If you’re visiting Singapore for the first time, two culturally rich and vibrant areas you can’t miss are City Hall and Little India. From colonial landmarks to colorful temples, these neighborhoods reflect Singapore’s diversity — and they’re home to one of the city’s top-rated vegetarian restaurants: Nalan.
Whether you’re sightseeing or just looking for the best Indian food in Singapore, Nalan Restaurant (located in both City Hall and Little India) is the perfect stop. Here’s a guide to top Indian dishes to try, especially if you’re new to Indian cuisine.
Singapore’s vibrant food scene is a gateway to its cultural diversity, and Indian cuisine shines at Nalan Restaurant in Little India and City Hall. For first-time visitors, pairing sightseeing in these iconic neighborhoods with Nalan’s authentic vegetarian dishes creates an unforgettable experience. This guide highlights 10 must-try Indian dishes at Nalan, alongside top attractions in Little India and City Hall, blending culinary delights with cultural exploration.
City Hall, in Singapore’s civic district, blends historic charm with modern allure. Tour the iconic Raffles Hotel, a colonial-era landmark, or admire Southeast Asian art at the National Gallery Singapore. The Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay offers stunning Marina Bay views, ideal for a scenic stroll. Steps from City Hall MRT, Nalan Restaurant provides a sophisticated setting to enjoy South Indian thali or mango lassi, making it a convenient dining spot after sightseeing.
Little India is Singapore’s heart of Indian culture, alive with colorful streets and aromatic food stalls. Start at Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, a stunning Hindu temple with intricate carvings dedicated to Goddess Kali. Wander Serangoon Road for vibrant shops selling spices, sarees, and jewelry. Visit Tekka Centre, a bustling hawker market, to sample local snacks before heading to Nalan Restaurant for authentic vegetarian chaat or thali. The Indian Heritage Centre offers insights into Singapore’s Indian diaspora, making it a perfect stop for cultural immersion.
Nalan Restaurant, with locations in Little India and City Hall, is renowned for authentic vegetarian and vegan Indian cuisine, including Jain (no onion, no garlic) options. Below are 10 must-try dishes for first-time visitors, each crafted with fresh, in-house ingredients for an authentic taste of India.
A South Indian staple, masala dosa is a crispy rice-and-lentil crepe filled with spiced potato masala. Nalan’s dosa is fermented for a light, golden crunch, served with coconut chutney and tangy sambar. This gluten-free dish offers a savory, mildly spicy flavor, perfect for breakfast or a light meal.
Fluffy steamed rice cakes (idli) paired with sambar—a lentil stew with vegetables, tamarind, and spices—make this a South Indian classic. Nalan’s sambar idli is light and flavorful, with the idli soaking up the tangy, aromatic sambar, ideal for a wholesome, comforting dish.
This North Indian favorite features paneer cubes in a creamy tomato gravy with butter, cashews, and mild spices. Nalan’s paneer butter masala is rich yet balanced, with a velvety texture and sweet-savory notes, best paired with naan or roti for a hearty meal.
A vegan delight, Nalan’s dal tadka is yellow lentils tempered with cumin, mustard seeds, and dried chilies, served with fragrant basmati rice. The smoky, earthy flavors and fluffy rice make this a satisfying, plant-based option for health-conscious diners.
Perfect for Jain diets, vegetable makhanwala is a creamy, tomato-based curry packed with fresh vegetables and mild spices, free of onion and garlic. Nalan pairs it with flaky, layered lachcha paratha, offering a rich, buttery texture and vibrant flavors for a wholesome, sattvic meal.
A street food favorite, pani puri is crispy, hollow puris filled with spiced potatoes, chickpeas, and tangy tamarind-mint water. Nalan’s in-house puris and chutneys, made with healthier oils, deliver a burst of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors in every bite.
This refreshing drink blends fresh yogurt, ripe mangoes, and sugar for a sweet, creamy treat. Nalan’s mango lassi is a smooth, non-spicy delight, perfect for cooling down in Singapore’s warm climate and complementing savory dishes.
Nalan’s North Indian thali is a feast of paneer curry, dal, vegetable sabzi, rice, roti, papad, chutney, and dessert. This vibrant platter showcases diverse North Indian flavors, from creamy to spicy, ideal for sampling multiple dishes in one meal.
A colorful spread, Nalan’s South Indian thali includes sambar, rasam, vegetable curries, rice, idli, dosa, chutney, and a sweet. The tangy, spicy, and sour flavors reflect South India’s culinary heritage, offering a wholesome dining experience.
Marinated paneer cubes grilled with bell peppers and spices, paneer tikka is a smoky North Indian starter. Nalan’s version is perfectly charred, with a tender texture and bold, spicy flavors, served with mint chutney for a delightful appetizer.
Nalan’s commitment to authenticity sets it apart. Freshly cut vegetables, in-house chutneys (tamarind, mint, green), and healthier oils elevate dishes like chaat and thali. Vegan, Jain, and gluten-free options cater to diverse diets, while the modern ambiance in City Hall and vibrant setting in Little India enhance your visit. Nalan also offers catering for up to 600 guests, with live chaat stations and festive Diwali sweets like sugar-free dry fruit burfi, perfect for celebrations.
100% Vegetarian
Vegan-Friendly Menus
Jain Meals Available
Fresh, Home-Style Cooking
Prime Locations in Tourist Areas
Seasonal Specials
Special Menu for Public holidays / Celebrations
13 Stamford Rd, #B2-54 Capitol Singapore, Singapore 178905
📞 +65 97324289.
82 Serangoon Road, Singapore 217987
📞 +65 9171 8282
For the best Indian vegetarian restaurant in Singapore, whether you are in City Hall or Little India, Nalan is the name to remember.
Singapore boasts several top South Indian restaurants, with Nalan Restaurant in Little India and City Hall standing out for its authentic vegetarian and vegan dishes.
For South Indian vegetarian cuisine, Nalan Restaurant is a top choice in Little India and City Hall, offering dishes like masala dosa and South Indian thali.
If you’re near Little India, Nalan Restaurant, Komala Vilas, and Ananda Bhavan are excellent vegetarian options. In City Hall, Nalan’s outlet near Raffles Place serves authentic vegetarian fare.
Hotel Boss, located at 500 Jalan Sultan, is close to Little India. Nalan Restaurant on Serangoon Road is a short walk, offering vegetarian and Jain dishes like vegetable makhanwala and pani puri.
Nalan Restaurant in Little India1:30AM to 11:30PM, with last orders taken at 11:00 PM City Hall is open daily from 10:00 am to 10:00pm, with last orders at 9:30pm, making it a reliable choice. operates from 1
Nalan Restaurant is a standout in Little India for vegetarian North and South Indian cuisine, including thali and chaat. Komala Vilas, MTR Singapore, and Ananda Bhavan are also top-rated for their authentic vegetarian dishes. For non-vegetarian options, Khansama Tandoori Restaurant and The Banana Leaf Apolo are popular for tandoori and fish head curry.
Singapore Zoo, Gardens by the Bay, Singapore Botanic Gardens
Free attractions include Merlion Park, Marina Bay Sands Skyway (exterior views), and Esplanade’s outdoor areas in City Hall. In Little India, stroll Serangoon Road or visit Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple. Gardens by the Bay’s outdoor gardens and Supertree Grove are also free, offering budget-friendly fun for all ages.
Kid-friendly attractions include Singapore Zoo, Universal Studios Singapore, and S.E.A. Aquarium. In Little India, the Indian Heritage Centre offers interactive exhibits for kids. In City Hall, Esplanade’s outdoor concerts and Marina Bay’s light shows are engaging and free, perfect for family outings.
Nalan Restaurant in Little India and City Hall is a top choice for Jain food, offering no onion, no garlic dishes and Non-Root dishes
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