Bursting with colour and life, Little India is one of Singapore’s most iconic neighbourhoods.
This enclave is known for its Hindu temples, but it’s also lined with small shops, restaurants and cafes, backpacker hostels, and more.
More on The Finder:
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Of course, we can’t not start the list with Little India’s most iconic temple. Built by Bengali labourers who settled here in 1881, this Hindu temple’s most impressive feature, needless to say, is the gopuram, or tower, that features hundreds of statues depicting stories of the goddess Kali. Not a devotee? You’re welcome to enter, too!
41 Serangoon Rd, Singapore 218042
http://www.sriveeramakaliamman.com/
NEXT: Shish Mahal →
Recently awarded the 2017 Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand Award, this restaurant’s menu goes on for pages – you’ll be spoilt for choice. Try their Mahal Ka Butter Chicken ($15.90) and their Momos ($10.90), authentic Nepalese dumplings that are incredibly more-ish.
#01-20 Village Hotel Albert Court, 180 Albert St, Singapore 189971
http://www.shishmahal.com.sg/
NEXT: Indian Heritage Centre →
Blending both traditional Indian and modern architecture, the centre includes permanent galleries and temporary exhibitions that celebrate Indian culture in Singapore. They’ve got guided tours in English, Tamil and Mandarin, too.
5 Campbell Ln, Singapore 209924
http://www.indianheritage.org.sg/
NEXT: House of Tan Teng Niah →
One of Little India’s most photographed buildings, it is also the last surviving Chinese villa in the neighbourhood. Built in 1900, it belonged to a sugarcane-based candy businessman for whom it’s named. The house was originally whitewashed, with its stunning colours added more recently.
37 Kerbau Rd, Singapore 219168
See also: The Expat Bucket List: 9 Secret Things To Do In Singapore’s HDB Estates
NEXT: Amrita Ayurveda & Yoga →
Need some destressing? Try ayurvedic therapy, the ancient Indian philosophy for health and wellness. One of the interesting treatments offered at Amrita is their Special Fruit Therapy ($70), which is
a massage using fresh fruit.
11 Upper Dickson Rd, Singapore 207471
http://www.amrita.sg/
NEXT: Tekka Centre →
his landmark is a melting pot that truly showcases Singapore as a multilingual, multi-ethnic society. Chinese stall owners speak Tamil, and Tamil stallholders speak Mandarin or dialects. You’ll find a hawker centre and wet market on Level 1 and shops selling textiles, spices and costumes on the second floor.
665 Buffalo Rd, Singapore 210665
NEXT: Rex Cinemas →
Rex Cinemas first opened way back in 1946, but shut its doors in 1983 due to the dwindling movie industry. It was converted into a modern cinema and reopened in 2009; today, this funky, old-school cinema screens a selection of foreign films, mainly Tamil and Hindi titles (with English subtitles – don’t worry!)
2 Mackenzie Rd, Singapore 228673
http://www.rexcinemas.com.sg/
NEXT: Sakya Muni Buddha Gaya Temple →
Often called the Temple of a 1,000 Lights, this temple features a 15-metre tall statue of Buddha, which weighs nearly 300 tonnes. Plus, there’s a fresco at the base of the statue depicting the god’s life.
366 Race Course Rd, Singapore 218638
NEXT: Ukulele Movement →
This hip music store has an entire array of ukuleles and guitars for sale – even cute, colourful ones to start the little ones off with music. They also run lessons and workshops suitable for all levels.
178 Race Course Rd, Singapore 218608
http://ukulelemovement.com/
NEXT: Santap →
“Santap” means to eat luxuriously in Malay. Fittingly so, seeing the well-curated menu at this Muslim-owned cafe. The hearty rice bowls go relatively easier on the carbs, substituting white rice for califlower florets and brown rice. Or, try their unique dishes like the thin-crusted Aubergine Pizza with Curry Mayonnaise.
16 Madras St, Singapore 208413
https://www.santap.sg/
NEXT: Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple →
By Andre Theng and Pinky Chng, October 2017
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