Delicious days in Little India

Besides the historical and cultural significance of Little India, it is also full of life, with plenty of activities and eateries in the area contributing to its buzz. Sit down with a cup of butter milk ice coffee from Tekka Market, which artiste Jay Nesh Isuran, recommends, or try out one of the many new trendy restaurants that have opened in recent years, such as acclaimed small-plates restaurant Morsels at Mayo Street by chef Petrina Loh.

“I like the vibrancy of the area —it is close to the CBD yet it’s still tucked away. It’s a place in Singapore that feels real and has tradition left in it,” she said, adding that she likes the convenience of having Tekka Market around the corner, and grocery stores such as Sheng Siong and Komala vegetable store, which stays open till late at night.

New entrants such as Creatures and Chimichanga have also found a nice niche in Little India. The former made Desker Road a hot dining destination with its local twist on dishes since it opened last year — think ikan bilis casear salad and rendang lamb shank. The latter, just three months old, is a Mexican dive bar that is fast gaining a reputation for its cheery vibe accompanied by a small but excellent menu.

“We’re fortunate to have so many customers that understand the spirit of Chimichanga,” said owner Joy Chan. “We’re located on Dunlop Street, which has organically grown to become a bit of an alternative indie stretch within Little India — and we like to think we’re adding to this by offering tacos to go along with thosais.”

It is not only tacos with thosais that adds to the neighbourhood’s eclectic appeal. Other food and beverage offerings include Non Entree Dessert at Rangoon Road, the current social-media sensation that serves playful dessert dishes with a novel presentation, such as a Bak Chor Mee that is really mango “noodles”, mango pudding with aged balsamico “vinegar”, raspberry reduction “chilli”, sesame snow “minced meat” and coconut “fishball” parfait.

Along the Farrer Park stretch is Jinzakaya and Brunches Cafe (no prizes for guessing what it serves). There is also Hungry Heroes, a superhero-themed restaurant at Tessensohn Road.

Food aside, the area also incorporates a cool co-working space, Work House by award-winning local design studio Farm, a hipster barber store for men, Grease Monkey Barber, and small leather-goods shop Obbi Good Label.