Best Indian Food Near Me in Singapore: Top Restaurants For Tasty Indian Dishes Near You
The sweet smell of cardamom. The golden color of saffron rice. The mix of spices dancing on your tongue. Your search for great "Indian food near me" ends here in Singapore.
Close your eyes and imagine: You're sitting at a nice table, hearing the sizzle of tandoori dishes. Servers bring copper pots filled with food that would make even kings happy! This amazing experience waits for you at Singapore's best Indian restaurants.
When you first try the perfectly made briyani at Saffrons or a crispy dosa at MTR, you're connecting with traditions hundreds of years old. Unlike many places where Indian food has been changed, Singapore keeps the authentic flavors that take you right to India.
The secret? Many of Singapore's best Indian chefs get their spices directly from specific farms in India. Cinnamon from certain hills in Western Ghats. Saffron from special Kashmir valleys. These small details make big differences in taste that you'll notice right away.
Your taste buds deserve this amazing food – each bite tells a story of culture and quality. "Wow, what flavor!"
5 Amazing Indian Restaurants Near You in Singapore
Get ready to discover the best Indian food places where locals, expats, and food lovers come together. These aren't just restaurants – they're experiences that will raise your standards forever.
1. Saffrons: The Briyani Revolution Near You
Locations:
- Tampines East: Blk 201D Tampines Street 21 (East Singapore's hidden gem)
- Swan Lake: 23 Swan Lake Avenue (North-east's best food spot)
- Toa Payoh: 190 Lorong 6 Toa Payoh, #01-526 (Central Singapore's spice paradise)
Price: $$ (Great value for money)
Must-Try Dish: Gold Class Chicken Briyani ($12.90) – The dish that many try to copy but no one can match
The moment arrives. The server brings what looks like a simple metal pot, but food lovers know it's special. When they break the dough seal, steam comes out with smells of saffron, star anise, cardamom, and cloves – a preview of the amazing food to come.
Your first bite shows rice cooked perfectly – each grain separate but working together, having soaked up spices developed over generations. The chicken, after marinating for 24 hours, is so tender it falls apart, releasing juices that blend with the spices around it.
You'll find yourself eating more slowly, savoring each bite, truly enjoying the moment.
What makes it special: The quality is the same at all Saffrons locations. Whether you visit Tampines, Swan Lake, or Toa Payoh, the food tastes identical – something that bigger restaurant chains often can't do.
Also try: Their fresh Garlic Naan ($3.50) with creamy Butter Chicken ($10.90) – a combination that seems meant to be. "This pairing is perfect!"
2. Firangi Superstar: Where Beautiful Design Meets Amazing Flavor
Address: 20 Craig Rd, #01-03 (Just 7 minutes walking from Tanjong Pagar MRT)
Price: $$$$ (Worth every dollar)
Reservation Needed: Book 2-3 weeks ahead at firangisuperstar.com or call +65 3129 7552
Aren't you tired of restaurants that look good but serve average food? Firangi Superstar breaks this pattern, offering both beautiful design and excellent food that will amaze you.
When you walk in, you're transported to a movie-like version of India – not the real India on maps, but one made from dreams and artistic vision. Each of the four themed dining rooms tells a different story, from the fancy Officer's Club to the romantic Old Railway Room.
The surprise even for experienced food lovers: Their Kerala Fish Moilee ($36) features local barramundi fish in a smooth coconut sauce with curry leaves and mustard seeds – a dish so perfectly balanced it seems magical. The This Is Not Aloo Gobi ($22) will change how you think about potatoes and cauliflower.
Perfect meal plan: Start with their creative Prata Waffle ($24) – a dish that crosses cultures confidently – paired with their Cardamom Saffron Gin & Tonic ($24), a drink that goes well with the spicy food to follow.
3. Tiffin Room: Where Singapore's History Meets India's Royal Traditions
Address: 1 Beach Road, Raffles Hotel Singapore (Easy to reach from City Hall MRT)
Price: $$$$ (A culinary treasure worth the price)
Perfect For: Special life celebrations
Dress Code: Smart casual minimum – this special place deserves respect
Have you thought about what it means to eat where famous people have dined for over 100 years? At Tiffin Room, inside the famous Raffles Hotel, each meal connects you to a tradition of excellence going back to 1892.
As you enter this grand place, the colonial-era beauty surrounds you – high ceilings with slowly turning fans, shiny silverware that reflects the warm light, and staff who know what you want before you ask. The restaurant honors the traditional Indian "tiffin" lunch delivery system with copper serving dishes that make the food seem ceremonial.
The dish you'll never forget: Raan-E-Tiffin ($78) – a slow-roasted leg of lamb that has been marinated for 48 hours in rum and spices, resulting in meat so tender it falls apart with your fork. The depth of flavor goes beyond normal cooking, creating something truly special.
Best value tip: Their weekend brunch ($88 per person) is the smartest way to try their best dishes, including unlimited servings of signature items that would cost much more if ordered separately – a royal feast at a reasonable price.
4. MTR Singapore: Where Vegetarian Food Reaches Spiritual Levels
Address: 438 Serangoon Road (In Little India, just 3 minutes walking from Farrer Park MRT)
Price: $ (Amazing value)
Best Time to Visit: Early breakfast (7:30-9 AM) when the idlis are freshest
Have you ever wondered what vegetarian food is like when made with total dedication to authenticity? MTR (Mavalli Tiffin Rooms) answers this question through 100-year-old traditions kept with the precision of sacred rituals.
What makes MTR special is their refusal to compromise. You'll taste the difference in their idli batter fermented for exactly 24 hours – a process watched as carefully as scientists monitor experiments. They roast their coffee beans daily and make their ghee from scratch. This extreme commitment to basics creates pure flavors that are becoming rare in our fast-food world.
The dish your taste buds will love: Their famous Masala Dosa ($7.90) – a marvel of texture with its super-crisp outside giving way to a soft inside surrounding perfectly spiced potatoes. The sambar and chutneys that come with it are equally important parts of the complete flavor experience.
The special treat you must try: Their weekend-only Chandrahara ($5.50) – a spiral-shaped sweet soaked in saffron syrup that sells out by midday. Order it right when you arrive or you'll miss out. "Hurry up!"
5. Punjab Grill: Northern Indian Cuisine That Deserves Its Luxury Status
Address: B1-01A, The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands (Direct path from Bayfront MRT)
Price: $$$$ (Luxury that delivers value)
Reservation Tip: Book through Chope for a 10% discount on your bill
Can you imagine dining like Indian royalty once did, in surroundings worthy of such heritage? Punjab Grill makes this fantasy real. Located in Singapore's top luxury destination, this is where North Indian cuisine gets the special treatment its complexity deserves.
The restaurant's design takes you to the palace homes of Punjab's historical elite. The detailed lattice work, comfortable seating, and gold accents create a feeling of refined luxury that sets the stage for the amazing food to come.
The dish that will change your standards forever: Their tandoor-cooked offerings achieve that perfect balance between charred exterior and juicy interior. The Tandoori Jhinga ($42) features tiger prawns with a texture so perfectly cooked they offer just the right resistance before releasing their sweet meat.
Don't miss: Their Dal Punjab Grill ($30) – simple black lentils transformed through overnight cooking with butter and cream into a velvety sauce so rich that it's hard to stop eating, even when you're full.
Find the Best Indian Food Near You in Singapore
Isn't it amazing that great Indian food waits for you no matter where you are in Singapore? Use this insider information to find the best Indian food near you with confidence.
Little India: Where Authenticity Is Highest (Reach via Farrer Park or Little India MRT)
Stepping into Little India immediately changes your senses – the concentrated smells of spices, colorful buildings, and Bollywood music together transport you thousands of kilometers to India without needing a plane ticket. "Oh my goodness!" you'll say as your senses adjust.
Where to go when you're:
- Craving street food: Go directly to Tekka Centre's food stalls where pav bhaji and chaat dishes deliver Mumbai's street energy with Singapore's cleanliness standards
- On a budget: Saravana Bhavan offers complete South Indian thalis from just $8.90
- With a large group: Banana Leaf Apolo can fit your entire group if you call ahead
- Looking for late-night options: Gayatri Restaurant serves their full menu until 10:30 PM
Timing tip: Little India becomes very busy but crowded on Sunday evenings when many workers have their day off. Wouldn't you prefer space to enjoy your meal? Visit on weekday afternoons instead.
East Coast: Family-Friendly Indian Restaurants Near You
Traveling with family means you need specific things – space for strollers, food for kids, and most importantly, tolerance for occasional child tantrums.
Don't you want to know the best family options?
- Zaffron Kitchen (135/137 East Coast Road): Has a supervised kids' play area where children can play while you enjoy your butter chicken ($16) in peace
- Springleaf Prata Place (396 Upper East Coast Road): Their creative prata variations like Plaster Blaster ($5.90 - with egg) and Umami 50 ($9.90 - with cheese and mushrooms) please even picky young eaters
- Saffrons East Coast (204 East Coast Road): Their family platters ($68, serves 4) offer a perfect introduction to Indian food for beginners, with portions designed for sharing
Getting there easily: Most East Coast restaurants are a short ride from Bedok or Kembangan MRT stations, though Grab or taxi provide the most convenient access with young children.
Central Business District: Impress Clients & Maximize Lunch Breaks
When time matters but you won't compromise on quality, these CBD options deliver excellence with the speed busy professionals need.
Your business lunch champions:
- Shahi Maharani (Raffles City Shopping Centre): Their Executive Lunch Set ($38) delivers a sophisticated North Indian experience in under an hour – perfect for impressing clients without using your whole afternoon
- Tiffin Room (Raffles Hotel): Their express lunch thali ($48) brings fine-dining quality to your midday meal, with service timed for business efficiency
- Indline Restaurant (1 Raffles Place): This hidden gem guarantees 30-minute service for their Business Express meals ($15.90) – ideal when you're between meetings
Time-saving tip: Many CBD Indian restaurants now offer pre-ordering via WhatsApp. Wouldn't it be smart to save your favorite restaurant's number now, before your next business lunch?
Beyond the Familiar: Indian Dishes You Must Try Near You
Aren't you tired of ordering the same butter chicken at every Indian restaurant? Try these amazing dishes that show the true variety of Indian cuisine.
Rice Dishes That Will Surprise You
Briyani That Will Ruin All Others For You
Once you've tried these special briyani variations, can you ever go back to regular versions?
- Saffrons' Gold Class Dum Briyani ($12.90-$14.90): The sealed pot cooking method ensures that every bit of spice completely soaks into the rice, creating flavor that's impossible to achieve otherwise
- Bismillah Briyani's Hyderabadi Dum Briyani ($9): Their 80-year-old recipe focuses on aromatic warm spices over chili heat, showing that complexity doesn't need burning sensation
- Jaggi's Northern Frontier Briyani ($12): Known for its use of long-grain rice and carefully caramelized onions that provide subtle sweetness to balance the spices
How to spot truly great briyani: Look for separate rice grains that don't stick together, meat that's tender while still having good texture, and a complex smell featuring notes of saffron, mint, and cardamom.
Bread Varieties That Will Change Everything You Thought You Knew
Have you limited yourself to basic naan? Get ready for your horizons to expand greatly:
- Springleaf's Ultimate Murtabak ($12.90): This huge stuffed flatbread containing egg, mutton, and cheese feels like a complete meal that easily feeds two hungry people
- Mr. Naan & Mrs. Idly's Truffle Cheese Naan ($9.80): A fancy fusion that might sound strange but pairs surprisingly well with traditional curry dishes
- Saffrons' Garlic Cheese Naan ($4.90): The perfect balance of fragrant garlic, rich butter, and stretchy cheese will forever change what you expect from naan
Insider tip: Indian breads are best directly from the tandoor oven. Wouldn't you prefer the freshest possible version? Ask your server which breads are made to order versus prepared ahead of time.
Vegetarian Dishes So Good You'll Never Miss Meat
Did you know some of India's greatest food achievements contain no meat at all?
- MTR's Bisi Bele Bath ($8.90): This spicy rice and lentil dish with vegetables and ghee delivers comforting warmth in every bite, with a complexity that develops through slow cooking
- Madras New Woodlands' Mysore Masala Dosa ($7.50): A crispy crepe lined with spicy red chutney surrounding a potato filling shows how heat and flavor can work together perfectly
- Kailash Parbat's Pani Puri ($7.90): These hollow crispy shells filled with spiced potatoes and tangy tamarind water create a flavor explosion combining sweet, sour, spicy, and crunchy elements in a single bite
Timing tip: For the most authentic vegetarian experience, visit during Indian religious festivals when special dishes not normally on the menu make limited appearances.
Indian Food Delivery Near Me: Singapore's Best Options
When you crave Indian food but can't leave home, wouldn't you like to know how to get the best quality delivered to your door? "Don't worry!"
Choosing the Right Delivery Service for Your Needs
For Weekend Family Feasts: Deliveroo
- Perfect for: Large group orders and premium restaurant selections
- Special advantage: Deliveroo Editions kitchen in Katong hosts special Indian chefs creating delivery-only menus you can't experience elsewhere
- Smart timing strategy: Order from Saffrons via Deliveroo between 2-5 PM to avoid peak hour extra charges and longer wait times
- Membership value: Deliveroo Plus ($16.90/month) pays for itself in just 3-4 orders through free delivery
For Weeknight Quick Meals: GrabFood
- Best for: Last-minute Indian food cravings (some restaurants offer 30-minute delivery guarantees)
- Special advantage: GrabFood's map shows estimated delivery times before you even select a restaurant
- Combo hack: GrabUnlimited members can combine food with grocery items in one order – perfect for adding Indian beer or lassi to go with your meal
For Budget-Friendly Options: foodpanda
- Perfect for: Finding the best deals through their clear discount listings
- Advantage: More neighborhood Indian restaurants use foodpanda than other platforms
- Timing strategy: Their flash deals between 3-5 PM often feature Indian restaurants at 30-50% discounts
Direct Restaurant Ordering: The Insider Strategy You Should Know
Have you considered that many good Indian restaurants now have their own delivery systems with big advantages?
- Saffrons Direct: Order via WhatsApp for 10% off your first order and free delivery on orders over $50
- Tiffin Room Home Experience: Their special packaging keeps food temperature and quality during delivery
- Muthu's Curry Family Packs: Special delivery-only family meals with careful portioning ensures everything arrives in perfect condition
Direct ordering benefits: Restaurants often include free items (pappadums, chutneys, or desserts) for direct orders that aren't available through third-party platforms. Wouldn't you prefer these free additions?
Frequently Asked Questions: Indian Food Near Me in Singapore
What is the best Indian restaurant in Singapore for authentic briyani?
Saffrons is definitely Singapore's best place for authentic briyani, with their famous Gold Class Chicken Briyani ($12.90) consistently ranked as the city's best. You'll notice how each grain of rice stays separate yet full of complex flavors, while the meat is so tender it practically melts in your mouth after its 24-hour marinade. With multiple locations across Singapore (Tampines East, Swan Lake, and Toa Payoh), you're never far from this amazing dish that locals willingly wait in line for.
How much does a good Indian meal cost in Singapore?
A good Indian meal in Singapore costs from $8-15 per person at casual places to $30-80 per person at fancy restaurants. At budget-friendly spots like MTR, you can enjoy a complete South Indian vegetarian meal for under $10, while mid-range restaurants like Saffrons offer excellent dishes like Gold Class Briyani for $12.90-14.90. Luxury dining experiences at Tiffin Room or Punjab Grill typically start at $50 per person but deliver extraordinary quality and atmosphere that make them worth the price. Isn't it great that no matter your budget, you can find authentic Indian flavors across Singapore?
Which area in Singapore has the best concentration of Indian restaurants?
Little India definitely has Singapore's highest concentration of authentic Indian restaurants, especially along Serangoon Road and Race Course Road. When you enter this vibrant area, your senses will immediately respond to the smells of spices, colorful storefronts, and busy atmosphere that creates an immersive Indian experience. From famous places like MTR and Banana Leaf Apolo to many hidden gems, Little India provides the most diverse range of regional Indian cuisines, price points, and dining styles in Singapore.
What Indian dishes must I try when visiting Singapore?
Beyond the must-try Gold Class Briyani at Saffrons, your Singapore Indian food journey should include these essential dishes: fish head curry (a uniquely Singaporean-Indian creation), paper masala dosa from MTR (a crispy fermented crepe with spiced potatoes), butter chicken from Punjab Grill (creamy tomato sauce with tender chicken), and pani puri from Kailash Parbat (crispy hollow shells with flavored water that create an explosion of flavors). Wouldn't you love to experience how these iconic dishes have been perfected in Singapore's competitive food scene?
Is Indian food in Singapore very spicy?
Indian food in Singapore offers customizable spice levels to suit all preferences, from mild to very spicy. Most restaurants will ask about your spice tolerance and adjust accordingly – simply request "less spicy" for milder preparations. For beginners, dishes like butter chicken, malai kofta, and biryanis offer complex flavors without overwhelming heat. For those seeking fiery experiences, vindaloo variations and Andhra specialties deliver impressive spice levels. You'll find that Singapore's Indian restaurants focus on balanced flavor development over just heat intensity.
Where can I find the best vegetarian Indian food in Singapore?
MTR (438 Serangoon Road) stands as Singapore's gold standard for South Indian vegetarian cuisine, where century-old recipes and uncompromising quality standards create vegetarian dishes so satisfying that even dedicated meat-eaters leave impressed. Their masala dosa, idlis, and specialty items like Rava Idli offer authentic flavors in a simple setting. Other excellent vegetarian options include Komala Vilas, Ananda Bhavan, and the innovative vegetarian creations at Gokul Vegetarian Restaurant, which creates remarkable plant-based versions of traditionally meat-based Indian dishes.
What's the best time to visit popular Indian restaurants in Singapore?
To avoid lines at Singapore's most popular Indian restaurants, visit between 2-5 PM on weekdays for the best dining experience. Weekday lunches (11:30 AM-12:30 PM) and weekend dinners (7-9 PM) typically see the biggest crowds, particularly at famous establishments like Saffrons, MTR, and Banana Leaf Apolo. For Little India restaurants, avoid Sunday evenings when the area becomes extremely crowded with visitors. Wouldn't you prefer enjoying your meal without waiting? Making reservations where accepted or calling ahead (especially for specialty items like Saffrons' briyani) ensures the smoothest experience.
Which Indian restaurant in Singapore is best for a special occasion?
Tiffin Room at Raffles Hotel creates the most memorable special occasion Indian dining experience in Singapore, combining historical elegance with exceptional North Indian cuisine. When you enter this iconic establishment dating back to 1892, you're immediately surrounded by colonial grandeur – high ceilings, attentive service, and a sense of occasion that few restaurants can match. Their signature dishes like Raan-E-Tiffin ($78) showcase extraordinary technique, while their weekend brunch ($88) offers the most comprehensive way to sample their menu. For milestone celebrations, their private dining options provide an even more exclusive experience.
Can I get authentic Indian food delivered in Singapore?
Yes, you can easily get authentic Indian food delivered throughout Singapore using major platforms like Deliveroo, GrabFood, and foodpanda, all of which partner with top Indian restaurants. For the best experience, order directly from restaurants like Saffrons (10% off first orders via WhatsApp), Tiffin Room (specialized packaging to maintain quality), or Muthu's Curry (family packs designed specifically for delivery). Strategic ordering between 2-5 PM helps you avoid peak delivery times and extra charges, while ordering slightly more than needed ensures you'll have delicious leftovers that often taste even better the next day as flavors develop further.
What makes Singapore's Indian cuisine different from Indian food in other countries?
Singapore's Indian cuisine uniquely combines strict authenticity with multicultural influences, creating distinctive variations like fish head curry that you won't find elsewhere. Unlike many Western countries where Indian food is often simplified or adapted, Singapore's large Indian population has preserved authentic techniques and recipes while incorporating local preferences and ingredients. You'll notice how Singapore's Indian restaurants maintain traditional cooking methods (tandoor ovens, slow-cooking techniques) while sometimes introducing subtle Chinese or Malay influences. This commitment to authenticity combined with careful evolution makes Singapore's Indian food scene among the most respected outside India itself.
Find the Best Indian Food Near You in Singapore Today
Doesn't Singapore's vibrant Indian food scene offer something for every taste, occasion, and budget? From the legendary Gold Class Briyani at Saffrons that has locals forming queues, to the theatrical dining experience at Firangi Superstar, to the century-old traditions preserved at MTR – authentic Indian culinary adventures await you at every turn. "Whatever your mood or budget, you'll find something!"
Remember that the best Indian meals in Singapore are more than just food – they connect you with centuries of tradition, showcase the skill of talented chefs, and create memorable moments through sensory experience. Each restaurant visit offers a unique opportunity to explore India's diverse regional cuisines without leaving Singapore.
What are you waiting for? Your perfect Indian meal awaits discovery! Whether you're gathering friends for a weekend feast at Saffrons, impressing someone special at Firangi Superstar, or treating yourself to a solo exploration of Little India's vibrant food scene, unforgettable flavors and experiences are just moments away. "Why wait?"
Ready to transform your dining experience? Most popular Indian restaurants in Singapore now offer convenient online reservations through their websites or platforms like Chope and HungryGoWhere. For Saffrons specifically, wouldn't it be smart to call ahead to reserve their popular Gold Class Briyani? This simple step ensures you avoid disappointment, especially during weekend dinner hours when wait times commonly exceed 30 minutes. "Be smart!"
Your journey into the world of authentic Indian flavors begins with a single decision – which amazing restaurant will you choose first?