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Little India Singapore
If you want to explore an exotic and vibrant corner of the world, look no further than Little India.
Located in the heart of Singapore, this district is home to some of the city’s most colorful and culturally rich attractions. From delicious Indian cuisine to mesmerizing temples, different shops, and cultural experiences in the city.
In this guide, we’ll provide an overview of what to expect and everything you need to know when visiting Little India, as well as some tips for getting the most out of your visit!
1. Little India Best Food Guide
Mustard Singapore
| Website | http://www.mustardsingapore.com/ |
| Address | 32 Race Course Rd, Singapore 218552 |
| Phone | 6297 8422 |
| mustardrestaurant@yahoo.com | |
| Operating Hours | Sunday to Friday: Lunch: 11:30am to 3:00pm Dinner: 6:00pm to 10:45pm Saturday: Lunch: 11:30am to 4:00pm Dinner: 6:00pm to 10:45pm |
Mustard, located in Singapore’s Little India neighborhood, is one of the best places to sample Bengali cuisine. Mustard also serves fantastic Punjabi food, so there’s no better location in Singapore to try out the Bengali cuisine than here. Some items may appear to be a little pricey at first glance, but once you’ve had a taste of their dishes, you’ll realize that they are well worth the cost.
The staff at this cafe is friendly and very helpful; they’ll make new friends in no time. Customers rave about their delicious Alphonso Mango Lassi, as well as the wide selection of meals on offer.
Key Differentiators
- Authentic Indian food
- Bengali Cusine
- Great Customer Service
Client Testimonial
We went here with a Bengali colleague and had a fantastic time. The food was great, service was attentive. It seems like their Bengali selection is better than the Punjabi’s. Be sure to get their mustard sauce /dip for any snacks you order. It’s the bomb!
Amber Tandoor Restaurant
| Key Services | Indian restaurant |
| Website | https://www.amberrestaurant.sg/ |
| Address | 195 Serangoon Rd, Singapore 218067 |
| Phone | +65 6297 3442 |
| enquiry@amberrestaurant.sg | |
| Operating Hours | Tuesday – Sunday 11.00 am – 11.00 pm |
Try Chicken Momo (S$9.90 for six). Momos are tiny envelopes of white flour stuffed with vegetables or minced meat that are similar to the Japanese gyoza and Chinese bao. At Amber Tandoor Restaurant, you can have your momos steamed or fried, just like at many other locations.
The momos were all homemade, though their shapes were varied. It also includes a side of Nepalese chutney for you to dunk your little dumplings in. Until you’ve had fried Nepalese dumplings from heaven for yourself, no words can adequately describe how incredible they are.
Key Differentiators
- Extensive menu of authentic North Indian dishes
- Homemade Momos
- Delicious Food
Swaadhisht
| Website | https://www.swaadhisht.com/ |
| Address | 47 Chander Road Singapore, Singapore 219546 |
| Phone | 9880 1680 |
| swaadhisht@gmail.com | |
| Operating Hours | Daily: 11am – 11pm |
Swaadhist serves up a variety of traditional Kerala foods in Little India’s center. One of the finest things to try here is the Bamboo Chicken Biryani (S$12), which many people return for. The Bamboo Chicken is marinated with masala and cooked in a bamboo shoot, which gives it a smoky flavor. The dish is served with ghee rice, raita, papadum, and pickle on the side.
Key Differentiators
- Outstanding authentic South Indian cuisines
- Perfect atmosphere for Private functions, Birthdays, Anniversaries, or meetings.
- With smoky flavor
Client Testimonial
The best Malabar chicken biryani in Singapore. Love it
Jayalaxmi Pai Prabhu
Lagnaa Barefoot Dining
| Website | https://www.lagnaa.com |
| Address | 6 Upper Dickson Road Singapore, Singapore 207466 |
| Phone | 6296 1215 |
| barefootdining@lagnaa.com | |
| Operating Hours | Daily 11.30am – 11.30pm Closed on Monday |
At this 2019 Michelin Bib Gourmand winner, you may dine either sitting down (with your shoes on) or cross-legged on the floor. The fact that you are in charge of just how spicy your food is unique about dining here. There are different heat levels to select from; if your spice threshold isn’t too high, ask your waiter for recommendations. The Chilli Challenge is a game in which players must consume as much hot spice as possible in one sitting. Finish the Level 6 curry to get an invitation to Lagnaa’s monthly Full Moon Party for spicy food enthusiasts.
Key Differentiators
- Barefoot dining concept
- Discover the 6 Flavours of Indian Food
- Award winning
Client Testimonial
Great food and great service by super friendly staff. Never disappoints, our favourite restaurant in Little India. Glad we have found this place and will make sure friends in Australia know about this place.
Alan McNeill
Greenleaf Cafe
| Website | https://www.greenleafcafe.com.sg |
| Address | 43, Cuff Road, Singapore 209753 Singapore |
| Phone | 9783 7476 |
| sales@greenleafcafe.com.sg | |
| Operating hours | Daily 11.00am – 10.00pm |
Green Leaf Cafe promotes a healthy, energetic lifestyle. The key to Green Leaf Cafe’s success is in careful use of spices to extract the rich flavor and scent in dishes. With outstanding service and wonderful cuisine, Green Leaf Cafe is a friendly, family-friendly neighborhood spot.
Key Differentiators
- Providing good nutrition which generates more usable energy
- Focussed on customer‘s health, well-being and include among others economical, ecological and social concerns
- Serving people with a vegetarian diet that reduces the risk for chronic degenerative diseases
Client Testimonial
Wonderful veggie Indian cafe/restaurant in Little India. Was eating alone and made to feel very welcome by the owners. The food was excellent and I can’t recommend highly enough. Superb!
mattish78
2. Little India Best Shop Guide
Sim Lim Square
| Key Services | Shopping complex |
| Website | https://simlimsquare.com.sg/ |
| Address | 1 Rochor Canal Rd, Singapore 188504 |
| Phone | +65 6338 3859 |
| Operating Hours | Daily: 10AM–9PM |
One of Singapore’s largest IT malls is Sim Lim Square, which is situated 500 meters to the west of the Little India MRT station. There are about 200 shops in the six-story structure that sell TVs, audio equipment, gadgets, cameras, computers, and phones.
Prices are fairly reasonable, and if you try your hand at some haggling, they become even more so, and there are unavoidably many options. There are a few respectable restaurants and cafes to which you can escape if you grow weary of the maze of devices.
Key Differentiators:
- Different products available
- Filled with latest products
- Accessible
Customer Testimonial
Yes, whatever electronic gadget your heart desires… you will find it here, and you will find it cheap (if you have the time /patience to ask around). The couple of times I’ve been there I was actually favorably impressed by the service. Makr a point to visit the shops in the upper floors… the higher you go, the lower prices tend to be
Cynthia R
City Square Mall
| Key Services | Mall |
| Website | https://www.citysquaremall.com.sg/ |
| Address | 180 Kitchener Rd, Singapore 208539 |
| Phone | +65 6595 6595 |
| Operating Hours | Daily: 10AM–10PM |
An enormous urban park is merged with the eco-mall known as City Square Mall. It has nine levels of retail and recreational area that is directly connected to Farrer Park MRT Station.
There are more than 200 shops to go through, including high-end clothing retailers, electrical retailers, and jewelry stores. Like most shopping centers, this one has a movie theater, a gaming arcade, and a variety of fast-food restaurants and cafes.
Key Differentiators:
- Customer Service Excellence Awardee
- Offers gift vouchers
- Free WiFi
Customer Testimonial
Great Shopping mall with mostly Brands Shop.Huge store for sports stuff at Decathlon! The decoration is amazing, Food courts In culture look! Great Shopping mall with mostly Brands Shop.Huge store for sports stuff at Decathlon! The decoration is amazing, Food courts In culture look!
Jude
Chandna Mart
| Key Services | Convenience Store |
| Address | Little India, Singapore |
About 250 meters northwest of Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple on Serangoon Road lies Chandna Mart, a long-standing store selling alcohol and traditional medicines.
The majority of the bottles of the exotic wine, liquor, and spirits it carries are offered at rock-bottom costs, and the Chinese owners are always delighted to point you in the right direction if you’re not sure what you’re searching for.
Key Differentiators:
- Affordable
- Accessible around the area
- Sells exotic liquors
Little India Arcade
| Key Services | Outlet mall |
| Address | 48 Serangoon Rd, #02-07, Singapore 217959 |
| Phone | +65 6295 5998 |
| Operating Hours | Daily: 9AM–10PM |
In the heart of Little India, on Serangoon Road, you can find a vibrant collection of converted shophouses. A wonderful variety of shops selling traditional Indian clothing, dried herbs and spices, flashy accessories, vibrant artwork, aromatic incense, and sweet shops can be found in the small network of winding lanes.
If you’re buying in bulk, you can also try your hand at haggling for some of the fresh food or to get a deal on certain discounted electrical items.
Key Differentiators:
- Vibrant shophouses
- Sells traditional Indian clothing
- Vibrant artwork
Customer Testimonial
A little India in the heart of Singapore. A lot of Indian shops here almost for everything. You can have everything here from fruits, vegetables to gold ornaments. Very crowded place. In festive season, atmosphere is very energetic.
You can also buy Indian sweets here as this market contains two to three shops offering Indian sweets.
If you are looking for agarbatti or pooja related thing, you can find that very easily in this market.
Gaurav Sachdeva
3. Little India Best Hotel Guide
Wanderlust
| Key Services | 4-star hotel |
| Website | https://www.oakwood.com/ |
| Address | 2 Dickson Rd, Singapore 209494 |
| Phone | +65 6396 3322 |
| reservations.wanderlust-singapore@oakwood.com |
One of Singapore’s forerunners of modern boutique hotels, Wanderlust gave the city’s “themed hotels” scene new vitality. Since then, the location has been renovated.
All 29 of the rooms and suites now feature slick natural finishes and clever textured overlays that seamlessly combine old-world charm with contemporary flair.
Key Differentiators:
- Fully Equipped Kitchen
- Complimentary WiFi
- Queen Bed
The Great Madras
| Key Services | 3-star hotel |
| Website | https://thegreatmadras.com/ |
| Address | 28 Madras St, Singapore 208422 |
| Phone | +65 6988 2364 |
This Little India hotel is undoubtedly something you’ve heard of unless you’ve been living under a rock. With breathtaking photos straight out of a scene from Wes Anderson’s The Grand Budapest Hotel, The Great Madras is a breath of fresh air.
From a cozy suite with a circular bathtub to a cozier co-living area with king-sized beds, there are several types of rooms. In addition to its eccentric interior design and wallpaper-covered walls, this artistically charming boutique hotel features a barber and a café in the lobby.
Key Differentiators:
- 34 rooms only
- Great moments
- Great adventures
Customer Testimonial
I have stayed at Madras thrice, from their basic room, balcony room & even their suite with a bathtub in it! I loved the stay at all three! Bathtub was huge! For the balcony room, it’s good for those who like to have some fresh air & have food by the balcony.
The staff’s service was excellent too! Very hospitable, I have to commend Aisyah for her friendliness & smiley face & Mas for assisting us to get our room asap too.
Afiqah Az
Bunc Hostel
| Key Services | 2-Star Hotel |
| Website | https://hostel-bunc.singaporehotels365.com/en/ |
| Address | 15 Upper Weld Road, Singapore, Singapore |
| Phone | Contact Page |
Bunc is a 233-bed boutique hostel with all the amenities of a posh establishment that is also easy on the eyes and the pocketbook.
It features a ladies-only floor, custom-made mattresses, free Wi-Fi, leisure rooms, and an outdoor tanning deck.
Key Differentiators:
- Non-smoking property
- Free Wi-Fi
- 24-hour reception
Customer Testimonial
Slept comfortably. Best comforters I’ve used so far. Didn’t feel the cold even if the ACs were full blast. Great breakfast options. Very accessible and near the train stations.
Nikki Topacio
4. Little India Best Attraction Guide
Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple
| Key Services | Hindu temple |
| Website | http://www.srivkt.org/ |
| Address | 141 Serangoon Rd, Singapore 218042 |
| Phone | +65 6293 4634 |
| admin@srivkt.org | |
| Operating Hours | Daily: 5:30AM–12PM, 5–9PM |
This stunning house of worship, which is devoted to the fierce goddess Kali, was built by Indian pioneers who resided in the Serangoon neighborhood during the 19th century. It’s an amazing site to learn more about Hinduism.
Key Differentiators:
- Also known earlier as Soonambu Kambam Kovil
- Started as a shrine dedicated to the Hindu goddess Kali
- Learn about Hinduism
Customer Testimonial
This temple is extraordinary, although not paying mine of external aspect. It’s in edge of road and seems relatively small contrary to Sri Srinivasa Perumal but in reality, it’s not ! It’s necessary to take time to enter and to mingle with the crowd which takes part in the ceremonies. Offerings are made while hindu clerics sing sacred songs to offer blessings.
It’s a timeless and absolutely magical interlude that reminds us of India ! A one-of-a-kind experience !
Clémence Valette
Former House of Tan Teng Niah
| Key Services | Historical landmark |
| Address | 37 Kerbau Rd, Singapore 219168 |
| Operating Hours | Open 24 Hours |
Once you’ve had your fill of culture, go for a morning stroll to Tan Teng Niah’s former home. This vibrant, two-story bungalow, which once belonged to a well-known Chinese businessman who owned candy factories in the area, is a must-see for history buffs who want to appreciate both European and Chinese architectural traditions.
Key Differentiators:
- Popular with photographers
- Unique, colorful Chinese villa
- With 2 stories was built in 1900
Customer Testimonial
Tan Teng Niah’s colorful villa is absolutely beautiful, especially at dawn when the sun rays tickle the house. The neighborhood is very lively with many restaurants around. It’s worth the detour even if the tour is quick. Fabulous !
Clémence Valette
Mural @ Dunlop Street
| Key Services | Tourist Attraction |
| Address | 50 Dunlop Street, Singapore 209379 |
Want to feed your Instagram? You’re only a short stroll from more street art. You may find Alive@Clive on the walls of 13 Haniffa. This vibrant piece of artwork will add some color to your day as it shows a traditional Indian dancer on a colorful background.
Haniffa is an excellent site to buy saris, the traditional women’s clothing of India, and traditional materials to take home with you if you’re looking for souvenirs.
Key Differentiators:
- Tourist attraction
- Artistic murals
- Vibrant piece of artwork
Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple
| Key Services | Hindu temple |
| Website | http://www.sspt.org.sg/ |
| Address | 397 Serangoon Rd, Singapore 218123 |
| Phone | +65 6298 5771 |
| Operating Hours | Daily: 8:30AM–12PM, 6–9PM |
The nearby Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple and Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple could appear to be the same thing to the inexperienced eye. The exterior of the building is decorated with all those finely carved Hindu artifacts that cling to the main structure, or Gopuram.
One of Vishnu’s incarnations, Krishna, is the subject of the temple. Other Hindu deities including Mahalakshmi, Murugan, and Anjaneyar are also represented by statues. The local community is served by the regular morning and evening Pooja (prayer services) at the Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple.
Key Differentiators:
- Opened since 1855
- One of the oldest temples in Singapore
- Its tall Gopuram shows the different incarnations of Lord Vishnu
Customer Testimonial
This hindu temple is absolutely fabulous from outside but also from inside. Depending on the time of visit, it’s possible to attend a ceremony (at the end of the day in my case) during which we feel the mysticism specific to India, which transports us totally.
Clémence Valette
Temple of 1,000 Lights
| Key Services | Buddhist temple |
| Website | https://www.facebook.com/SakyaMuniBuddhaGayaTemple |
| Address | 366 Race Course Rd, Singapore 218638 |
| Phone | +65 6294 0714 |
| temple1000lights@gmail.com | |
| Operating Hours | Daily: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
A Thai monk constructed the Sakya Muni Buddha Gaya Temple in 1927, and Siamese influences can be clearly observed throughout. The centerpiece of this Buddhist temple is a 300-ton, 15-meter-tall statue of Buddha.
Due to the chain of lamps encircling the statue, it is frequently referred to as the Temple of 1,000 Lights. The Sakya Muni Buddha Gaya Temple is situated between the Little India and Farrar Park MRT stations. Admission is free, but please dress modestly out of respect for the devotees.
Key Differentiators:
- Originally set up by Venerable Vutthisara of Thailand
- Buddhist monastery in Singapore
- Founded by a Thai monk in 1927
Customer Testimonial
I have been here for many years and times. Last visited during this Vesak day as well.
Eric Chua
A great historical place and peaceful temple especially less peak season.
Missed the usual caretakers, elder man and lady (with spec), which taking care of the temple.
Little India Singapore
There you have it! We have explored one of Singapore’s historically most colorful neighborhoods, Little India.
The area used to be dotted with lime pits, brick kilns, and a racetrack, and its streets were crowded with ranchers, merchants, and garland makers going about their business.
This area of Indian culture continues to honor its distinctive history today. The neighborhood is a seductive fusion of the new and the old, with cutting-edge restaurants and street art coexisting with ancient temples and sellers offering a seductive array of spices, silk, and flowers.
Little India is a vibrant and culturally rich district located in the heart of Singapore. In this guide, we have provided an overview of what to expect when visiting Little India, as well as some tips for getting the most out of your visit!
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