The soul of Indian restaurants Singapore comes alive in the city’s intoxicating blend of aromas, vibrant spices, and bustling eateries. Singapore’s Indian dining scene is an ever-evolving tapestry, where authentic Indian cuisine is elevated through both traditional Indian recipes and modern culinary artistry. From fiery, coconut-scented South Indian fare to the luxurious, buttery curries and tandoori dishes of the north, every dining experience promises something extraordinary. Whether you crave the rich aroma of tandoori lamb chops or a crisp, golden dosa, Singapore’s best Indian food is just waiting to be discovered in every corner—from the energetic streets of Little India to the city’s glossier districts.
This expert guide unveils the essence of authentic North Indian flavors and iconic street eats, introducing you to the 12 best Indian restaurants Singapore has to offer. Expect everything from humble, generations-run banana leaf curry houses and legendary sweet shops, to glamorous modern destinations crafting butter chicken with a personal touch and European techniques. Join us as we celebrate a feast fit for every occasion, where each plate is served with heart and heritage.
The 12 Best Indian Restaurants Singapore
Thevar – Modern Indian Restaurant with Michelin Flair
Category descriptor: Fine Dining Modern Indian Cuisine
Location: Keong Saik Road
Ambiance: An energetic, intimate space centered on an open kitchen, where diners experience the excitement of chefs crafting each dish. The slick, modern dinner setting balances classic warmth with a cosmopolitan vibe.
Signature dishes: Chef’s signature Lamb Biryani Arancini, Celeriac Root Tandoori, Crispy Pork Jowl with Vindaloo.
What makes it unique: Helmed by Chef Mano Thevar, this two Michelin-starred Indian restaurant brings authentic Indian cuisine Singapore forward with modern techniques, premium ingredients, and bold global inspiration. The small but intricate menu dazzles with rich flavors, delivering both authenticity and innovation.
Price range: Fine dining
Best for: Special occasions, chef’s tasting dinners, an unforgettable experience for food lovers.
Komala Vilas – Little India’s Vegetarian Institution
Category descriptor: Heritage South Indian Vegetarian
Location: Serangoon Road, Little India
Ambiance: Traditional, no-frills, bustling with diners from lunch till dinner. Simple steel tables and quick, personalized service echo the warmth of Southern India’s hospitality.
Signature dishes: Masala Dosa (crisp, filled and gluten free), Ghee Roast Dosa, Onion Rava Dosa, Vegetable Biryani.
What makes it unique: Since 1947, Komala Vilas has been a must-visit for best Indian food in Little India. Each dish carries the rich flavors of Tamil Nadu, using aromatic spices and time-honored recipes to connect diners to true South Indian tradition.
Price range: Budget-friendly
Best for: Authentic vegetarian meals, South Indian classics, a taste of Singapore’s Indian dining heritage.
Gayatri Restaurant – Banana Leaf Indian Food Paradise
Category descriptor: Iconic Banana Leaf Rice
Location: Race Course Road, Little India
Ambiance: Spacious, family-style dining, perfect for communal feasts and boisterous gatherings.
Signature dishes: Legendary Fish Head Curry (slow cooked, thick gravy, rich with spices), Chicken Masala, Mutton Mysore.
What makes it unique: Gayatri sets the standard for banana leaf Indian cuisine in Singapore. A steaming pile of basmati rice is served on a banana leaf and surrounded with vibrant curries and traditional Indian sweets—the essence of southern Indian food culture.
Price range: Budget-friendly to mid-range
Best for: Hearty banana leaf meals, group dinners, feasts fit for any occasion.
Bismillah Biryani – Signature Dish: Best Biryani Singapore
Category descriptor: Dum Biryani Specialist
Location: Dunlop Street, Little India
Ambiance: Simple, bustling Indian restaurant where everything revolves around the biryani pot.
Signature dish: Mutton Biryani (authentic North Indian), Chicken Biryani
What makes it unique: Consistently named among the best Indian restaurants Singapore for biryani, Bismillah slow-cooks its biryani using the authentic dum pukht method; fluffy basmati rice and perfectly cooked, marinated meat with a rich aroma—no greasy aftertaste, just pure, spiced flavor.
Price range: Budget-friendly to mid-range
Best for: Biryani enthusiasts, North Indian cuisine fans, families craving classic, wholesome Indian food.
Punjab Grill – Authentic North Indian Fine Dining
Category descriptor: Upscale North Indian Restaurant
Location: The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands
Ambiance: Luxurious and elegant; the candle-lit, plush chairs and attentive service create a refined dining experience fit for special occasions.
Signature dishes: Tandoori Lobster, Butter Chicken, Patthar ke Kebab (lamb cooked on stone), Dal Makhani (slow cooked with thickened milk).
What makes it unique: Punjab Grill crafts authentic North Indian flavors with premium ingredients, elevating classics with a contemporary twist. Service is flawless, and the tandoor-fired meats are especially memorable.
Price range: Fine dining
Best for: Upscale business meetings, anniversary dinners, anyone craving the best Indian food Singapore has to offer.
Ananda Bhavan – Oldest South Indian Vegetarian Restaurant
Category descriptor: Vegetarian Institution / South Indian Fare
Location: Serangoon Road (flagship, various outlets)
Ambiance: Bright, efficient, modern-casual, always buzzing.
Signature dishes: Appam with coconut milk (a fermented rice pancake), Medu Vadai, Paper Masala Dosa, Chettinad Chicken Roti (gluten free options available).
What makes it unique: Operating since 1924, Ananda Bhavan is one of the last Indian restaurants Singapore still preparing traditional recipes by hand daily. The extensive menu bridges south and north India, with a focus on rich flavors, fresh spices, and comfort food.
Price range: Budget-friendly
Best for: Satisfying vegetarian lunches, gluten-free South Indian delights, breakfast classics.
Lagnaa… Barefoot Dining – Unique Indian Dining Experience
Category descriptor: Customizable Spice Journey
Location: Upper Dickson Road, Little India
Ambiance: Bohemian and quirky with personal touches—diners are invited to remove their shoes and enjoy meals on floor cushions for a true Indian home dining atmosphere.
Signature dishes: Threadfin Fish Curry (packed with aromatic spices), Palak Paneer, chili challenge curries (choose your spice level!).
What makes it unique: The interactive experience combines tradition with playfulness. Lagnaa lets diners tailor each dish’s spice, turning every meal into a personal taste journey—one of Singapore’s most memorable Indian restaurants.
Price range: Mid-range
Best for: Adventurers, spice lovers, couples seeking a dining experience rather than just a meal.
Shahi Maharani North Indian Restaurant – Regal North India Cuisine
Category descriptor: Classic North Indian Cuisine
Location: Raffles City Shopping Centre
Ambiance: Oozes old-world grandeur and romance; the intricately carved pillars and frequent live music recall royal India’s dining halls.
Signature dishes: Tandoori Chicken (smoky, charred, succulent), Rogan Josh (lamb slow cooked in thick gravy), Baingan Bhartha.
What makes it unique: Shahi Maharani is cherished for its authentic North Indian cuisine, celebrated tandoori lamb chops, and warm, royal hospitality. The halal establishment’s attention to detail, rich flavors, and personal service keep regulars coming back.
Price range: Mid-range to fine dining
Best for: Special occasions, business dinners, indulgent North Indian feasts.
Kailash Parbat – Iconic Indian Street Food Restaurant
Category descriptor: Street Food & Chaat House
Location: Serangoon Road and branches
Ambiance: Lively and colorful, filled with the buzz and aroma of India’s best street snacks.
Signature dishes: Pani Puri, Chole Bhature, Pav Bhaji, Dahi Vada (traditional Indian sweets and snacks).
What makes it unique: Kailash Parbat is Singapore’s top spot for authentic Indian street food, perfect for sharing and sampling chaat varieties in vibrant settings.
Price range: Budget-friendly
Best for: Fun, casual meals, group gatherings, and anyone with a sweet or spicy tooth.
Tiffin Room – Historic Indian Restaurant at Raffles Hotel
Category descriptor: Raffles Hotel’s Indian Fine Dining
Location: Raffles Hotel, City Hall
Ambiance: Timeless colonial charm with white-tablecloth elegance, rich wood finishes, and subtle, attentive service in the Chairmen’s Room.
Signature dishes: Tiffin Dal Makhani (slow cooked with rich aroma), Chef’s signature Butter Chicken, curated tiffin carriers, Butter Naan as the perfect accompaniment.
What makes it unique: One of the most renowned Indian restaurants Singapore has ever known. The Tiffin Room honors tradition while employing modern techniques for perfectly balanced curries and tandoori dishes—premium ingredients, exceptional service, and an epic sense of occasion.
Price range: Fine dining
Best for: Celebrations, weddings, anniversaries, and lovers of authentic Indian cuisine.
Samy’s Curry Restaurant – Legendary Fish Head Curry Singapore
Category descriptor: Dempsey Hill Banana Leaf & Curry
Location: Dempsey Road
Ambiance: Colonial mess-hall nostalgia, sunny verandas, and a leafy setting create a unique chill.
Signature dishes: Famous Fish Head Curry (with mustard oil and cherry tomatoes), Masala Chicken, Black Squid.
What makes it unique: Generations of Singaporeans have made Samy’s their go-to for robust, South Indian fare. Served on banana leaves, the curries are thick, aromatic, and generous.
Price range: Mid-range
Best for: Weekend feasts, family celebrations, friends craving huge portions and unpretentious, bold flavors.
Zaffron Kitchen – Modern Indian Food for the Whole Family
Category descriptor: Contemporary, Family-Friendly Indian
Location: East Coast Road and other outlets
Ambiance: Trendy interiors with vibrant touches, kid-friendly amenities, and an energetic modern Indian vibe.
Signature dishes: Butter Chicken, Zaffron Tandoori Platter, Dum Biryani, classic Chicken Tikka.
What makes it unique: One of Singapore’s best Indian food spots for families, Zaffron Kitchen has earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand for bringing traditional Indian sweets, aromatic spices, and popular Indian food staples into a casual yet refined environment.
Price range: Mid-range
Best for: Family dinners, groups, halal dining, and anyone new to Indian cuisine.
Quick Comparison Table – Indian Restaurants Singapore
| Restaurant Name | Specialty | Price Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thevar | Modern Fine Dining | Fine dining | Innovative special occasions |
| Komala Vilas | South Indian Veg | Budget-friendly | Vegetarian, classic fare |
| Gayatri | Banana Leaf Curry | Budget–mid | Hearty traditional feasts |
| Bismillah Biryani | Dum Biryani | Budget–mid | Biryani lovers, North Indian |
| Punjab Grill | North Indian Fine | Fine dining | Upscale dining, business |
| Ananda Bhavan | Veg, North/South | Budget-friendly | Vegetarian breakfast/lunch |
| Lagnaa | Custom Spice Levels | Mid-range | Quirky, adventurous dining |
| Shahi Maharani | Classic North Indian | Mid–fine dining | Regal celebrations |
| Kailash Parbat | Street Food/Chaat | Budget-friendly | Fun snacks, casual meals |
| Tiffin Room | Historic Dining | Fine dining | Iconic, celebrations |
| Samy’s Curry | Fish Head Curry/BLeaf | Mid-range | Weekend curry feasts |
| Zaffron Kitchen | Modern Indian | Mid-range | Family-friendly |
How to Choose the Right Indian Restaurant Singapore for Any Occasion
Indian cuisine is endlessly diverse—here’s how to make your choice:
- Cuisine Type: For rich, creamy gravies, tandoori meats, or chicken tikka infused with aromatic spices, seek the finest North Indian cuisine. Prefer lighter, rice-based meals and crispy dosas? Go for South Indian fare and banana leaf classics.
- Dietary Preferences: Singapore’s Indian dining scene is a paradise for vegetarians. With institutions like Komala Vilas and Ananda Bhavan, authentic Indian cuisine delights both herbivores and meat-lovers. Gluten-free and vegan options abound—just ask your server for recommendations.
- Match Your Mood: A celebratory dinner or business meeting calls for the elegant dining at Thevar, Punjab Grill, or the Tiffin Room. For spicy, rustic meals with friends, try Samy’s Curry or Gayatri.
- Location Matters: Are you seeking the lively ambiance of Little India or the chic surrounds near Raffles Hotel? Wherever you are, you’ll find Indian restaurants Singapore locals love within easy reach.
Must-Try Dishes at Indian Restaurants Singapore
Don’t miss these signature Indian food classics:
- Biryani: Fluffy basmati rice layered with tender marinated meat or vegetables, slow-cooked for unmatched depth and rich flavors.
- Tandoori Specialties: Classic Chicken Tikka, Butter Naan, and Tandoori Lamb Chops cooked in traditional clay ovens for delicious charred edges and juicy centers.
- Dosas and South Indian Breakfasts: Thin, crisp, and light, filled with spiced potatoes and paired with coconut and tomato chutneys—a staple South Indian meal.
- Butter Chicken: Tender chicken, cooked in a creamy tomato-based gravy, rich with aromatic spices and perfect for mopping up with naan.
- Fish Head Curry: Iconic Singaporean-Indian recipe featuring a fresh fish head in a thick, tangy, coconut-scented gravy.
Conclusion: Dive Into Singapore’s Indian Cuisine
In every corner of Singapore, from historic Indian restaurants with recipes passed down generations, to modern eateries led by visionary chefs, you’ll find a celebration of flavors, ingredients, and dining experiences. The diversity and expertise on display are what make Singapore’s Indian dining scene a world-class destination for foodies.
Step out and immerse yourself—try a new dish, or gather friends and family for a feast of authentic Indian cuisine. Continue your exploration of Singapore’s diverse food scene with Top 10 Chinese Restaurants Singapore Ranked | 2025 and Top 10 Best Malay Restaurant Experiences in Singapore Worth Visiting.
