Bright, beautiful and buzzing – Little India is a must-do with kids, whether you live in Singapore or are just visiting. Here's how to navigate the 'hood…
Singapore may be small, but it’s big in colour, culture and incredibly diverse neighbourhoods. One of the most colourful of all? Little India, of course! And with Deepavali coming up, it’s the perfect pocket of the island to introduce your kids to temples rich in history, soak up delish local eats and visit the famous stores for Indian sweets and knick-knacks… It’s all here in our guide to acing Little India with kids. Let the walkabout begin!
How to get to Little India via public transport or car
Start your adventure at Little India MRT, on the Northeast line (purple) or the Downtown line (blue), and head for the Race Course Road exit. The race course was part of Singapore’s colonial era, which is long gone, although the name stuck. Wander along Buffalo Road until you reach Tekka Market.
If travelling by car, you can park at Tekka Market, Mustafa Centre, or Tekka Place. Street parking is available along Norris, Chander, Race Course, and Syed Alwi Roads.
What to do in Little India with the kids
1. Go on a local history lesson: Indian Heritage Centre
The galleries in the ultra-modern Indian Heritage Centre are chronologically arranged and span the period from the first to the 21st century (yes, kids, there’s stuff in there that’s older than us). It’s a cosy collection you can breeze through in an hour or two, but there’s plenty of fun for kids, especially during Deepavali! Singapore residents enjoy free entry, while foreigners pay $8 for adults and $5 for concessions. And the best part? Kiddos aged six and under get in for free!
There’s lots of fun history to learn, plus air conditioning — something you and the kiddos will appreciate! Psst: For more museum recommendations, check out our guide to kid-friendly museums and exhibitions in Singapore!
Fun family activity: Pick up a copy of the Little India Heritage Trail booklet at the Visitor Centre and explore to visit all the recommended sites.
Indian Heritage Centre, 5 Campbell Ln, Singapore 209924
2. Soak in the culture: Temple time!
Hinduism is evident in Little India, and there are plenty of temples to explore. We particularly like the Sri Veeramakakaliamman Temple, dedicated to the goddess Kali. Don’t forget to check out our guide to Singapore temples for more cultural hotspots and a little primer on how to behave respectfully in these religious places. A must-do if you’re bringing the kids to Little India! If you and the kiddos are dressed in shorts, etc, fret not! You can help yourself to the shawls placed outside of the temple. It’s customary to dress modestly in a temple.
Fun family activity: Count how many times you see Lord Ganesha (Kali’s son, who has an elephant head) in the temple.
Sri Veeramakakaliamman Temple, 141 Serangoon Rd, Singapore 218042
3. Check out this historical landmark: Tan Teng Niah House
The Former House of Tan Teng Niah is Little India’s last-standing Chinese villa, famous for its vibrant, rainbow-coloured exterior. Built in the 1900s by businessman Tan Teng Niah, it blends Southern Chinese and European styles. It’s a commercial spot today, but it’s a must for snapping those Insta-worthy pics! Bring the kids to explore the colourful architecture and snap fun family photos. You haven’t indeed visited Little India without a pic here!
Tan Teng Niah House, 37 Kerbau Road, Singapore 219168
4. Check out the murals
Little India’s streets and alleys are full of vibrant murals, best explored on foot. Grab some water and take a leisurely walk to spot colourful street art on building walls. Spot the murals along Belilios Road. Serangoon Road and Upper Dickson, as well as Hindoo Road.
5. Catch the street light display!
Avid photographers will want to head down to Little India during the festive period to catch the dazzling light displays. During festive periods such as Deepavali or Pongal, Little India streets light up some dazzling displays. The Deepavali Street Light-up is currently on from 14 September to 17 November 2024!
Where to eat with the kids in Little India
Little India is packed with delicious North and South Indian eats, from veggie to non-veg, and even Jain options! You’ll find a restaurant on almost every corner, but here are our top kid-friendly picks. Craving more? We’ve got plenty of Indian restaurant faves right here!
1. Banana Leaf Apolo
Locals and visitors alike agree that Banana Leaf Apolo along Race Course Road is THE place to eat at lunchtime and is renowned for its fish head curry served on a banana leaf — hence the name! Make a reservation because there’s always a queue. Be patient if you chance upon it because the wait is absolutely worth it. If curry – fish head or otherwise – is not your thing, then feast on biryani, naan or fluffy prata.
Banana Leaf Apolo, 54 Race Course Road, Singapore 218564
2. Kailash Parbat
Looking for a kid-friendly option that’s fun and a textural delight? Try Kailash Parbat for its array of chaat, or Indian street snacks, made from crisps, puffed rice, and more!
Kailash Parbat, 93 Syed Alwi Road, Singapore 207669
3. Lagnaa Barefoot Dining
For a more novel lunchtime dining experience, try Lagnaa Barefoot Dining – the clue is in the name! Sit barefoot on the floor and chow down on some delish Indian food.
Lagnaa Barefoot Dining, 6 Upper Dickson Rd, Singapore 207466
4. Tekka Centre
Tekka Centre in Little India is a foodie haven, especially if you’re into authentic, multiethnic hawker eats! Skip the history and dive straight into the bustling hawker centre, where generations of stallholders serve up mouthwatering dishes. Whether you’re craving spicy Indian curries, flavorful biryani, or hearty Chinese and Malay dishes, Tekka’s got it. Must-tries include thosai, chicken rice, mutton biryani, and freshly squeezed sugarcane juice to beat the heat. Perfect for a flavorful family feast, just be ready to brave the weekend crowds! That’s not all! Did you know that some stalls have been deemed Michelin-worthy? You’ll have to drop by to try it for yourself.
Tekka Centre, 665 Buffalo Road, Tekka Market, Singapore 210665
5. Bismillah Biryani
You won’t want to give this EIGHT-time Michelin Bib Gourmand-winning biryani a miss on your next trip to Little India. Bismillah Biryani is a time-honoured restaurant serving up authentic dum biryanis and more. We highly recommend the Lamb Chop Biryani topped with sweet fried onions and huge lamb chops.
Bismillah Biryani, 50 Dunlop Street Singapore, Singapore 209379
6. BONUS for those with a sweet tooth: Little India Arcade
Look out for a building as bright as the wares you’ll find inside! A short stroll from Tekka Market will lead you to Little India Arcade on Campbell Road. This colourful 1920s building is hard to miss!
Here, you’ll find the whole Indian shopping experience: perfect for nabbing wooden elephants, peacock feathers, hand block printing blocks, embroidered bags, Bollywood movie DVDs, dazzling bangles, and Indian sweets. Moghul Sweet Shop is worth tracking down for its traditional Indian desserts, including spicy samosas… yum!
Fun family activity: This is the spot to get your hands decorated with a gorgeous henna tattoo. Pick from traditional designs or even cartoon characters, and then wear your art proudly. Henna body art can last up to three weeks. You can also go on a peacock feather hunt! The perfect memento after a trip to Little India with the kids, we think!
Little India Arcade, 48 Serangoon Road, Singapore 217959
Where to shop in Little India
1. Stock up at the Tekka Market
Tekka Market is a fun and curious place. If you have early risers (is there any parent who doesn’t?), it’s best to get there before 9am when the wet market is up and running (it opens at 5am for the really early birds). It is the largest wet market in Singapore, so you’re in for a treat if you’re hunting for fresh produce.
Look forward to freshly grated coconut, meats that can be filleted for you, and the freshest foods and veggies – not only that, you can also expect to find novel ingredients used in Indian cooking or even some superfoods! For example, keep a look out for Indian gooseberries, which are great sources of Vitamin C and other kinds of interesting ingredients, from mustard oil to puffed rice. Prepare to fully awaken your senses with everything from fish and meat to fresh flowers and fruit to see and smell. It’s the place to stock up on spices too!
Once you’ve had your share of looking for fresh groceries, head to level two of Tekka Market to try on and buy Indian fashion, from luxurious saris, Punjabi suits to salwar kameez and costume jewellery. Haggling is absolutely encouraged, if not expected. You can also find tailors who can help with alteration services and more. Additionally, there’s a hawker centre in Tekka Market where you can indulge with the kiddos in a variety of local cuisine and get some iced sugarcane juice, freshly squeezed or other kinds of local drinks! It’s just the perfect treat to beat the heat.
Tekka Market, 665 Buffalo Rd, L1 Tekka Centre, Singapore 210665
2. Check out Mustafa Centre
It is impossible to venture into Little India without being lured into Mustafa Centre on Syed Alwi Road. This enormous department store stocks everything but the kitchen sink (and probably even kitchen sinks). Ace your Singapore supermarket experience in the grocery section before heading into the electronics department to look at all the latest gadgets your kids think they want. It has recently resumed its 24-hour operations, so you have all the time in the world (but maybe not all the patience).
Fun family activity: Make a list of obscure items you might need for your kitchen cupboards, and then challenge the kids to track them down.
Mustafa Centre, 145 Syed Alwi Rd, Mustafa Centre, Singapore 207704
3. All that glitters IS gold: Serangoon Road
The streets are not paved with gold, but Serangoon Road is paved with jewellery shops selling authentic gold! For a truly impressive array of 18k and 22k gold, there are stores galore showcasing the prettiest earrings, necklaces, rings and bracelets. We love browsing Malabar Gold and Diamonds and Ishtara Jewellery, to name a few.
Malabar Gold and Diamonds, 114 Syed Alwi Road, Singapore 207682; Ishtara Jewellery, 111 Serangoon Rd, Singapore 218016
4. Jothi Store and Flower Shop for housewares, traditional remedies and more!
Jothi Store and Flower Shop in Little India is a treasure trove of all things Indian. What started as a humble flower shop now offers a wide variety of prayer essentials, from brass and silver trays to incense and bronze statues. It’s also a go-to spot for Indian cosmetics and natural remedies like neem and eucalyptus oils, turmeric capsules, and more. Need kitchenware? You’ll find traditional Indian kadhais (woks) and the quintessential pressure cooker every Indian home swears by.
Jothi Store, 1 Campbell Lane, Singapore 209882.
Loved exploring Little India? Check out our guide to Kampong Glam too!
