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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!)
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.
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.
“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.
