A Guide to the Little India in Singapore

Full of colour and activity, Little India is one of Singapore's most vibrant districts that, on a daily basis, sees many tourists and locals. Cattle herders once roamed these grounds and Europeans often flocked here for the racecourse, but these have since made way for new businesses like grocers, restaurants and hotels. If you have just one day to explore the streets and soak up the culture, put these attractions at the top of your list.

141 Serangoon Road, Singapore 218042You almost can't say you've visited Little India unless you've visited and snapped a few photos of the gorgeous Hindu temples that pepper the streets. If you only have time for just one, the Sri Veeramalikaliamman temple along Serangoon Road is the most famous. The facade of the temple boasts extremely intricate carvings and statues of the gods, which are absolutely breathtaking.

665 Buffalo Road, Singapore 210665To fully immerse yourself in the local culture, wake up early in the morning and head to a wet market. Tekka Centre houses not only a wet market but also a hawker centre and shops. Make your way through the wet market where you'll find the locals pushing their foldable trollies down the lanes picking from a wide range of fresh produce, seafood, meat and more. If you want a spot of breakfast afterwards, the hawker centre has several stalls serving up fantastic Indian dishes like thosai, naan, and appam.

145 Syed Alwi RoadIn metropolitan cities like Singapore, 24-hour food joints come as no surprise since Singaporeans count eating as their favourite national pastime. But to cater to their second favourite activity, shopping, Mustafa Centre is open all day and all night. It's a one stop shop where you can get anything from clothes to electronics, watches and jewellery, groceries, party supplies and sporting goods. With six floors of shopping, you're sure to be occupied for hours.

183-191 Jalan BesarAnother popular 24 hour institution in the heart of Jalan Besar is Swee Choon Tim Sum, where you'll find many young revellers getting their post-night out supper. Dim sum is typically a morning or tea-time affair, but judging by the crowd, it also hits the spot after midnight. Don't leave without trying the steamed salted egg custard buns, Shanghai xiao long bao and beancurd prawn rolls. 

138 Race Course RoadWhat better place to try the uniquely Singaporean fish head curry than at Muthu's Curry, who claim to be the pioneers of the well-loved dish. Spicy, sour and slightly sweet, order a pot of fish head curry to share, as well as some other dishes to go with it like steaming hot garlic naan and creamy, rich butter chicken.

Check out these hotels near Little India:

Novotel Singapore on Kitchener

ibis Styles Singapore Albert

ibis budget Singapore Selegie