Little India Singapore is a pulsating heart where history, culture, and culinary traditions from India’s streets meet with Singapore’s modern energy. The district’s temples, busy markets, and colourful shophouses form a vibrant tapestry of life, but what truly pulls people here is the tantalising world of Indian food found at every turn. From the aroma of moghul spices to the sizzle of chapati on the griddle, Little India offers a sensory adventure like nowhere else in the city.
Since the 19th century, Indian merchants and migrants have called this district home, bringing with them recipes, tools, and a tradition of hospitality. Today, Indian cuisine is an integral part of Singapore’s food scene, and Little India is the neighbourhood that most locals and food lovers turn to for the best Indian food. Whether you crave creamy curries, sour and spicy street snacks, or hearty lentil stews, this is the place to find authentic recipes, lovingly prepared for generations.A walk along Serangoon Road, Race Course Road, and the lively edges of Tekka Centre, Buffalo Road, and the surrounding streets introduces you to a plethora of food experience: from chapati stalls to high-end India restaurant spaces, North Indian feasts to South Indian vegetarian delights, and sweet shops offering the type of desserts you’d find on India’s streets during Deepavali.Eating in Little India is about tradition, taste, and memories—an invitation to explore a range of unique restaurants, each with their own story.Top North Indian Restaurants in Little India
North Indian cuisine, rooted in the Punjab, Rajasthan, and Mughal regions, is known for its creamy curries, hearty rice and meat dishes, and tandoori breads loaded with flavour. Little India Singapore is home to some of the best Indian restaurants specializing in these iconic northern flavours.
Khansama Tandoori Restaurant
Location: Serangoon Road, steps from the Little India MRT
Ambiance: Khansama is legendary for its open tandoor kitchen, where you can see breads and meats being expertly prepared. The setting is vibrant, hosted in a restored shophouse lined with Indian memorabilia, and the crowd is always lively—locals, expats, and tourists gather over shared plates.
Signature Dishes:
- Butter Chicken (made with authentic spices)
- Mutton Rogan Josh
- Smoked Tandoori Chicken
- Garlic Naan and Cheese Naan (fresh from the tandoor)
Price Range: $$
What Makes It Stand Out: Beyond the classic north Indian staples, Khansama is renowned for friendly service and a rich, welcoming atmosphere. Be sure to visit during weekends for the full, bustling experience.
Mr Biryani
Location: Norris Road, near Race Course Road
Ambiance: This Little India restaurant is a homely, friendly spot focusing on the art of biryani — a dish brought to India by Persian chefs and perfected in Hyderabad. The chef-owner’s Hyderabad roots show in every bite.
Signature Dishes:
- Hyderabad Dhum Biryani (choice of chicken, mutton, or vegetarian)
- Chicken 65 (crispy, spicy fried chicken)
- Mutton Curry
Price Range: $$
What Makes It Unique: Mr Biryani is revered for using aged basmati rice and freshly ground Indian spices. The portions are hearty, and each plate of biryani is layered with aromatic flavours that represent the best of north and south India.
Kailash Parbat
Location: Belilios Road, near Buffalo Road
Ambiance: Bright, colourful, and busy, Kailash Parbat channels the energy of India’s busy cities. Famous for street snacks and chaats, this is where to go for comforting, home-style north Indian food.
Signature Dishes:
- Pani Puri (crisp puris filled with tangy, spicy water)
- Chole Bhature (fluffy deep-fried bread with spicy chickpea curry)
- Pav Bhaji (spiced mashed vegetables with buttered bread)
Price Range: $
What Makes It Special: Kailash Parbat’s recipes have roots in Mumbai’s 1950s street food scene. The chats and moghul sweets are made daily in-house, making it a sweet and spicy stop.
Best South Indian Eateries in Little India
South Indian food is distinct for its lighter, sour notes, extensive use of rice, dhal, and coconut, and a hearty range of vegetarian and seafood dishes. Few places outside south India offer the breadth and authenticity of options found in Little India Singapore.
The Banana Leaf Apolo
Location: Race Course Road (iconic corner building)
Ambiance: Dining at The Banana Leaf Apolo is a lively, communal affair. Food is served on fresh banana leaves, and walls are decorated with vintage photos and artwork. The weekends are busy, especially during Deepavali and festivals.
Signature Dishes:
- Fish Head Curry (a spicy, sour classic)
- Chicken Masala
- Mutton Mysore
Price Range: $$
Why It’s Celebrated: Since the 1970s, this Little India restaurant has become synonymous with Singapore’s best Indian food, serving rice and curries to generations of locals.
Anjappar Chettinad Restaurant
Location: Race Course Road
Ambiance: Warm and welcoming with wood-accented decor, Anjappar focuses on Chettinad cuisine, renowned for its bold spices and earthy flavours.
Signature Dishes:
- Chettinad Chicken Curry
- Mutton Sukka (dry-fried)
- Parotta with gravy
Price Range: $$
Special Note: Anjappar brings authentic spicy dishes, using family recipes and traditional spice blends from Tamil Nadu.
Azmi Restaurant
Location: Upper Weld Road (close to Sultan Mosque and Little India MRT)
Ambiance: Street-side chapati shop with a constant flow of regulars—no-frills, just great food.
Signature Dishes:
Hand-rolled Chapati
Mutton Keema (minced meat)
Dhal Tadka
Price Range: $
Why Locals Love It: Simple, hearty, and quick—Azmi is a favourite for those who crave wholesome, north and south Indian comfort food served hot from the griddle.
Vegetarian Specialists: Where Greens Shine
Vegetarian food is central to Indian culture, especially from south India, Gujarat, and Jain traditions. These eateries offer the most exciting vegetarian flavours in Little India Singapore.
Komala Vilas
Location: Serangoon Road, beside temples and sari shops
Ambiance: Old-school, bustling, always filled with families. Small tables, whirring ceiling fans, and servers balancing trays of thali and dosai create a homely vibe.
Signature Dishes:
- Ghee Dosa
- Vegetable Biryani
- Sambar Rice with side curries and coconut chutney
Price Range: $
Why Visit: Established in 1947, Komala Vilas is a Little India restaurant legend, famous for completing a meal with their delectable Indian sweets. Try the jangri or rasa gulla for a real treat.
Gokul Vegetarian Restaurant
Location: Upper Dickson Road, near bustling shops and shophouses
Ambiance: Simple and contemporary interior, with a wide-ranging menu and attentive service.
Signature Dishes:
- North Indian Thali (featuring daily curries, dal, and breads)
- Vegetarian Butter Chicken
- Prata and Chappati platters
Price Range: $
Special Note: Gokul’s ability to turn vegetarian ingredients into hearty, spicy, and deeply satisfying dishes makes it a favourite among locals and tourists alike.
Madras New Woodlands
Location: Upper Dickson Road
Ambiance: Canteen-like and cheerful, this eatery is always abuzz during meal times.
Signature Dishes:
- South Indian Breakfast Set (idli, vadai, sambhar)
- Paper Dosa
- Special Thali
Price Range: $
Why It Stands Out: This place is renowned for balancing tradition and value. During weekends, expect lines out the door, but service stays fast and friendly.
Street Food and Budget Options: Savoring the Action
Little India’s appeal lies also in its array of affordable food stalls and street eats—much like what you’d find on India’s streets. Some of the best Indian food in Singapore is savoured standing up or sharing a tiny table at a busy store.
Tekka Centre
Location: Serangoon Road and Buffalo Road
Ambiance: Busy at all hours, noisy, and full of food action. Stalls are tightly packed, and the air is thick with aromas of curries, prata, sweets, and grilled meats.
Signature Stalls:
- Allauddin’s Briyani: Hearty biryani loaded with spiced rice and chicken or mutton
- Sri Tiffin Stall: Soft, steamed idli and fresh dosa, accompanied by spicy chutney and sour sambar
Price Range: $
What Makes It Authentic: The hawker stalls here use time-tested recipes, preparing curries and rice dishes completely from scratch. Walking through Tekka is an experience that completes any visit to Little India Singapore.
Moghul Sweet Shop
Location: Upper Dickson Road
Ambiance: Traditional sweet shop, with glass counters displaying a rainbow of Indian sweets.
Signature Dishes:
Rasa Malai
Gulab Jamun (sweet, syrup-soaked pastries)
Savoury Samosas
Price Range: $
Why Add to Your List: No Little India restaurant crawl is complete without a taste of India’s sweets culture. Come during Deepavali for an even broader range of options.
Fine Dining Indian Experiences: The Art of Elevated Cuisine
For a unique celebration, race to some of Little India’s more refined establishments that blend India’s edges of tradition and innovation.
Thevar
Location: Keong Saik Road (just outside Little India)
Ambiance: Modern, sleek, and intimate. The restaurant is helmed by a renowned chef and offers an imaginative menu inspired by south India.
Signature Dishes:
- Chettinad Chicken Roti
- Lamb with Indian spices
- Tasting menus change seasonally to reflect regional Indian flavours
Price Range: $$$
Service: Impeccable, with knowledgeable staff to guide you through each course. Expect a fusion of tradition and world-class presentation.
Gayatri Restaurant
Location: Race Course Road
Ambiance: Stylish yet unpretentious, blending modern decor with photos that pay homage to Indian heritage.
Signature Dishes:
- Curry Fish Head
- Tandoori Platter
- Mango Lassi
Price Range: $$
Why Visit: Gayatri is beloved by locals for its best Indian food, generous portions, and consistently high quality.
Practical Tips for Exploring Little India’s Restaurants
- Best Times to Visit: Little India is vibrant on weekdays, but the weekends see the district at its busiest, especially around temples and markets. For a more relaxed experience, plan your food journey on a weekday afternoon or arrive early for dinner.
- Reservations: Many top Indian restaurants in Little India Singapore, like Khansama, Banana Leaf Apolo, and Thevar, recommend booking ahead, particularly for dinner or group visits. For hawker stalls, just arrive and join the queue!
- Dress Code: Most eateries are casual, but elevated restaurants (Thevar, The Song of India) appreciate smart attire.
- Getting There: Take the MRT (Little India or Farrer Park stations), or buses from Chinatown and other neighbourhoods. The area is walkable, clustered around Serangoon, Race Course Road, Buffalo Road, and nearby shophouses.
- Festival Visits: During Deepavali, expect colourful lighting, sweets, and expanded menus at both restaurants and sweet shops.
Completing Your Indian Food Trip
With so many unique places to eat, Little India Singapore remains the best district to experience the incredible diversity of Indian food in one meal, street, or day.
Locals and newcomers alike celebrate the district’s rich culinary tradition, vibrant stalls, and the steadfast commitment to authentic Indian flavours.
So, the next time you crave the best Indian food or seek to introduce friends to one of Singapore’s true heritage neighbourhoods, let Little India restaurant-hopping guide your way. Your only challenge will be choosing where to begin.
For more food journeys and dining recommendations across the island, explore the SG Dining Guide.
