Singapore is one of the ultra-modern cities in the world, which has some of the most luxurious buildings, stylish neighborhoods, and marvelous landmarks. However, with all its glitz and glamour, Singapore is also home to little pockets of ethnicities that preserve the different cultures of the place. Little India is one such example.
Located in Serangoon Road, Little India is a historical district that showcases the life and heritage of Indians, especially Tamilians, who came to Singapore in the 19th century. This ethnic enclave is India in a nutshell, with all its sounds, colors, smells, and flavors rounded into one place. If you visit Singapore, Little India is a place you must definitely visit. Ensure that you have a valid Singapore visa before you visit Singapore and check out the the best things to do in Little India.
Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple:
One of the oldest Hindu temples of Singapore, the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple is also one of the most iconic structure of Little India. Built in the 19th century in colonial Singapore, this temple is dedicated to the Goddess Kali. Once a refuge and comfort to migrants from South India, today this temple is an epitome of spectacular architecture and carvings. It is a must to visit Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple when in Singapore.
Indian Heritage Centre:
If you are interested to learn about India and its culture and heritage, the Indian Heritage Centre at Little India is the perfect place to visit. The glass structure holds both permanent and special exhibitions and gives you a glimpse of not just Indian culture but how the Indian community molded the history of Singapore. It is an interactive museum where you would learn about India in an interesting way.
Little India Arcade:
Shopping is one of the best things to do in Little India, and there is no better place than Little India Arcade for the same. A neo-classical building painted in orange and white, Little India Arcade is where you can shop for everything from flowers to clothes. As you walk around the arcade, you would find shops selling Indian sweets and savories, colorful flowers, silk and printed saris, spices, herbs, and souvenir items. You can also get your hands painted with henna here.
Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple:
Built in the 19th century, the Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple is considered to be the oldest Hindu temple in Singapore. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, this temple is quite famous for its beautiful mandalas and carvings. However, the most popular thing about this temple is that the Thaipusam festival, dedicated to Lord Murugan, is held here every year in January. The sight of devotees piercing their body with sharp objects and steel rods is something you must see to believe.
The Banana Leaf Apolo:
A visit to Little India would not be complete without indulging in a meal of delicious Indian food. While there are several good restaurants in the area, the most popular is the Banana Leaf. Serving both South Indian and North Indian dishes, the specialty of this restaurant is that food is served not in plates but in banana leaves. The star dish of the Banana Lead Apolo is the fish head curry, while the chicken dum biriyani and mutton curry are also great.
House of Tan Teng Niah:
A traditional Chinese villa, House of Tan Teng Niah is known as the most colorful building in Singapore. The house belonged to a Chinese businessman named Tan Teng Niah, who built this house for his beloved wife. While the colors are Indian, the architecture of the building with its tilted roof, swinging door and windows is entirely Chinese. Although you would not be able to see inside the building, the outside of House of Tan Teng Niah is a sight to behold.
Tekka Centre:
If you want to indulge in some delicious Indian and Chinese cuisines without spending too much money, the Tekka Centre in Little India is the place you must visit. A hawker center, the place is home to numerous stalls of delicious foods. Apart from the food, the place also has a wet market, where you can buy everything from fresh fruits to seafood. The place also has a shopping center, where you can buy traditional Indian clothes, souvenirs, etc. at reasonable prices.
Komala Vilas:
If you want to try authentic South Indian food in Singapore, there is no better place than Komala Vilas for the same. Established in 1947, this restaurant is Singapore’s oldest vegetarian restaurant. While the restaurant is most popular for its South Indian fare, a few North Indian dishes have also been added to the menu. The main attraction of this restaurant is that it sticks to its original recipes inspired from the cooking traditions of Tanjore.
Shopping in Little India
Little India shopping isn’t your typical retail experience, to be sure. Little India offers a completely different experience from the contemporary megamalls that are filled with designer goods that are typically associated with Singapore’s general retail scene. This lively neighborhood in Singapore offers a wide variety of retail options, matching the diversity of its people, culture, and cuisine. From 24-hour shopping centers to busy markets and street vendors.
Serangoon Road, the primary thoroughfare in Little India, is dotted with jewelry stores, traditional Indian tailors, must-see fashion boutiques, fresh vegetable stands, Chinese liquor stores, and enduring curry eateries. It may become rather hot in Little India during the middle of the day, especially if you’re not carrying an umbrella, so the ideal times to shop there are in the morning or evening.
How to Get to Little India
There are many routes to go to Little India:
- MRT: Ride the MRT to Farrer Park (served by the North East Line (NE8)) or Little India (served by the North East Line (NE7) and the Downtown Line (DT12).
- Transportation: Utilize buses 23, 64, 65, 66, 67, 139, 147, or 857 to reach Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple or Tekka Center. Buses 131/141 also do the job well; they will stop at Farrer Park MRT Station, Exit A.
- Taxi/Grab: Taxis and online travel services like Grab are very few serving in Singapore.. Either may be scheduled to get you straight to Little India.
Working Class Hero by Zero
The deified Indian actor Rajinikanth is shown in the Working Class Hero mural located on Hindoo Road.
It was made by street art pioneer Mohammed Zulkarnean Bin Othman, better known by his stage name Zero, and honors the migrant workers and Indian community in the region. Zero finished this artwork in an only 24 hours, demonstrating his extraordinary artistic skill.
Little India’s Meatsmith
This little cafe, a hidden treasure on Campbell Lane, is tucked away in a corner shophouse and is well-known for its Indian-inspired BBQ meats. The succulent crab biryani, however, is the highlight.
Methodist Church of Kampong Kapor
The shimmering white walls and distinctive, almost Art Deco architecture of the Kampong Kapor Methodist Church make it stand out. This historic landmark, representing the cultural variety of Little India, was erected as the fourth Methodist Church in Singapore and one of the earliest Peranakan churches. Services are offered in Peranakan, English, Mandarin, and Tamil.
Moghul Candy Store
Moghul Sweets is an Indian confectionery located in Little India Arcade. It serves a delicious selection of traditional North Indian sweets, like mathura pedha, pinni, gulab jamun, motichoor ladoo, and dodah burfis. Make sure to sample the excellent samosas prior to departing.
The Mustafa Center
Mustafa Centre is a famous department store that is a must-see in Little India. It has amazing deals on electronics, cosmetics, sportswear, organic goods, saree fabrics, jewelry, dried fruits, spices, and souvenirs from London.
Abdul Gafoor Mosque
The mosque, named after its creator, Shaik Abdul Gafoor, is still a picturesque landmark, drawing tourists with its magnificent design and rich history. At the main entrance, there is a sundial with Arabic calligraphy that displays the names of twenty-five prophets.
Sakunthala’s Dining Room
The menu has a wide range of northern and southern Indian delicacies such naan, thosai, pakora, biryani, mutton Mysore, and curry fish head, along with Chinese favorites like fried rice. The restaurant was named after the owner’s mother and a princess or queen’s title.
TraseOne’s Alive@CLIVE
Award-winning artist TraseOne’s piece Alive@CLIVE perfectly portrays the energy of the Dunlop Street neighborhood. The artwork honors the culture of the Indian population by showing a dancer in the middle of a performance wearing classical jewelry that pays respect to many traditional dance forms.
FAQs
Q1. Is it worthwhile to visit Little India in Singapore?
Ans- Indeed! The area is worth seeing because of the vibrant homes, stunning architecture, art installations, stores, and authentic Indian cuisine.
Q2. How much time is needed to fully tour Little India?
Ans- It takes at least five to six hours to tour Little India.
Q3. List a few native dishes from Little India that you really must taste.
Ans- When you visit Little India in Singapore, you should definitely taste the Indian rojak, biryani, and masala dosa.
Q4. Does Little India have any malls that people may visit?
Ans- For all of your shopping needs, visit Tekka Place, Mustafa Center, City Square Mall, and Tekka Centre.
Conclusion
Few other places that you must visit in Singapore’s Little India are Abdul Gaffoor Mosque, the Sakya Muni Buddha Gaya Temple, and the Mustafa Centre. Whichever section of Little India you would visit, you would be able to experience the essence of India here.