This Little India Arcade guide covers a small block of restored shophouses on Serangoon Road, packed with small shops. Inside you can get a henna design, buy Indian sweets and snacks, and browse saris, bangles and brassware. It is free to walk around, and you can see it in under an hour.
The arcade sits at the corner of Serangoon Road and Campbell Lane, across the road from Tekka Centre. Little India MRT station is a short walk away.
What Little India Arcade is
The arcade is a block of conserved shophouses. These are the low buildings with shops on the ground floor that once lined Singapore's old streets. The block dates from the early twentieth century and has been restored to keep its old look. Today, narrow covered walkways run through it, with small shops on both sides.
It is one of the easiest places to see the area's shophouse style up close. For the wider story of the street, read our history of Little India Singapore.
Getting henna at the arcade
Henna, also called mehndi, is a plant paste used to paint patterns on the skin. It is worn at weddings and festivals, and many visitors get a small design as a souvenir. Henna artists in the arcade draw the patterns freehand while you sit.
How a henna session works
- Choose a design from the artist's book, or ask for something simple.
- Agree on the price before the artist starts. Larger designs cost more.
- Let the paste dry and leave it on for a few hours. Then let it flake off.
- The colour starts orange and darkens to reddish-brown over a day or two.
- It usually fades within one to two weeks.
Avoid black henna
Natural henna is never jet black. Avoid any paste sold as black henna, as some contain a chemical dye that can cause skin reactions. If you have sensitive skin, ask what is in the paste first.
Sweets, snacks and spices
Indian sweet shops are a highlight. Glass counters hold rows of colourful sweets, many made with milk, sugar, ghee and nuts. Look for these:
- Barfi: dense milk fudge, often topped with nuts.
- Laddu: round sweets made from gram flour or semolina.
- Murukku: crunchy, savoury spirals made from rice and lentil flour, sold in bags.
Sweets are usually sold by weight, so a small mixed box is easy to buy. You will also find packets of spices, tea and dried snacks that travel well. For full meals, see our list of dishes to try in Little India.
Clothes, bangles and gifts
Many shops sell clothes and accessories for daily wear and special days. Across the road, the upper floor of Tekka Centre has more clothing stalls.
- Saris, salwar kameez and kurta tops in cotton and silk
- Glass and metal bangles in many colours, often sold in sets
- Bindis, the small decorative dots worn on the forehead
- Brass lamps, statues, incense and wooden handicrafts
- Ayurvedic soaps, oils and herbal products
These make light, useful gifts. Our souvenirs and gifts guides have more ideas from around Singapore.
Festive goods and Deepavali
Before Deepavali, the Hindu festival of lights, the arcade and nearby streets fill with festive shopping. Shops stock clay oil lamps, garlands, decorations and new clothes. You will also see coloured powder for rangoli, which are patterns drawn on the floor at home. A covered festive bazaar is usually set up nearby, and Serangoon Road is lit up at night.
It is fun to see but very crowded, especially at weekends. Go earlier in the day if you prefer more space.
Little India Arcade guide: practical tips
- Bring some cash in small notes, as not every shop takes cards.
- Walkways are narrow, so carry a small bag and keep it in front of you.
- Ask before you take photos of shopkeepers or their goods.
- Pair your visit with the Indian Heritage Centre on Campbell Lane, which is very close.
- For bigger shopping, Mustafa Centre is within walking distance.
If you want to stay nearby, see our list of hotels in Little India and Jalan Besar. More area guides are on our Little India page.
FAQs about Little India Arcade
Where is Little India Arcade?
It is on Serangoon Road at the corner of Campbell Lane, opposite Tekka Centre. Little India MRT station is a few minutes away on foot.
Is Little India Arcade free to visit?
Yes. It is a block of shops, so you only pay for what you buy.
How long does henna last?
Natural henna usually lasts one to two weeks. It fades faster on skin that you wash often, such as your palms.
When is the busiest time to visit?
The weeks before Deepavali are the busiest and most festive. Weekday mornings are usually calmer.
