a taste of Sri Lanka’s vegan style. Start your meal with a plate of spicy beetroot cutlets and jackfruit rolls before tucking into curry leaf coconut rice. The dish comes with dry jackfruit curry, sauteed small green beans, raw mango and cucumber chambal. Sip on Ceylon tea for a truly authentic dining experience.
Kunthaville, 18 Veerasamy Road, Singapore 207326
3. The Black Sheep Cafe
True foodies will know this establishment, which started back in 2006 at Seletar Hills. After a brief sabbatical, The Black Sheep Cafe returns to our culinary scene with a new space in Little India. Apart from the location, everything else remains the same, from the European-inspired menu at wallet-friendly prices to the sheep decor all over the venue.
The Black Sheep Cafe, 18 Norris Road, Singapore 208260
4. Three’s a Crowd
It can get pretty hot out during the afternoons in Singapore. But that’s nothing a scoop of ice cream can’t fix! Three’s a Crowd is an adorable ice cream cafe serving up warm waffles, ice cream, and other snacks. You can get best-selling flavours like espresso, berries cheesecake, and masala on the menu. Or go for vegan faves like coconut, grapefruit and berry, or kaya and speculoos. You’ve also got the option of savouring dishes like chicken and waffles or chicken lasagna.
Three’s a Crowd, 50 Race Course Road, Singapore 218562
5. MTR Mavalli Tiffin Rooms
Serving Karnataka cuisine for over nine decades, MTR Mavalli Tiffin Rooms is the numero uno South Indian restaurant for a quick snack or light meal. We recommend you tuck into a plate of steamed rice cakes (idli) or savoury onion pancakes (onion uthapam). Or opt for the hearty dosa set if you’re feeling peckish.
MTR Mavalli Tiffin Rooms, 438 Serangoon Road, Singapore 218134
6. Indian Express
Need some spice? Drop by Indian Express. It’s Michelin-starred Song of India’s second concept space. Meat eaters, go all in with the tandoori mix grill platter topped with a big fat lamb chop, fish, chicken tikka, kebabs and a bowl of lip-smacking mint chutney. Going with a vegetarian friend? Be sure to order the masala chaat fries or the Punjabi samosas and double down on Indian street food.
Indian Express, 38 Race Course Road, Singapore 218555
7. The Banana Leaf Apolo
A hotspot for Indian cuisine lovers, this long-standing institution has been doling out its food on banana leaves for over 40 years. It offers a mix of North and South Indian fare. Think tandoori chicken, fried fish and mutton masala. But we’re positive most patrons come for the signature fish head curry, which packs a punch. We certainly do!
The Banana Leaf Apolo, 54 Race Course Road, Singapore 218564
8. Madras New Woodlands
This South Indian restaurant has a vegetarian VIP thali meal fit for a king. Thali is a selection of vegetables and curries in mini metal pots served on a large platter. We’d recommend sharing with a friend unless you don’t mind the food coma that comes after. You can also find a selection of great vegetarian delights like appam, dosas, and mushroom manchurian. Wash it all down with a satisfying cup of masala chai.
Madras New Woodlands, 14 Upper Dickson Road, Singapore 207474
9. Moghul Sweet Shop
Fair warning if you have a sweet tooth! This sweet shop at Little India Arcade is probably the Indian version of Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory. It serves a variety of authentic North Indian sweets including gulab jamun, motichoor ladoo, and dodah burfis, just to name a few. It’s a grab ‘n go kinda spot so you can take away all you want. Best to go during off-peak hours (especially before or after the lunch crowd) to avoid snaking queues. Oh, and don’t leave without ordering a samosa. It’ll blow your mind.
Moghul Sweet Shop, #01-16, Little India Arcade, 48 Serangoon Road, Singapore 217959
10. Brunches Cafe
Struggle to get up for breakfast? This cafe is for you. It serves a mean all-day breakfast menu featuring brioche French toast and a deluxe Spanish omelette. Dying for a change in setting? Just make a reservation for affordable high-tea sets. Vintage furniture collections are available around the cafe and you can even purchase those with a price tag. The highlight here has to be its vintage Mini Cooper repurposed as a four-seater sofa set.
Brunches Cafe, 96 Rangoon Road, Singapore 218381
11. Azmi Restaurant
Craving chapati (unleavened flatbread)? Hit up Azmi Restaurant in Little India. This eatery has been whipping out heavenly rotis for over 30 years. There are various dips and curries you can have ‘em with. But the mutton keema (curried minced mutton with peas) and chapati combo are simply divine. Vegetarians can opt for channa masala (curried chickpeas), which also packs a punch.
Azmi Restaurant, 168 Serangoon Road, Singapore 218051
12. Main Street Commissary
Brunches are the way to our hearts, and we can’t think of a better place to be than Main Street Commissary. Fill the table with plates of pasta and sandwiches, and end on a sweet note with delish cakes. If you love the coffee here, you can even get bottled cold brews for an on-the-go caffeine boost. This cafe also doubles as a curatorial art space, so pop by to check out rotating exhibitions!
Main Street Commissary, 81 Rowell Road, Singapore 208014
13. Sakunthala’s
If you’re craving scrumptious Indian fare, Sakunthala’s will charm you with every bite. The menu is packed with North and South Indian cuisine, plus Chinese dishes. Plenty to appease fussy eaters. Try the biryani, tandoori platter, masala chicken, prawn masala and fish head curry. Then, cool down from all the spices with a refreshing glass of lime juice. Bring the whole family along because, trust us, you’ll have a lot to taste before you leave.
Sakunthala’s, multiple locations including Race Course Road and Syed Alwi Road
14. Khansama Tandoori Restaurant
For unbelievably tasty North Indian cuisine, Khansama does it best. We’re talking piping-hot servings of veggie samosas, aloo palak, chicken tikka masala and spicy curries. Wash it down with a cold bottle of beer and that’s dinner sorted. The cheese naan is a definite winner – just think of it as a slice of cheesy heaven on a plate!
Khansama Tandoori Restaurant, 166 Serangoon Road, Singapore 218050
15. Komala Vilas
This establishment is the closest you’ll get to authentic South Indian vegetarian cuisine. It’s always packed ‘cos diners can’t get enough of its signature masala dosai (pancake made from rice and lentil batter, filled with mashed potato) served with sambar (lentil vegetable stew). Or try the massive paper thosai (pictured above) if you’re feeling extra peckish. We like to have it for breakfast.
Komala Vilas, 76-78 Serangoon Road, Singapore 217981
16. Ananda Bhavan
This no-frills vegetarian Indian restaurant in Singapore has been around since 1924. If you’re looking to fuel up on a pocket-friendly, calorie-heavy brekkie, treat yourself to the uthappam in several flavours. The fermented rice batter pancake is a popular Kerala dish. It’s loved for its soft fluffy centre and crispy edges. While Ananda Bhavan has several outlets, we recommend you visit the original one at the entrance of Little India.
Ananda Bhavan, multiple locations including Syed Alwi Road and Serangoon Road
17. Muthu’s Curry
Savour eye-watering, lip-tingling spicy fare at this longstanding restaurant in Little India. It’s known for doling out one of Singapore’s favourite delicacies: fish head curry. Need less spicy options that won’t leave you sweating? Muthu’s Curry also serves a range of tamer, flavour-packed Indian fare, from North to South Indian. Plus plenty of vegetarian dishes to go with it.
Muthu’s Curry, #01-01, 138 Race Course Road, Singapore 218591
18. Old Chang Kee Cafe
We love a curry puff from Old Chang Kee. It even opened a flagship outlet at its original location where it all began 60 years ago. Nestled along Mackenzie Road, the cafe can be easily spotted from afar. That’s thanks to a giant curry puff planted right outside the store. Reminisce the glory days with star dishes like Flower Bread served with lip-smacking chicken curry. Or go for local delights like nasi lemak with blue pea rice.
Old Chang Kee Cafe, #01-01, 19-23 Mackenzie Road, Singapore 228678
19. Anjappar Chettinad Restaurant
As its name suggests, Anjappar is synonymous with Chettinad cuisine (a region of the Tamil Nadu state in India). Never had it? Brace yourself for a multitude of spices and special Chettinad masala. Must-try dishes include mutton sukka varuval (a dry and spicy mutton dish), fish fry (fried fish marinated with special spices) and sura puttu (shredded shark meat with eggs and veggies).
Anjappar Chettinad Restaurant, multiple locations including Race Course Road and Syed Alwi Road
20. Tekka Centre
A wet market, food centre and shopping complex in one, Tekka Centre is the go-to for your Indian cuisine fix. Specialities include biryani (spicy rice dish served with chicken or mutton gravy) from Hanifa’s or Allauddin. Or Indian rojak (a salad of fried dough fritters, boiled potatoes, cuttlefish, hard-boiled eggs and more) from Temasek Indian Rojak. Finish your meal with a glass of teh tarik (frothy hot milk tea) from any of the drink stalls!
Tekka Centre, 665 Buffalo Road, Singapore 210665
21. Machan’s Kitchen
With authentic Tamil cuisine in a contemporary cafe setting, Machan’s Kitchen teleports you to different parts of Tamil Nadu (a state in South India). Our faves include servings of nandu rasam (crab soup) and mutton kola urundai (fried mutton kheema balls made with a secret recipe). Plus sides of kalaki (an egg dish famous in Madurai state) and meen poondu kolambu (home-style fish curry). Wash all that spice down with a refreshing cup of neer moru (spiced buttermilk)!
Machan’s Kitchen, 74 Race Course Road, Singapore 218574
22. Old Hen Coffee Bar
If there’s anything that can make us stray from our usual order of lattes, it’s Old Hen’s bottled cold brews. Just pop them open and savour the chilled caffeinated goodness in either smooth black or creamy white. Feeling a little er… peckish (pun intended)? Old Hen’s brownie affogato should satiate you quite nicely.
Old Hen Coffee Bar, #01-03, 88 Rangoon Road, Singapore 218374
23. Soul Brew
Tucked away within Holiday Inn Singapore Little India, Soul Brew offers a peaceful hideaway from the hustle and bustle. Conveniently located directly above Farrer Park MRT station, it’s accessible to both hotel guests and the public, so drop by for a dose of healthy cold-pressed juices, a cup of joe or a relaxing tea session.
If you’re feeling peckish, there’s a range of salad bowls and delicious sandwiches – the latter includes unmissable flavours like tandoori sandwich and chilli cheese toast. On the hunt for desserts? Opt for its cake selection to satisfy your sweet tooth. And if you’re in a hurry, grab and go sets are available too. At just $10, you’ll get a cup of coffee with your choice of croissant or muffin.
Soul Brew, Floor 1, Holiday Inn Singapore Little India, 10 Farrer Park Station Road, Singapore 217564
24. The Malayan Council
Planning on hitting a cafe more for food than coffee? The Malayan Council offers some truly eclectic menu items featuring local twists. Tuck into hearty mains like roti kirai beef ribs or the perennial favourite, asam pedas seafood aglio. For dessert, choose from the cafe’s wide selection of cakes. We recommend the classic ondeh ondeh cake with a rich coconut cream.
The Malayan Council, multiple locations including Dunlop Street and Bussorah Street
Guide to Little India: Where to shop and stay
25. Loop Garms
Vintage clothes? So adorable. This concept started as a hobby for the founders before they decided to take the leap and open this vibey store. Pop in and browse through a curated collection of threads you never thought you needed like graphic tees, sports jackets, and plaid shirts. Keep your eyes peeled for special edition stuff too.
Loop Garms, #01-148, 635 Veerasamy Road, Singapore 200635
26. Little India Arcade
Take a walk around this bustling shopping destination to pick up souvenirs such as beautiful silk saris, handicrafts and dazzling jewellery.
Little India Arcade, 48 Serangoon Road, Singapore 217959
27. Jothi Store and Flower Shop
Located at the very heart of Serangoon Road, this isn’t just your regular corner store. Named after the owner’s first daughter, Jothi is the go-to shop for the countless needs of its community. It supplies staples like rice, medicine, and other household necessities. It even sells prayer items, and you’ll see garlands of fresh flowers for sale too.
Jothi Store and Flower Shop, 1 Campbell Lane, Singapore 209882
28. Haniffa Textiles
Looking for a saree to suit any occasion? Ask any local and all fingers will point to Haniffa Textiles. You’ll find a treasure trove of sarees in various colours, designs, patterns, materials and price ranges to suit all your needs.
Haniffa Textiles, multiple locations including Serangoon Road and Dunlop Street
29. Mustafa Centre
Think about shopping in Little India and one iconic name springs to mind: Mustafa Centre. This shopping behemoth sells just about anything. From affordable electronics to baked pastries and snacks, this is a paradise for bargain-hunters and hardened shopaholics.
Mustafa Centre, 145 Syed Alwi Road, Singapore 207704
30. Pottu Kara Maami
Founded in Singapore by sisters, Pottu Kara Maami is a saree haven for anyone seeking something out of the ordinary. Slip into chic with a range of modern silhouettes. That includes embroidered sarees, sequin sarees and block print sarees. Or opt for traditional pieces like mangalagiri cotton sarees and kanchipuram sarees. That’s your Deepavali shopping sorted.
Pottu Kara Maami, 121A Serangoon Road, Singapore 218026
31. The Great Madras
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve probably heard of this hotel in Little India. The Great Madras is a breath of fresh air. It’s got picturesque frames taken right out of a scene from Wes Anderson’s The Grand Budapest Hotel. Rooms range from a hostel-style co-living space with king-sized beds to a cosy suite with a circular bathtub. Wallpaper-heavy walls and quirky interior decor aside, this aesthetically pleasing boutique hotel also has a barber and bistro in the lobby.
The Great Madras, 28 Madras Street, Singapore 208422
32. Wanderlust by The Unlimited Collection
Wanderlust was one of the pioneers of cutting-edge boutique hotels in Singapore, breathing life to the city’s ‘themed hotels’ scene. It blends old world charm with contemporary style. All rooms and suites are decked in sleek natural finishes and smart textural overlays. Our pick? The Studio Loft, which comes with a cosy kitchenette and workspace.
Wanderlust by The Unlimited Collection, 2 Dickson Road, Singapore 209494
33. One Farrer Hotel
The leading five-star urban hotel features an award-winning collection of over 700 pieces of original contemporary abstract art. The “hotels within a hotel” concept allows you to select chic rooms with varying styles – from loft-style apartments to a sophisticated penthouse and luxurious villas. Now, this is what we call value for your buck. While you’re there, check out Escape Restaurant. Enjoy poolside meals and take your pick from mouthwatering grilled mains like burgers and steaks to artisanal desserts.
One Farrer Hotel, 1 Farrer Park Station Road, Singapore 217562
34. The Vagabond Club
Three words: Parisian swank factor. The Vagabond Club knocked the boutique hotel game out of the park when it opened. For starters, each of the 41 rooms is super swish. Think boudoir chic havens of tranquillity. To help you scratch your arty itch, look out for any events that pop up. Vibe out to jazz music and sip on whiskey for the ultimate experience.
The Vagabond Club, 39 Syed Alwi Road, Singapore, 207630
35. Bunc Hostel
Hostels may get a bad rep for being dodgy fleapits – too many bad memories from our backpacking days – but oh no, not this one. Easy on the eyes and on the wallet, Bunc is a 233-bed boutique hostel (emphasis on boutique) with all the fixings of a swish establishment. It’s got sleek Scandi decor, clean beds, and female-only dorms available. It’s also a stone’s throw away from popular hubs like Tekka Centre and Mustafa Centre.
Bunc Hostel, 15 Upper Weld Road, Singapore 207372
36. Hilton Garden Inn Singapore Serangoon
If you’ve got a weakness for luxury staycays, Hilton’s first Garden Inn in Singapore may be your new go-to sanctuary. The 328-room hotel features 10 room categories. Top-tier ones like the King Deluxe rooms offer varying views of the old race course or neighbouring shophouses. No matter which room you pick, one thing’s for sure. You’re guaranteed plush furnishings like ultra-luxurious beds, bay window seating areas and large HDTVs.
Hilton Garden Inn Singapore Serangoon, 3 Belilios Road, Singapore 219924
Guide to Little India: Where to explore and things to do
37. Get henna art done
We know henna is typically done as a wedding custom, but it isn’t rare to see it done just for fun. Henna has grown into its own art form. We’ve even seen people getting henna done even beyond Deepavali! If you haven’t been able to catch pop-up henna artists who make appearances at art fairs, swing by Little India. It won’t take long for you to find a little beauty shop that’s happy to do henna art for you in a snap.
38. Former house of Tan Teng Niah
Sitting along Kerbau Road and Buffalo Road, the last surviving Chinese villa in Little India is hard to miss. Be sure to take a closer look at it. You’ll find this cultural monument has a mix of southern Chinese and European influences. Including a bamboo tiled roof! But the vibrant medley of colours is what attracts hordes of tourists to get the perfect shot.
Former house of Tan Teng Niah, 37 Kerbau Road, Singapore 219168
39. Sri Veeramakaliamman Hindu Temple
Dedicated to Kali, the Hindu Goddess of power, this grand, intricately designed temple has a South Indian architectural style and was established in 1855. That makes it one of the oldest religious sites in Singapore.
Sri Veeramakaliamman Hindu Temple, 141 Serangoon Road, Singapore 218042
40. Indian Heritage Centre
The galleries within this ultra-modern museum are chronologically arranged and span the period from 1st century CE to the 21st century. Here, visitors can learn about the historical links between the Indian sub-continent and Southeast Asia. As well as the experiences of South Asians in Southeast Asia.
Indian Heritage Centre, 5 Campbell Lane, Singapore 209924
41. Abdul Gafoor Mosque
You’ll be amazed by the architecture of Abdul Gafoor Mosque. It features Arabian, Indian and Renaissance influences. The green and yellow monument houses a sundial in the middle of the mosque with 25 rays, decorated with Arabic calligraphy.
Abdul Gafoor Mosque, 41 Dunlop Street, Singapore 209369
42. The Temple Of Thousand Lights
Also known as Sakya Muni Buddha Gaya Temple, its focal point is the 15-foot seated Buddha surrounded by numerous lightbulbs. There’s also a statue of the sleeping Buddha in a room below the main temple hall.
The Temple Of Thousand Lights, 366 Race Course Road, Singapore 218638
43. Hunt for murals and wall art
To add to its beauty, the neighbourhood doesn’t shy away from beautiful murals by local artists. You’ll thoroughly enjoy scouting for these beauties on your street art tour.
There’s so much to do in Little India – from eating at the best restaurants to shopping up a storm. Time to get exploring!