Welcome to Singapore Little India πͺ· one of the cities most vibrant neighborhoods, located in, or just outside the city centre. If you plan on traveling to Singapore, Little India is a must. Full of history, unique flavors, and much much more, this neighborhood is one of a kind.
Feel free to jump around as needed using the interactive table of contents:
1. Religious Sites in Singapore Little India
Though there are many, here are four religious sites around Singapore that you can check out on foot. From mosques, to Buddhist or Hindu Temples, churches, and Gudwaras, Singapore Little India has a bit of everything. This is not an extensive list what so ever, just a handful of places to explore.
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1. Masjid Abdul Gafoor
41 Dunlop Sreet
The impressive Abdool Gafoor Mosque that was erected in 1859 and is an iconic landmark of Singapore Little India. The sun is made with Arabic calligraphy and is quite impressive as this detail also carries into the interior. Please keep in mind that this is not a tourist attraction so be mindful about excessive photo taking.
2. Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple
141 Serangoon Road
Starting as humble shrine in 1855, Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple . This temple was also luckily most left unscathed in WWII air raids, as it doubled as a shelter, according to Secret Singapore. The Hindu Goddesses Kali and Parvati are the deities that are enshrined at Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple. Its colorful exterior catches the eye of any passer-by.
3. Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple
397 Serangoon Road
Not too far from Sri Veeramakaliamman lies Sri Srinivasa Temple. Considered to be one of 70 National Monuments of Singapore, Sri Srinivasa also dates back to 1855 dedicating Vishnu as the deity of this temple. It is otherwise known as Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple.
4. Sakya Muni Buddha Gaya Temple
366 Race Course Road
Sakya Muni Buddha Gaya Temple has Thai-style architecture due to its founder, Ven Vutthisara, originating from Thailand. Dating back to the 1920s, this temple features a 15 foot/4.5 metre seated Buddha statue inside.
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2. Museums and History of Singapore Little India
As you can imagine, Singapore Little India is full of history, culture, and traditions. Below are a number of spots worth considering.
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1. Indian Heritage Centre
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5 Campbell Lane
As pictured in the Instagram post at the beginning of this section, the Indian Heritage Centre is a great place to explore the South Indian diaspora of Singapore. Often rotating its exhibitions, the IHC also offers free guided tours. Be on the lookout for Hindu holidays such as Diwali/Deepavali, Thaipusam, Holi, or Pungol (just to name a few) where the IHC will host workshops, demonstrations, fashion shows, parades, and other festivities. More on noteworthy holidays in section seven of this blog.
2. Former House of Tan Teng Niah
37 Kerbau Road
The former residence of Tan Teng Niah and is the last surviving Chinese villa in Little India. It is believed that Tan Teng Niah was a Chinese businessman who built the villa for his wife. Erected in 1900, today, it is a commercial space, yet probably the most colorful place in all of Singapore Little India.
3. Mahatma Gandhi Memorial
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π3 Race Course Lane
Did you know that Gandhi’s ashes were spread into the now Marina Bay off Clifford Pier (near Fullerton One Water Promenade) in 1948? Well, now you know. Recently refurbished in 2022, this free memorial hall will teach you a thing or two about history.
Not too far from the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial, you can pass by several old colonial houses that still exist today. They are as follows: The Chitty Road Colonial Houses, the Veerasamy Rd Colonial Houses, and the Hindoo Rd Colonial Houses, all located in the same part of Singapore Little India.
4. The Gem Museum
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9 Perak Road
In Singapore Little India, you will find a niche museum, the Gem Museum. This museum does require a reservation prior to your visit, especially if you wish to partake in a jewelry workshop or a gem appreciation tour. It’s truly a one of a kind!
3. Shopping
Singapore is almost infamous for its endless shopping possibilities, but in Singapore Little India, you can find some truly stand out and one of a kind markets, malls, and street vendors. Take a look!
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Tekka Centre
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665 Buffalo Road Zhujiao Centre
From food to produce to clothing, this massive shopping centre will give you a local’s shopping experience. Tekka Centre is a great place to get fresh fruit! Not to mention, it has some amazing food in Singapore Little India.
Mustafa Centre
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145 Syed Alwi Road
Mustafa Centre is the ultimate departments store. It’s many stores and sections will have literally anything you are looking for, from furniture to electronics, jewelry to luggage, it is even open 24 hours. It is believed that Mustafa Centre offers over 300,000 different items.
D &B Little India
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16 Campbell Lane
This market is clearly very enchanting, as you can see. Get your henna done, or shop for souvenirs at D&B Little India! You will find a lot of locally made crafts here.
4. Picturesque Locations
Sight seeing is one of the best ways to take in places such as Singapore Little India, so why not snap some cute photos while you’re at it?
Campbell Lane
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Campbell Lane
Home to the Indian Heritage Center and D&B Little India, Campbell Lane pretty is quite the thesis statement for Singapore Little India esthetic and culture.
Serangoon Road
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Serangoon Road
Home to many temples, shrines, and murals, Serangoon Road is the de facto main street of Singapore Little India. You will also find a lot of mom and pop shops and restaurants along this road, not to mention the street lights that come alive at night to honor the current prevalent holiday.
LASALLE College of the Arts
1 McNally Street
Not too far from Serangoon Road and Rochor Canal Road/Sungei Road lies the Lasalle College of Arts. Technically located outside Singapore Little India, I figured to include this campus since its architectural design is unique. Though the campus is officially only open M-F, you can take a peek inside this outdoor glass atrium and breezeway.
Baroque House
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29 Rowell Road
The Baroque House of Singapore Little India is an art and culture hub for Singaporeans across the board, not necessarily uniquely for Singaporeans of South Asian descent. Visitations are by appointment only.
Jalan bezerPark/Project Oasis in Little India (POLI @ Clive)
πLocated at the intersection of Clive Street and Dickson Road
POLI @Clive is a green space in the heart of Singapore Little India, popular for resting, picnics, markets, and other community events. You can take photos with the cattle statues there, but once a year, real cows and goats are kept here temporarily to express gratitude for Pongal.
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Murals around Singapore Little India
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Pictured above are the murals at the Lembu Road Open Space on 17 Lembu Road, not too far from Mustafa Centre. There are many murals all around Singapore Little India and you can turn it into a scavenger hunt with the list below:
A Ride Through Race Course Road by Jaxton Su Jingxiang
π74 Race Course Road
“The Street Tailor” mural by Jaba
πIntersection of Clive and Dunlop Street
Windows by Shah Rizzal
π1 Dunlop Street
Pie vs Crab by Jaxton Su (Chicken Pie Kitchen & Don Signature Crab) ιΈ‘ζ΄Ύη
π43 Tyrwhitt Road
The Sun Beaming by Lee Wan Xiang and Chand Chandramohan
π109 Rowell Road
Traditional Trades of Little India by Psyfool
π 4 Belilios Lane
Anonymous Love Letter by Sobandwine
π 2 Dickson Road
Kathaka by Jaba
π86 Serangoon Road
Layers by Shah Rizzal
π240 Serangoon Road
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5. Unique Experiences
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Tours of Singapore Little India:
Specialty tours are offered through many parts of Singapore’s City Centre, to include in Singapore Little India. Culture Curious offers two tours, a walking tour of the neighborhood or a private street food tour through Chinatown and Little India.
Klook offers the Singapore Little India Half-Day Interactive TourΒ where you can solve a puzzle by finding clues around the neighborhood. They also offer the Singapore Little India Half-Day Cultural Tour.
For a Singapore Little India map and locations of attractions, click here.
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Workshops & Hands-On Activities Inside:
If you encounter rainy weather, I suggest booking a class or workshop. At Wild Flower Studios, you can paint cats with cats! If you’re allergic to cats, you can sip and paint with Painblush Pte. If you are more crafty, you can rug tuft or make your own bag at About You SG.
7879 Gallery and Clayworks offers pottery experiences while Miyo Candle is a fragrance and candle making workshop.
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6. Dining in Singapore Little India
Not sure where to start regarding food in Singapore Little India? My recommendations of South Indian specialties include Idli, Dosa, or Uttapam, all three of which are derived from a fermented rice and bean batter. Fish Head Curry is a Singaporean fusion food where Tamils used their curry traditions to cater to the seafood-loving Southern Chinese population in Singapore. Biryani, curry, dhal, and pani puri are crowd pleasers.
For a true local experience, you can try to catch a community meal at a temple/gudwara or a charity meal organization such as Krsna’s Free Meals (please consider leaving a donation).
Ms Durian | Speciality Bakery & Cafe
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π11 Kelantan Road
Hooked on durian? Make it an experience at Ms Durian will satisfy your durian cravings in every shape and form, from baked goods to beverages.
MTR Singapore
π438 Serangoon Road
Not to be confused with MRT, MTR Singapore is an all vegetarian restaurant that offers a variety of dosa and idli dishes since 1924. MTR is an Indian-based company specializing in spices and other foods.
Banana Leaf Apolo
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π54 Race Course Road
Enjoy a wide variety of Indian dishes at Banana Leaf Apolo, to include lots of meat dishes! Eat a traditional spread served on a banana leaf.
Bar.B.Q. Tonight SG
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π10 Roberts Lane, #01-01
If you are craving delicious homemade juices and an animal protein feast, consider patronizing the Pakistani Bar.B.Q.. Tonight, the halal meat specialists.
Bismillah Biryani Restaurant
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π50 Dunlop Street
This Michelin Bib restaurant serves up Biryani like no other! Bismillah Biryani Restaurant also has four other locations beyond Singapore Little India, to include Gardens by the Bay, Singapore Chinatown, on the NTU Campus, and on the National University Campus.
Podi & Poriyal
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π486 Serangoon Road
In the mood for a fine dining take on South Indian cuisine? Podi & Poriyal are known for showcasing the excellence of the lesser known South Indian dishes. So if you wish to eat a bit off the beaten path in Singapore Little India, give them a go!
Olibier Rooftop Bar
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π70A Dunlop Street
Enjoy a casual and local rooftop spot in the heart of Singapore Little India. Enjoy elegant drinks or just a beer without the pressure of exclusivity. Olibier Rooftop Bar also serves up small bites.
7. Noteworthy Holidays
This list of holidays are certainly not all inclusive and comprehensive, nor are they unique to Singapore Little India.
Pongal is the end of the winter solstice (late January) and is celebrated with decorative kolam, colorful garlands, and the boiling over of a milk, rice, and jaggery in a claypot to make a rice pudding type of dish also called Pongal. POLI @Clive is a popular spot for celebrations, as well as at the Indian Heritage Centre.
Holi is the festival of colors, falling in late February/early March, celebrating the triumph of good over evil. Be prepared for good food, music, and celebration. Bonfires and parades are the best ways to enjoy Holi in Singapore Little India.
Thaipusam usually falls in early February. This holiday marks the importance of personal vows through discipline, sacrifice, prayer, fasting, and more. The best way to apprectiate Thaipusam is to watch the parade of pilgrams make their journey on foot throughout certain routes of Singapore.
Gudi Padwa marks the start of the lunisolar spring and falls around March 19-20 annually. It is celebrated by certain Hindus as a symbol of new beginnings as mango leaves are traditionally set at the main entry of homes.
Ramadan and Eid Al-Fitr (Eid is often referred to Hari Raya Aidilfitri/Hari Raya Puasa in SG) is the holiest month in Islam, marking a month of fasting for muslims during the daytime, and breaking the fast nightly, and eventually for good on Eid Al-Fitr. This is the time for night markets and bazaars along Queen Street.
Deepavali/Diwali in Singapore Little India is most unique. This festival of light brings forth rangoli, oil lamps, and lots of other light fixtures throughout the neighborhood. The Indian Heritage Centre also puts on special events for Deepavali, including workshops, parades, and performances. Serangoon Road is a stunning sight to see this time a year, falling in one of the autumn months.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Thank you for taking the time to read through my blog post of the amazing attractions of Singapore Little India. I hope you have the time to add a few things to your list. Like I said, it’s not a trip to Singapore unless you have visited Little India.
