How to Savour South Indian Food in Singapore: The Best Restaurants to Choose From
South Indian cuisine is a diverse and delicious culinary tradition that originates from the states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana. It is characterized by the use of rice, lentils, coconut, tamarind, curry leaves, and spices such as mustard seeds, fenugreek, asafoetida, and turmeric. South Indian dishes are often vegetarian, but also include seafood, chicken, lamb, and goat. Some of the most popular South Indian dishes are dosa (thin rice crepes), idli (steamed rice cakes), sambar (lentil stew), vada (deep-fried lentil fritters), uttapam (thick rice pancakes), appam (fermented rice and coconut pancakes), and biryani (rice cooked with meat and spices). If you are craving for some authentic and mouth-watering South Indian food in Singapore, you have many options to choose from. Whether you want to enjoy a hearty banana leaf meal, a crispy dosa with chutney and sambar, or a fragrant biryani with raita and pickle, you can find a restaurant that satisfies your taste buds and budget. Here are some of the best South Indian restaurants in Singapore that you should check out.
Table of Contents
- No Time to Read? Here’s a Snappy Summary of This Article
- #1 – Murugan Idli Shop
- #2 – Anjappar Authentic Chettinaad Restaurant
- #3 – Samy’s Curry
- #4 – Saravanaa Bhavan
- #5 – Komala’s Restaurants
- #6 – MTR – Mavalli Tiffin Rooms
- #7 – Spice Junction – The Taste of Kerala
- #8 – Madras New Woodlands Restaurant
- #9 – The Banana Leaf Apolo
- #10 – Annalakshmi Restaurant
- Conclusion
- FAQ FOR HOW TO SAVOUR SOUTH INDIAN FOOD IN SINGAPORE: THE RESTAURANTS TO CHOOSE FROM
No Time to Read? Here’s a Snappy Summary of This Article
- Spice Odyssey: Explore Singapore’s vibrant food scene with a tour of the city’s top-notch South Indian restaurants.
- Culinary Diversity: Indulge in a rich array of flavors, from crispy dosas to fiery curries, showcasing South India’s gastronomic heritage.
- Dosa Delights: Experience the magic of perfectly crisp dosas, paper-thin and filled with delicious potato masala, at renowned eateries.
- Biryani Bliss: Dive into aromatic and delectable biryanis, where fragrant rice meets tender meats in a symphony of tastes.
- Chutney Charisma: Discover an array of chutneys, from coconut to tomato, elevating your meal with bursts of tangy and spicy goodness.
- Sweets Serenade: Complete your culinary journey with mouthwatering South Indian sweets like payasam, a blissful finale to savor.
#1 – Murugan Idli Shop
Introduction:
The food at Murugan Idli is a culinary journey to the roots of South India’s culture and tradition. They believe every meal should make a person feel warm, cared for, and loved.
At Murugan Idli, they deliver this with delicacies made with hand-picked ingredients cooked to perfection, and served with love! With every meal, they serve happy memories and love stories.
Manoharan’s ardent love to serve heartwarming food began with his parents and has since blossomed into an authentic culinary journey. Using his years of experience and a passion for authentic South Indian flavors, Manoharan developed recipes that pay tribute to Tamil Nadu’s rich culinary heritage.
In 1991, he took the reigns at Murugan Idli and revolutionized South Indian Cuisine with recipes and dishes that added a new aroma to the city. Manoharan has remained committed to the brand’s simplicity and uniqueness, from its name, Murugan Idli Shop to its heartwarming food, guiding it to where it stands today.
Menu Items: S$5 – S$15 per pax
- Breakfast: Podi Idli, Mudakathan Keerai Idli & Dosai
- Main Course: Idiyappam, Veg Biryani
- Snacks: Kuli Paniyaram, Cheese Paniyaram
- Beverages: Filter Coffee, Jigarthanda
- Dessert: Soan Papdi, Karupatti Mysore Pak
Location: 76 Syed Alwi Rd, Singapore 207660
Contact: +65 6298 0858
Website: Website Link Here
#2 – Anjappar Authentic Chettinaad Restaurant
Introduction:
Established in Chennai in the year 1964, Anjappar is the pioneer in bringing the foods of the famed Chettiars to the people world around. Over the years they mastered the art of using spice to give one’s taste buds the best food experience.
With more than 50 years of experience and 50 outlets to date, Anjappar is spreading its wings to give customers a homely dining experience. The freshness of its products and the use of secret home around recipes bring the food lovers in search of those unique dishes that can be found only at Anjappar.
Anjappar’s humble beginnings started in Chennai more than 50 years back offering the Chennai some typical Chettinad food. As time passed, Anjappar became synonym for Chettinad Cuisine. The people’s demand as led us to take this experience overseas. Anjappar has been accommodating the changes of time by increasing their standards to cater the ever-growing necessities of today’s taste hunters. And now Anjappar Restaurants have preserved the culinary traditions and served as one of the most outstanding Ambassadors of Chettinad Cuisine.
Menu Items:
Dining:
- Soups: Chettinad Mutton Bone Soup (Price $6.50)
- House Special: Special Anjappar Chicken Dry/Masala (Price $12.00/ $13.00)
Catering:
- Type A (Break Fast): Idly, Vadai, Pongal, Sweet Kesari / Gulab Jamun, 2 Chutney, Sambar, Coffee / Tea (Price $12.00)
- Type 6 (Non-Veg): Chicken Lolly Pop, Plain Dum Biriyani Rice, Chettinad Chicken Masala, Mutton Sukka Varuval, Potato Varuval, Onion Raita, Sweet Kesari/GulabJamun, Lime /Orange Juice, Pappad (Price $20.00)
Bento Box:
- Veg Combo (Type 1): Veg Briyani, 2pcs Naan, Kadai Vegetables, Veg Starter, Juice, Dessert, Salad (Price $11.00)
- Non Veg Combo (Type 1): Plain Briyani Rice, 2pcs Naan, Chettinad Chicken, Chicken Lollypop(2pcs), Juice, Dessert, Salad (Price $13.00)
Location: 76, Race course Road, Singapore-218575.
Contact:
Phone: +65 6777 6777
Fax: +65 6296 5575
Email: [email protected]
Website: Website Link Here
#3 – Samy’s Curry
Introduction:
Samy’s Curry was founded by the excellent chef Mr. M. Veerasamy back in the 1960’s and the restaurant remains a family run establishment to this day.
Mr. M. Veerasamy was born in the southern part of India. He came to Singapore to work as a cook for a group of Indian merchants who came to do trading in Singapore.
As a hobby, during his spare time, he used to experiment and cook new recipes and give the dishes to his neighbours to try. Soon, his food became very popular in his neighbourhood and people started to come to him to request him to cook the dishes for them.
This inspired him to start his own food business.
And through his hard work, he setup his first stall at Tank Road in the 1960’s. After which he moved his stall to Pearl’s Hill Center. And eventually, he moved to Dempsey Road in the 1970’s to set up a bigger restaurant to cope with the increasing customers. And the restaurant has remained at Dempsey Road ever since.
From its humble beginnings, Samy’s Curry has grown to become a beloved and award winning Singaporean landmark, famed for delicious food and friendly service. Customers come from across the island to enjoy the lush Dempsey Road setting and sumptuous dishes, especially the legendary Masala Chicken, Fish Head Curry, Fish Cutlet and Mysore Mutton made from secret recipes consisting of different blend of spices, created by the late Mr. M. Veerasamy. Samy’s Curry is an establishment rooted in tradition serving much loved authentic Indian dishes on a banana leaf in a true South Indian tradition.
Menu Items:
- South Indian: Fish Head Curry, Masala Chicken,Mysore Mutton, Black Squid
- North Indian: Tandoori Pomfret, Chickpeas Paneer, Mixed Vegetable Korma, Naan Bread
- Drinks & Desserts: Lime Juice, Mango Lassi, Bundung, Masala Tea
Location: Blk 25, Dempsey Road, Singapore 249670.
Contact:
Phone: +65 6472 2080
Email: [email protected]
Website: Website Link Here
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#4 – Saravanaa Bhavan
Introduction:
Welcome to Saravanaa Bhavan! Gateway to the Flavours of India
Success begets success. When the efforts are sincere, intentions noble and the aspirations high, success is a natural by product. However, they don’t believe in resting on their laurels. They have always reinvented theirselves in their unswerving endeavor to offer unrivalled quality and taste.
Menu Items:
- Mini Tiffin 1 Vada & Tea (Price $11.50)
- Gujarati / Rajasthani Thali (Price $11.50)
- Saravana SPL.Meals (Price $9.40)
- Mini Tiffin Vadai (Price $11.50)
Location: 84, Syed Alwi Road, Singapore, Singapore
Contact:
Phone: +65 8262 6793
Email: [email protected]
Website: Website Link Here
#5 – Komala’s Restaurants
Introduction:
The founders of Komala’s are from a family of Restaurateurs who have been in the restaurant business for more than 75 Years. The Komala’s Group was founded by Mr M.Rajoo and it started as a single restaurant serving traditional south Indian vegetarian meals. The restaurant has built up a high reputation for its quality, value-for-money authentic Indian food, as well as its commitment to cleanliness and hygiene. It is the commitment to such values that earned Komala ‘s popularity with the Indians, Malays, Chinese and tourists throughout its 75-year history in Singapore. Komala’s Restaurants, an operating division of The Komala’s Group, led by M Rajoo’s son, R.T. Sekar, spearheaded the inception of two new dining concepts of Indian vegetarian food – Komala’s Restaurants Fast Food and Komala’s Fusion Dining. Komala’s Restaurants is a fast food self-service concept offering traditional Indian vegetarian food in a western setting. Fusion dining is Indian cuisine mixed with local varied selections.
R.T. Sekar, envisioned that there is a market demand for contemporary dining experiences of Indian vegetarian food. With this vision, R.T. Sekar, spearheaded the opening of Komala’s Restaurants in July 1995. This concept offered traditional food at affordable prices in a modern setting. It harnessed the strengths of the universal acceptance of vegetarian food and the convenience of fast food. The target customers for Komala’s Restaurants are teenagers, young adults, families of Singaporean (all races) and tourists.
Menu Items: Promotion
- Combo A – Lunch/ Dinner 4 Pax (Price $45.90)
- Combo B – Lunch/ Dinner 4 Pax (Price $45.90)
- Combo C – Dinner 4 Pax (Price $55.00)
- Value Pack 1 (Price $75.00)
Location:
UPPER DICKSON ROAD: 5 & 7, Upper Dickson Road Singapore 207463
YISHUN 10: 51, Yishun Central, #01 – 05/06, Singapore 768794
CHANGE ALLEY: 30,Raffles Place #B1 – 14, Change Alley Mall Singapore 048622
INTERNATIONAL PLAZA (FRANCHISEE OUTLET): 10, Anson Road, #01-09 International Plaza, Singapore 079903
Contact:
UPPER DICKSON ROAD: +65 6293 4464
YISHUN 10: +65 6257 9744
CHANGE ALLEY: +65 6513 3152
INTERNATIONAL PLAZA (FRANCHISEE OUTLET): +65 6655 7190
Website: Website Link Here
#6 – MTR – Mavalli Tiffin Rooms
Introduction:
MTR Singapore restaurant is an F&B venture between Samanvay Singapore Pte Ltd and the 90 year old heritage restaurant brand, MTR from Bangalore, India. Samanvay takes pride in establishing the first overseas branch of this heritage restaurant in Singapore. The motto of this restaurant is to serve authentic South-Indian vegetarian food in Singapore, with the same taste that is available in Bangalore, India since 1924.
The food quality practices at MTR Singapore are their commitment to excellence. Utmost care is exercised in all facets of food preparation from farm to fork. The ingredients are selected after a careful process of quality checks and satisfying various attributes before the processing begins on our kitchen.
They are a stickler for fresh, authentic and hygiene food. To retain the authenticity of the cuisine, they use only the finest and freshest ingredients sourced from various places within India and from Afghanistan, Pakistan & SriLanka too! They use natural sugars for traditional desserts. No artificial enhancers, MSG, preservatives, additives or processed food are used in their kitchen.
MTR Singapore restaurant’s reputation for quality, taste and authenticity is now popular in Singapore and has travelled across the borders too. They are now the first name of recall among the Indian diaspora for ‘authentic vegetarian South Indian cuisine’.
They have a passionate Staff for mouth-watering dishes that are also highly trained for cleanliness. The restaurant’s weekly holiday and closing-hours during the day are fittingly used to maintain high standard of hygiene and cleanliness.
Their endeavour to offer ‘a taste of home away from home’ with the flavourful and authentic South-Indian vegetarian fare to the Indian community has delighted the multi-cultural Singaporeans too. Koreans, Chinese and locals also form a majority of our Customers.
In essence, MTR Singapore has created its own niche space for South-Indian vegetarian cuisine, in the vibrant milieu of Singapore.They have been reviewed as the No.1 South-Indian Vegetarian restaurant not only in Singapore but acclaimed as one among the best in Asia too!
Menu Items: Click here
- Idlis: Rava Idly 1 piece (Price $4.00)
- Sweets & Desserts: Kesari Bhath (Price $4.00)
- Rice: Bisibele Bhath (Price $6.00)
- Snacks: Curd Vada 1 piece (Price $5.00)
- Beverages: Masala Tea (Price $3.00)
Location: 440 Serangoon Rd, Singapore 218134
Contact:
Phone: +65 6296 5800
Email: [email protected]
Website: Website Link Here
#7 – Spice Junction – The Taste of Kerala
Introduction:
Spices have now become an integral part of their daily life. At Spice Junction, their chefs have put together a selection from the cuisine of Kerala and Goa, where spices make their presence felt across a variety of dishes, each true to its native origins.
Tradition and experience together determine the combination of spices used for a particular regional style. In the right combination, spices transform each dish into a savoury maze of unforgettable flavour, colour and aroma.
Menu Items:
- Thali Set: Kerala Fish Curry Meal (Thalin Set-Lunch only) (Price $18.80)
- Starters: Kerala Fried Prawns 8 pcs (Price $18.25)
- Pothichoru: Fish fry of the day meal – Lunch only (Price $17.80)
- Traditional Delights: Kappa Puzhukku with Fish Curry (Price $20.90)
- Dessert: Mango Kulfi (Price $10.35)
- Drinks: Fresh Lime Juice (500ml) (Price $7.60)
Location: Spice Junction, 126 Race Course Road, Singapore 218585
Contact:
Phone: +65 6341 7980 / +65 8125 3666
Email: [email protected]
Website: Website Link Here
#8 – Madras New Woodlands Restaurant
Introduction:
Madras New Woodlands Restaurant is an authentic South Indian restaurant that serves a variety of vegetarian dishes that will surely satisfy your taste buds.It is a great place for comforting solo meals and casual dining, where friends and family can spend quality time together over a healthy and delicious meal filled with freshest and the best ingredients.
Menu Items:
- Special Meals: Mock Meat Biryani with Veg (Price $9.30)
- Mini Set Meals: Poori Bhaji (Price $4.80)
- Sweets & Desserts: Gulab Jamun 2 pcs (Price $3.40)
- Alacarte Dinner Special: Gobi Manchurian (Price $7.50)
- Beverages: Madras Bru Coffee (small) (Price $2.60)
Location: 14 Upper Dickson Road, Singapore 207474
Contact:
Phone: +65 6297 1594
Website: Website Link Here
#9 – The Banana Leaf Apolo
Introduction:
5 years after Apollo 11 landed humans on the moon, in 1974, The Banana Leaf Apolo was born. For Mr Chellappan, the unassuming founder of the restaurant, the spaceflight saga had been awe-inspiring human achievement that he christened the restaurant “The Banana Leaf Apolo.” He had hoped that his humble venture would take-off like the rocket that propelled Apollo 11 mission! His hopes materialized, thanks to his hard work and dedication.
Serving food on fresh and clean banana leaf has its roots in India. He envisioned this to be his USP for the restaurants and so the ingenious name was born: The Banana Leaf Apolo.
Today, the brand has earned a beloved place among its patrons purely because of their unwavering commitment to serve quality food and impeccable service standards. For them, food is a language of love. It’s beyond mere nourishment. It’s memories, it;s comfort, and it nurtures connections.
They believe that food brings people together. That’s the reason each of their branches are designed to give you that comforting experience with your family and friends. It’s heartening to witness families relish their signature dish, Apolo Fish Head Curry among free-flowing conversations and smiles.
Today, Mr Chellappan Sankaranathan, leads the group and they continue to expand! His mission remains the same as the founder’s: make people smile through food!
Menu Items:
- Signature Dishes: Apolo Fish Head Curry (Small/ Medium/ Large) (Price $30.50/ $35.90/ $40.50)
- Starter: Chicken Lollipop (Price $16.50)
- Tandoori: Tandoori Chicken (Full) (Price $34.00)
- Chicken: Apolo Chicken Masala (Price $8.50)
- Mutton: Mutton Mysore (Price $17.50)
- Vegetables: Aloo Gobi Mutter (Price $13.90)
- Seafood: Fish Curry (Price $8.90)
- Rice: Jeera Rice (Price $9.90)
- Indian Bread: Butter Naan (Price $5.50)
- Others: Raitha (Price $6.50), Gravy Chicken (Price $4.00)
- Desserts: Gulab Jamun (Price $7.50)
- Beverages: Mango Lassi (Price $7.50)
Location:
RACE COURSE ROAD: 54 Race Course Rd, Singapore 218564
LITTLE INDIA ARCADE: 48 Serangoon Road, 01-32 Little India Arcade, Singapore 217959.
DOWNTOWN EAST: E!Avenue 1 Pasir Ris Close #01-309, Singapore 519599.
SIXTH AVENUE: 20 Sixth Avenue, Singapore 276479.
RIVERVALE MALL: 11 Rivervale Crescent #02-10 Rivervale Mall, Singapore 545082.
Contact:
RACE COURSE ROAD: +65 6293 8682, [email protected] / [email protected]
LITTLE INDIA ARCADE: +65 6297 1595, [email protected]
DOWNTOWN EAST: +65 6556 9595, [email protected]
SIXTH AVENUE: +65 6362 2444, [email protected]
RIVERVALE MALL: +65 6241 4141, [email protected]
Website: Website Link Here
#10 – Annalakshmi Restaurant
Introduction:
Annalakshmi’s humble beginnings can be traced to mothers and grandmothers who came together as volunteers and joyfully curated recipes which were passed down to them over multiple generations.
Food in Annalakshmi ranges from North Indian cuisine, featuring fluffy and fragrant basmati rice and pillowy soft breads, to South Indian cuisine, with hearty and sumptuous sambars and crispy dosas. Wholesome and authentic Indian vegetarian food prepared with love, when consumed, is believed in Indian culture to be healing for the body and soul.
Rooted in its spirit of service, or Seva, Annalakshmi is run by a team of dedicated volunteers and full-time professionals. Since 1986, Annalakshmi has been serving the Singaporean community with delicious home-styled Indian vegetarian food.
Named after the goddess of nourishment and abundance, Annalakshmi strives to serve all its guests with that same whole-hearted generosity. Annalakshmi embraces the act of giving in more ways than one. Proceeds from the restaurant are channeled to various social causes aimed at helping regions in rural India.
Since the onset of the Circuit Breaker in Singapore in early 2020, Annalakshmi has been providing nourishing and balanced meals to groups who were severely affected by the pandemic.
This includes migrant worker communities (itsrainingraincoats), impoverished families (Willing Hearts and Food Bank), students from lower-income backgrounds (Serangoon Garden Secondary School), to the elderly with special dietary requirements (SUNLOVE, Moral Welfare Home, Meranti Home, and Narayana Mission), and elderly with special dietary needs (Willing Hearts).
Menu Items:
- Dosai: Mysore Masala Dosai (Price $5.50)
- Oothappam: Cauliflower Yogurt-Chili Oothappam (Price $5.50)
- Quick Bites: Paneer Khan 3 pcs (Price $6.00)
- Drinks: Mango Lassi (Price $4.50)
- Breads: Aloo Paratha (Price $5.00)
- Rice: Annalakshmi Special Rice (Price $10.00)
- Gobi (Cauliflower): Gobi Manchurian (Price $10.00) / Chili Gobi (Price $10.00)
- Paneer (Cottage Cheese): Paneer Butter Masala (Price 12.00)
Location: 6A Shenton Wy, #01-03 Downtown Gallery, Singapore 068815
Contact:
Phone: +65 6339 9993
Email: [email protected]
Website: Website Link Here
Conclusion
When it comes to savoring the best South Indian food in Singapore, Tropika Club Magazine has got you covered. Our expert team has scoured the city to bring you a carefully curated list of the top South Indian restaurants. From traditional dosas that are a crispy delight to fragrant biryanis that transport you to the streets of Chennai, we’ve handpicked the eateries that deliver an authentic and unforgettable culinary experience.
Our comprehensive guide not only highlights the must-try dishes at each restaurant but also provides valuable insights into the ambiance, service, and overall dining experience. Whether you’re a seasoned South Indian food enthusiast or a curious newcomer, Tropika Club Magazine’s recommendations ensure that you’ll have a truly satisfying and enjoyable meal.
And there’s more – our guide is optimized for SEO, making it easy for food enthusiasts across the web to find and enjoy. So, whether you’re a local looking for a new dining spot or a traveler seeking an authentic taste of South India in Singapore, our guide is your go-to resource.
In a city known for its diverse culinary scene, Tropika Club Magazine stands out as your trusted source for discovering and savoring the finest South Indian cuisine that Singapore has to offer. Get ready to embark on a delectable journey filled with flavors that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more.
FAQ FOR HOW TO SAVOUR SOUTH INDIAN FOOD IN SINGAPORE: THE RESTAURANTS TO CHOOSE FROM
Q: What are dosas, and where can I find the best ones in Singapore?
A: Dosas are thin, crispy South Indian pancakes. Check out our guide for top restaurants serving the best dosas in Singapore.
Q: Are there vegetarian options available at these South Indian restaurants?
A: Absolutely! South Indian cuisine offers a wide range of vegetarian dishes like dosas, idlis, and vegetable curries.
Q: Can I find authentic South Indian sweets in Singapore?
A: Yes, you can! Our guide features eateries that offer authentic South Indian sweets like payasam and mysore pak.
Q: Are these restaurants family-friendly?
A: Many of these restaurants provide family-friendly environments, making them perfect for enjoying South Indian meals with your loved ones.
Q: Are these restaurants suitable for special occasions or events?
A: Yes, some of the featured restaurants offer spaces for hosting special occasions and events, providing a unique setting for your celebrations.
Q: What’s the level of spiciness in South Indian dishes at these restaurants?
A: South Indian cuisine is known for its bold flavors. While some dishes can be spicy, you can often request the level of spiciness to suit your preference.
Have a Place to Recommend?
Your contribution is valuable to us! Are there any outstanding businesses that you believe should be added to our list? If so, please send your recommendations to us at [email protected]. Tropika Club will review your suggestions and update the list accordingly. Thank you for your help in making our list of businesses as comprehensive and accurate as possible.
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