Singapore is a vibrant city-state where cultures converge, and its food scene is a testament to this diversity. For tourists exploring iconic attractions, the craving for authentic Indian cuisine—spicy curries, fragrant biryanis, or crispy dosas—can be satisfied at stellar restaurants nearby. This guide highlights top Indian dining spots near Singapore’s must-visit landmarks, ensuring you enjoy both the sights and the flavors.
Attractions: The futuristic Marina Bay Sands, with its SkyPark and infinity pool, and the lush Gardens by the Bay, featuring the Supertree Grove, are Singapore’s crown jewels.
Where to Eat: Nalan Restaurant City Hall
After enjoying the stunning views from Marina Bay Sands or taking a stroll along The Helix Bridge, satisfy your appetite with a hearty Indian meal. Just a short MRT ride away at City Hall, you’ll find Nalan Restaurant, one of Singapore’s top-rated Indian vegetarian dining spots. From rich North Indian curries to crispy South Indian dosas, Nalan offers a modern ambiance with traditional flavors.
Location: 13 Stamford Road, #B2-54 Capitol Singapore, Singapore 178905
How to Reach Nalan:
Cuisine: North and South Indian Vegetarian & Vegan, Jain Foods
Why Visit: Conveniently located near City Hall MRT, Nalan Restaurant offers an authentic vegetarian dining experience with a modern twist. Established in 2008, it’s celebrated for dishes like crispy Gobi Manchurian and South Indian Thali, served on a banana leaf for a traditional touch. The cozy ambiance, attentive service and Jain-friendly options (no onion or garlic) make it a favorite. Recent reviews praise the “rich and smoky” tikka masala and “crisp” dosas.
Must-Try: Spongy idli, Masala Dosa and Filter Coffee ,lauded as “the best in Singapore.”
Hours: Daily, 10 AM–10 PM
Price Range: $15 to $30
Attraction: Sentosa is a playground of beaches, Universal Studios Singapore, and adventure attractions like the Skyline Luge.
Where to Eat: Royal Taj at Village Hotel Sentosa
Location: 2 Gunner Lane, Mess Hall Block 16, #02-06, Singapore 099567 (within Sentosa)
Cuisine: Modern Indian
Why Visit: Housed in a colonial-style building, Royal Taj blends Indian street food like Aloo Tikki Chaat with tandoori specialties such as Royal Tandoori Chicken . The 5-course set menus are ideal for couples, and the vibrant decor suits families or date nights.
Must-Try: Lamb Seekh Kebab and Malai Broccoli
Hours: Monday–Thursday, 12 PM–3 PM, 6 PM–10 PM; Friday–Sunday, 12 PM–3 PM, 6 PM–10:30 PM
Price Range: Appetizers from $12, mains from $20
Alternative: Nalan Restaurant City Hall
No tourist trip to Singapore is complete without a walk through Little India. After visiting the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple or shopping at Mustafa Centre, recharge with an indulgent Indian meal at Nalan’s Little India outlet. Conveniently located and freshly renovated, this branch offers customized food options,Tandoor platters, and traditional South Indian Crispy Dosa.
Attraction: Little India is a cultural hub with colorful shophouses,
> Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple
>Little India Arcade
>Campbell Lane Traditional Shops
>Indian Heritage Centre
>Tekka Centre
>Mustafa Centre
>Abdul Gafoor Mosque
>Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple
Where to Eat: Nalan Restaurant, Little India
Location: 82 Serangoon Road, Singapore 217987 (heart of Little India, near Little India MRT)
Cuisine: North and South Indian Vegetarian & Vegan
Why Visit: A stone’s throw from Little India MRT, Nalan Restaurant is a go-to for authentic vegetarian cuisine. Known for its “fresh and flavorful” dishes, it serves classics like Dahi Puri and Sambar Idli. Staff are praised for their warm hospitality, with one diner noting a “mini party hall” experience upstairs. The restaurant caters to vegan and gluten-free diets, No Onion No Garlic dishes (Jain food) and its proximity to Rochor MRT adds convenience.
Must-Try: Millet Thosai, Tandoor Plater, North Indian Thali.
Hours: Daily, 11:30AM–11:30 PM
Price Range: $10 to $20
After an afternoon river cruise or an evening of cocktails by the water, you might find yourself craving a warm, flavorful Indian meal. While Clarke Quay and Boat Quay are known for their vibrant nightlife and riverside dining.
Attraction:
Location: 3C River Valley Road, #01-05, Clarke Quay, Singapore 179022 (within Clarke Quay)
Cuisine: South & North Indian
Why Visit: MANAM is a vibrant Indian restaurant known for its hand-crushed spices and authentic flavors, offering a perfect pitstop after exploring Clarke Quay.
Must-Try: Curry Leaf Prawns, Karaikudi Fish Fry, Maangai Meen Kuzhambu (Raw Mango Fish Curry), Tandoori Chicken
Hours: Daily, 11:30 AM–3 PM, 6:00 PM–10:00PM
Monday Closed
Price Range: $20 to $30
Nalan Restaurant, with outlets at City Hall and Little India, stands out for its commitment to authentic vegetarian cuisine. Since 2008, it has honored Chef Nalan’s legacy with dishes crafted from fresh, locally sourced ingredients and cold-pressed oils. Both locations offer vegan, gluten-free, and Jain-friendly options, ensuring inclusivity. The City Hall branch, near shopping hubs like Raffles City, is perfect for a post-sightseeing meal, while the Little India outlet immerses you in the cultural heart of Singapore. Diners rave about the “exceptional hospitality” and “flavorful” dishes, with highlights like the “delightfully crisp” Dahi Puri and “aromatic” fried rice. Nalan also offers catering for events, with live cooking stations and bento boxes, making it a versatile choice for tourists and locals alike.
Spice Levels: Nalan and other restaurants offer customizable spice levels. Ask for mild flavors if you’re new to Indian cuisine.
Reservations: Book ahead at Nalan’s City Hall or Little India outlets via www.nalan.com.sg, especially for groups or during festivals.
Vegan & Vegetarian Excellence: Nalan’s vegetarian menu is a highlight, with dishes like Palak Paneer and Sambar Idli rivaling India’s best.
Accessibility: Both Nalan locations are near MRT stations (City Hall and Little India), but note that the Little India outlet’s sliding door lacks sensors, so exercise caution.
Budget-Friendly: Nalan’s dishes offering value for money compared to fine-dining options.
Singapore’s Indian food scene, led by gems like Nalan Restaurant and vibrant spots like MANAM, brings the subcontinent’s diverse flavors to your plate. Whether you’re dining near Marina Bay Sands or exploring Clarke Quay’s riverside charm, Nalan’s City Hall and Little India outlets, alongside MANAM’s South Indian delights, offer authentic culinary experiences that complement Singapore’s iconic sights.
Bon Appétit!
A Contemporary Indian Vegetarian Experience in Little India and City Hall
Quik link
82 Serangoon Rd, Singapore 217987.
+65 9171 8282
info@nalan.com.sg
13 Stamford Rd, #B2-54, Capitol Singapore, Singapore 178905.
+65 9732 4289
info@nalan.com.sg