Little India - Singapore

Little India - Singapore

 

Little India in Singapore is a vibrant, culturally rich neighborhood that offers a sensory explosion of colors, sounds, and scents. Known for its bustling streets, historic temples, and authentic Indian cuisine, it’s one of Singapore’s most colorful and dynamic areas.

 

Key Attractions in Little India:

  1. Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple: One of the oldest Hindu temples in Singapore, dedicated to the goddess Kali. Its intricate gopuram (entrance tower) is a stunning example of South Indian temple architecture.
  2. Tan Teng Niah House: A beautifully restored and colorful two-story house, this is one of the last surviving Chinese villas in Little India. It’s a popular spot for photography due to its vibrant facade.
  3. Little India Arcade: A maze of small shops offering traditional Indian goods like fabrics, jewelry, spices, and souvenirs. The narrow corridors are packed with sights and smells that bring out the essence of India.
  4. Mustafa Centre: A 24-hour shopping mall that’s famous for its wide range of products at competitive prices. You can find everything from electronics to clothing, groceries, and jewelry here.
  5. Tekka Centre: A local market offering fresh produce, spices, and traditional Indian clothing. The food court on the second floor is also well known for its authentic South Indian meals.
  6. Indian Heritage Centre: A museum that traces the history and culture of the Indian community in Singapore. It features exhibits on Indian migration, heritage, and local Indian traditions.

Dining in Little India:

  • Hawker Centers & Food Courts:

    1. Tekka Centre: Famous for its variety of Indian food, including biryani, prata, dosa, and South Indian vegetarian meals. Don’t miss the traditional fish head curry here.
    2. Zam Zam (on the edge of Little India near Sultan Mosque): Known for its iconic murtabak (stuffed fried flatbread with meat).
    3. Komala Vilas: A popular vegetarian restaurant offering affordable South Indian meals, including thosai, idli, and thali sets.

  • Casual Dining:

    1. The Banana Leaf Apolo: Famous for its fish head curry, this restaurant serves hearty portions of South Indian dishes on banana leaves.
    2. Ananda Bhavan: The oldest vegetarian restaurant in Singapore, serving a variety of North and South Indian cuisine.
    3. Muthu’s Curry: Another iconic spot for fish head curry, along with an extensive menu of Indian dishes like tandoori meats, biryani, and naan.

  • Fine Dining:

    1. Copper Chimney: A modern Indian restaurant offering both North Indian and Indo-Chinese fusion dishes. Popular for their kebabs and butter chicken.
    2. Shahi Maharani: Located nearby in Raffles City, this is an upscale Indian restaurant offering luxurious curries and tandoori dishes.

Shopping in Little India:

  • Indian Spices and Ingredients:

    • Tekka Market: A great place to buy fresh spices, herbs, and ingredients used in Indian cooking. You can also find exotic fruits and vegetables here.
    • Little India Arcade: Many small shops here sell a wide variety of dried spices, masala mixes, and tea blends.

  • Textiles and Clothing:

    • Serangoon Road: Lined with shops selling beautiful fabrics, sarees, lehengas, and traditional Indian attire.
    • Tekka Centre: Offers affordable Indian garments, as well as tailoring services if you want a custom-fitted outfit.
    • Jothi Store and Flower Shop: A well-known store for traditional Indian clothing, temple offerings, and accessories.

  • Jewelry:

    • Mustafa Centre: Offers a wide range of gold jewelry at competitive prices. It’s one of the go-to places for buying gold in Singapore.
    • Serangoon Road: Home to several jewelry stores specializing in traditional Indian gold ornaments and accessories.

  • Souvenirs and Handicrafts:

    • Little India Arcade: A good place for buying Indian handicrafts, from intricate wood carvings to vibrant textiles, incense, and traditional Indian decorative items.
    • Serangoon Plaza: You can find a variety of shops selling handcrafted goods, Indian home decor, and traditional items like brass oil lamps and idols.

How to Get There:

  • By MRT: Take the Downtown Line or North-East Line and alight at Little India MRT Station (DT12/NE7). From there, it’s a short walk to the heart of Little India.
  • By Bus: Numerous buses stop along Serangoon Road, including services 67, 64, 65, and 66.
  • By Foot: Little India is close to other key districts like Bugis and Kampong Glam, making it easy to walk between these areas.

Tips:

  • Best Time to Visit: Little India is especially lively during Deepavali (the Festival of Lights), when the streets are decorated with colorful lights and special markets pop up.
  • Exploring: The best way to experience Little India is on foot. Take your time to explore the small streets and shophouses.
  • Cultural Etiquette: Remember to dress modestly when visiting temples, and remove your shoes before entering.

Little India offers a mix of traditional culture, flavorful food, and bustling markets, providing an immersive experience of Indian heritage in the heart of Singapore.