Lion City’s Little India, with its ornate temples, mosques, street art and brightly painted shophouses, is more than just a cultural enclave. Travellers to this vibrant quarter are greeted by a host of unfussy canteens and hip eateries, treating them to an explosion of flavours unlike any other.
1. The Banana Leaf Apolo
Location: 54 Race Course Rd, Singapore
Hours: 10:30 AM – 10:30 PM daily
The Banana Leaf Apolo has been serving Little India South and North Indian cuisine since the 1970s and is one of the most loved foodie hotspots in the quarter. Aptly named, patrons are served meals on a fresh banana leaf, enhancing both the aroma and the authentic experience.
2. Komala Vilas
Location: 76-78 Serangoon Rd, Singapore
Hours: 07:00 AM – 10:30 PM daily
For those craving savoury South Indian flavours, look no further than Komala Vilas in Little India. It is a heritage restaurant founded in 1947 and has been a crowd favourite ever since. The South Indian Thali, a set meal with a variety of dishes, is the star of the menu, favoured for its wholesome and flavourful relish.
3. Muthu’s Curry
Location: 138 Race Course Rd, No 01-01, Singapore
Hours: 10:30 AM – 10:30 PM daily
Just a short walk from Little India, Muthu’s Curry is another unmissable spot for all foodies in town. It’s their Fish Head Curry that puts the restaurant on the map for many of its patrons. Aside from the legendary signature dish, they also serve many other flavourful North and South Indian classics.
4. Tekka Centre
Location: 665 Buffalo Road Zhujiao Centre, Tekka, Market, Singapore
Hours: 09:00 AM – 10:00 PM daily
Your Little India experience would hardly be complete without getting a taste of some local street food, and the bustling Tekka Centre, with its host of hawker stalls, is undoubtedly the best place to be. From Indian to Chinese and Malay cuisines, you are absolutely spoiled for choice.
5. Sakunthala’s Restaurant
Location: 66 Race Course Rd, Singapore
Hours: 11:00 AM – 10:30 PM daily
Families on holiday with kids in tow, there’s no place you’d rather for a tantalising bite than Sakunthala’s Restaurant. A popular family-friendly option in the vibrant quarter, Sakunthala’s serves a wide variety of Indian, Chinese, and Malay dishes. After treating yourself to a mouth-watering meal, retreat to an elegant hotel near Little India, Singapore, including the likes of Hotel 81 Selegie.
6. Ananda Bhavan
Location: Block 663, 01-10, Buffalo Rd Little India, Singapore
Hours: 07:30 AM – 10:00 PM daily
Dating back to 1924, Ananda Bhavan is the oldest Indian vegetarian restaurant in all of Singapore. Their menu is known for its wholesome, healthy, and delicious options, with dosas, chaat, and other vegan-friendly meals among the favourites.
7. Mustard
Location: 32 Race Course Rd, Singapore
Hours: 11:30 AM – 3 PM, 6 PM – 10:45 PM daily
For those looking to try something different from the usual Indian, Mustard serves dishes in Bengali and Punjabi cuisines. This makes Mustard a unique spot in Little India, with its signature dishes such as Bengali-style mutton curry drawing the crowds.
