Indian Food Guides

An Indian food guide to Singapore

Indian food is part of everyday life in Singapore. This guide explains the main styles, the dishes to know and where to find them. Indian Singaporeans are one of the country's main communities, and Tamil is one of its four official languages. Many local favourites come from South India. You will also find North Indian, Indian-Muslim and modern Indian cooking.

Four styles of Indian food to know

South Indian

South Indian cooking uses rice, lentils, coconut, tamarind and curry leaves. Look for dosa, which locals often spell thosai. It is a thin, crisp pancake made from rice and lentil batter. Banana leaf rice is the classic sit-down meal. Rice comes on a banana leaf with vegetables, curries and papadum, a crisp cracker. Read Banana Leaf Rice in Little India: How the Meal Works, or browse South Indian restaurants.

North Indian

North Indian food uses more wheat bread, dairy and slow-cooked gravies. Meat, fish and paneer, a mild fresh cheese, are often cooked in a tandoor, a very hot clay oven. Naan bread is baked in the same oven. Khansama Tandoori is in Little India. Kinara and Punjab Grill are in the Marina Bay and CBD area.

Indian-Muslim

Indian-Muslim stalls are behind some of Singapore's best-loved hawker food. Roti prata is a flaky flatbread fried on a griddle and served with curry. Murtabak is a larger, folded bread stuffed with minced meat, egg and onion. Biryani is rice cooked with spices and meat. Wash it down with teh tarik, sweet milk tea poured between two jugs until frothy.

Modern Indian

Some restaurants cook Indian flavours in new ways. Thevar is a modern Indian fine-dining restaurant in the Orchard and River Valley area. Revolver and Firangi Superstar are both in Chinatown and Tanjong Pagar.

Where to eat Indian food in Singapore

Little India

Little India has the widest choice, and Little India MRT station is the easiest way in. Tekka Centre is a hawker centre with many Indian stalls, good for a cheap first meal. Komala Vilas and Banana Leaf Apolo serve South Indian food. Muthu's Curry (Race Course Road) is known for fish head curry. Bismillah Biryani is a good stop for biryani.

Kampong Glam

Zam Zam Restaurant and Victory Restaurant are popular for murtabak. Islamic Restaurant serves biryani in the same area. Afterwards, walk to Sultan Mosque. Dress modestly if you plan to look inside.

Prata around the island

Prata shops are everywhere, and many open late into the night. Springleaf Prata Place is in Upper Thomson. Mr and Mrs Mohgan's Super Crispy Roti Prata is in Katong. Casuarina Curry is in the Ang Mo Kio and Bishan area.

Etiquette and tips

• Use your right hand. If you eat with your hands, use the right hand only. Cutlery is always available if you ask.
• Expect refills. At banana leaf meals, staff often top up rice and vegetables. Say so politely when you have had enough.
• Ask about heat. Some curries are very spicy. Staff can point you to milder dishes.
• Eating meat-free? Many South Indian dishes contain no meat. See our Vegetarian & Vegan guides.
• Need halal food? Look for the MUIS halal certificate on display, rather than going by the type of food. MUIS is the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore.
• Know rough costs. Prata with a drink is often under S$10. A banana leaf meal costs a little more, depending on what you add. Prices change, so check the menu.
• Visit temples with respect. Cover your shoulders and knees, and take off your shoes. Read Little India Temple Etiquette: What Visitors Should Know.

During Deepavali, the Hindu festival of lights, Little India fills with lights, stalls and festive sweets.

FAQs about Indian food in Singapore

Which Indian dishes should I try first?

Start with roti prata, a banana leaf meal and biryani. Add fish head curry if you are with a group, as it is a large dish made for sharing.

Is Indian food in Singapore very spicy?

Some curries are hot, but many dishes are mild. Dosa, naan and plain prata are gentle. Ask the staff if you are unsure.

What is the difference between prata and murtabak?

Prata is a thin, flaky flatbread, often eaten plain or with egg. Murtabak is bigger and stuffed with minced meat, egg and onion. Both come with curry for dipping.

Where can I eat Indian food late at night?

Many prata shops stay open late. Check the listing before you go, as opening hours change.

Do I need to book an Indian restaurant?

Not for hawker stalls or casual shops. For modern or fine-dining restaurants, book ahead, especially at weekends.