Indian food in Singapore is characterized by its complex use of spices, which is used to make its staple curries. Generally, Indian food is not as hot and spicy as thought by most people. It can even be thought of as delicate in flavoring. The best place to try Indian cuisine is in Little India. There are several northern and southern Indian eateries there. Indian food can also be found at hawker centers and food courts. Northern & Southern Indian Cuisine.
The main difference between northern and southern Indian cuisine is that northern food is less spicy and more subtly spiced than the southern counterpart. Cow's milk is also used as a base in the north instead of coconut milk as in the south. Southern Indian cuisine is also distinctive in its use of curry leaves and mustard seed. Coconut milk, yogurt, and oil are used rather than cream and ghee, which are used by the northerners. Southern dishes called Korma are generally mild, although anything prefixed by Masala is likely to be hot.
Fish Head Curry
The most famous Singapore Indian dish is the Fish Head Curry. However, it will be a surprise to note that Fish Head Curry is actually not Indian. It is something of a regional creation but it does reflect Indian cooking through its complex use of spices with delicate flavoring. One should never leave Singapore without trying it!
Indian Muslim Food
Indian Muslim food, especially from the south, is widely popular in Singapore. Savory stuffed unleavened bread called Murtabak is an example of Indian Muslim food. Another specialty is Briyani, which is rice cooked with seasoned chicken or mutton.
Indian Vegetarian
As most Hindus are vegetarians, Indian vegetarian cuisine is virtually an art form. An excellent variety of vegetables, savory snacks, lentils and breads have been created, as well as desserts and milk-based sweetmeats. Vegetarian meals, along with a few southern dishes, are often served on a banana leaf. They usually come with a range of vegetables, pickles, chutneys and bread.
Tandoori
One of the highlights of northern Indian cuisine is food that is baked in a tandoori or clay oven. Wheat based breads, such as Chapati and tandoori baked Naan also originated in the north.
Our recommendations:
Mutabak
Fried dough crepes with minced meat, served with curry dip.
Recommended Stores/Restaurants In Singapore:
Famous Islamic Restaurant - 795-797 North Bridge Road 10am - 10pm
Singapore Zam Zam Restaurant - 697/699 North Bridge Road 8am - 10pm
Fish Head Curry
Large fish head cooked in delicious curry with various vegetables e.g. Brinjal, tomatoes, onions etc.
Recommended Stores/Restaurants:
Karu's Indian Banana Leaf Restaurant - 808/810 Upper Bukit Timah Rd 10.30am - 10pm
Muthu's Curry - 138 Race Course Rd 10am - 10pm
The Banana Leaf Apollo - 54/56 Race Course Rd 10.30am - 10.30pm
Apom
Indian breakfast made from rice flour and eaten with orange sugar.
Recommended Stores/Restaurants:
Heaven's Indian Curry - Blk 20 Ghim Moh Rd #01-15 Ghim Moh Market & Cooked Food Centre 6am - 1.30pm
Roti John
Local style meatloaf.
Recommended Stores/Restaurants selling Roti John In Singapore:
Mas Merah Roti John - No. 66 Ayer Rajah Food Centre 11am - 11.30pm
Indian Rojak
Hotch-potch of ingredients : Prawns, beancurd, cuttlefish, vegetables fried in batter, hard-boiled eggs served with a sweet chili sauce dip.
Recommended Stores Selling Indian Rojak:
Indian Rojak - Stall 257 Geylang Serai Market & Food Centre 8am - 6.30pm
Sajis Indian Food - Blk 262 Waterloo St #01-29 Nan Tai Eating House 11am - 7pm
Chapati
Indian pancake made with wheat flour, usually served with various vegetable and meat dishes.
Recommended Stores Selling Chapati In Singapore:
Azmi Restaurant - 170 Norris Road, Thye Chong Restaurant 8am - 10.30pm
Roti Prata
Fried dough pancakes with a curry dip.
Recommended Stores Selling Roti Prata:
Best Crispy Roti Prata - 57 East Coast Road Nan Sin Food Centre 7am - 1am
Casurina Curry Restaurant Pte Ltd - 30 Biopolis Street Matrix Building SoulFood Hawker Bistro(near MOE building) 7.30am - 10.30pm
Janatuk Jalan Kayu Roti Prata -Blk 136, Bedok North Ave 3 #01-140 M-98 Food Centre 6am - 9pm
