Top 10 Must-Try Indian Food in Little India, Singapore

A Culinary Journey through Vibrant Indian Flavors

Welcome to Little India, Singapore, where the vibrant streets beckon with enticing aromas and a rich tapestry of Indian cuisine.

Indian food in Singapore has evolved over time, drawing influences from the various local cultures and Southeast Asian ingredients, and finding its place in the hearts of Singaporeans.

Let us take you on a culinary adventure through the top 10 must-try foods, showcasing the diverse flavours that make Little India a food lover’s paradise.

From bustling hawker centres to colourful streets, let’s explore the irresistible world of Indian cuisine and uncover the culinary gems of Little India.

Biryani: Fragrant Rice Delight

Indulge in Biryani’s fragrant and aromatic flavours, a dish that tantalizes the senses with its harmonious blend of basmati rice, spices, herbs, and tender meat.

You’ll find an array of options to satisfy your Biryani cravings.

Whether you prefer chicken, mutton, or fish biryani, each variation boasts its own distinctive combination of spices, ensuring a burst of flavour in every mouthful.

The rice is cooked to perfection, infused with the essence of the spices. The meat is tender and succulent, cooked alongside the rice to impart its flavours throughout the dish.

Naan: Savoury Delights

Naan, a fluffy Indian bread, is crafted from wheat flour and traditionally cooked in a tandoor or clay oven, resulting in its signature pillowy softness.

This versatile Northern Indian bread can be enjoyed plain, brushed with ghee for a buttery touch, or stuffed with flavorful fillings like tender meat or gooey cheese.

Traditionally, naan is the perfect accompaniment to Indian curries, stews, and mint chutney, offering a delightful way to scoop up the rich and aromatic sauces for a satisfying culinary experience.

Butter Chicken: A Creamy Delicacy

Prepare your taste buds for a burst of flavours with the iconic Butter Chicken.

First, succulent chicken pieces are marinated, grilled to perfection, and then lovingly simmered in a luscious tomato-based gravy.

This creamy sauce is enriched with butter, cream or coconut milk, and a blend of aromatic spices, creating a harmonious balance of richness and tanginess.

To savour this classic Indian dish, pair it with naan or fragrant basmati rice.

Samosa: The Irresistible Indian Snack

Samosa is a beloved Indian snack featuring a crispy pastry shell filled with a savoury mixture. The filling typically consists of spiced potatoes, peas, onions, and a medley of herbs and spices.

Deep-fried to golden perfection, samosas offer a delightful combination of textures and flavours. This popular street food and appetizer from the Indian culinary world has also found its place on the streets of Little India Singapore.

Enjoyed with chutney for dipping or simply as is, samosas are an irresistible treat that satisfies snack cravings with every crispy bite.

Rogan Josh: A Taste of Kashmiri

Rogan Josh, a delight from the Kashmiri valleys, invites you on a sensory journey with its irresistible mix of spices.

With braised lamb chunks cooked in a luxuriously rich curry sauce, underscored by a harmonious blend of aromatic spices and creamy yoghurt, it truly is a delight for the senses.

To fully enjoy this dish, spoon it over a bed of steamed basmati rice, allowing the grains to absorb the rich, spicy sauce, or scoop it up with warm naan bread, experiencing the layers of flavour in every bite.

Pani Puri: a Street Food Delight

The delectable bite-sized crispy puris, or ‘Pani Puri’ as they are popularly known, deliver a perfect fusion of sweet, sour, and spicy flavours.

Each delicate, crunchy shell is generously filled with a savoury mix of boiled potatoes and chickpeas, then topped with a lip-smacking duo of tangy tamarind and refreshing mint water.

The traditional way to indulge in Pani Puri is to pop the entire puri in your mouth at once, resulting in a flavorful explosion that’s nothing short of a culinary carnival.

Chicken Tikka Masala: A Tandoori Chicken Classic

Try the bold, vibrant flavours of the classic Indian dish, Chicken Tikka Masala.

Succulent chicken pieces are bathed in a spiced yoghurt marinade, then char-grilled to imbue a smoky essence before being folded into luxuriously thick, creamy tomato-based gravy perfumed with aromatic garam masala and other Indian spices.

To fully appreciate this culinary masterpiece, serve it over a bed of fluffy basmati rice or pair it with hot naan bread, using the latter to mop up every deliciously creamy bite.

Thosai/Dosai: South Indian Crispy Crepes

Dosai is a savoury crepe known for its crisp texture. Crafted from a fermented blend of rice and lentil batter, Dosai presents a canvas for a medley of tastes and fillings.

One local favourite variant is the much-loved Masala Thosai. This thin, golden-brown crepe maintains the crispness of its simpler counterpart. Still, it boasts an aromatic stuffing of a dry, spicy potato curry, which provides an enticing contrast to the crepe’s delicate crunch.

Served alongside coconut chutney and sambar, a tangy lentil soup, Masala Thosai is a testament to the balanced and complex flavours that South Indian cuisine is celebrated for.

Beyond that, there are also wide varieties of Thosai, such as Rawa Thosai (Thosai with minced onions, mustard seeds and green chili peppers) and Ghee Thosai (a crispier Thosai cooked in ghee) and more!

Gulab Jamun: Sweet Indulgence

Experience the iconic Gulab Jamun when visiting Singapore’s Little India, a dessert loved for its rich, sweet flavour.

These delectable golden orbs are created from milk solids and deep-fried until perfectly plump.

Each dumpling is then drenched in a fragrant syrup infused with rose water and cardamom, resulting in a perfect balance of sweet, creamy, and subtly floral dessert—best enjoyed warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Kesari: Sweet Decadence

Round off your Little India exploration with Kesari, a traditional Indian sweet treat.

It’s a simple yet luxurious dessert crafted from semolina roasted in rich ghee and subtly tinged with aromatic saffron. A sprinkle of dry fruits crowns the dish, adding a crunchy contrast to the soft, sweet base.

Sweet-toothed lovers would appreciate the variety of traditional Indian sweets sold at Little India Singapore. More than just Gulab Jamun and Kesari, one can find delightful balls of Ladoos, Pink Tikkee, Suji Halwa, a delicious assortment of Burfis and other desserts.

Explore Some of the Most Popular Indian Dishes at Little India, Singapore: A Must-Visit for Food Enthusiasts!

Little India in Singapore serves as a vibrant culinary playground that entices food enthusiasts and lovers of cultural experiences.

From the eclectic fusion found in Indian Rojak, the soul-soothing decadence of Butter Chicken, to the flavour-packed punch of Pani Puri, each dish unearths a distinctive aspect of India’s rich culinary tapestry.

So whether you’re a devoted foodie or a curious traveller, this dynamic enclave stands ready to captivate your palate and immerse you in its gastronomic wonders.

The Little India Walking & Street Food Tour offers the perfect opportunity to explore what is probably one of the last vestiges of authentic street food culture in Singapore.

Soak in the vibrant atmosphere, savour the mouthwatering delights, and discover Little India’s captivating stories and sights with our local tour guide.

Come and experience the magic of Little India, where the aromas, flavours, and traditions of India come together to create an unforgettable culinary adventure.

Book your tour today and let the flavours of Little India in Singapore transport you to the heart of Indian cuisine!