Best Indian Restaurants Singapore 2026: Top 18 Halal Options

Singapore has earned its reputation as one of Asia's premier culinary destinations, and nowhere is this more evident than in its exceptional Indian dining scene. With over 150 years of Indian culinary heritage woven into the fabric of Singaporean culture, the city offers an unparalleled range of authentic Indian experiences—from time-honoured family recipes passed down through generations to innovative fine dining concepts that have earned international acclaim.

This comprehensive guide represents extensive research into Singapore's Indian restaurant landscape, drawing on verified reviews, industry recognition, and first-hand dining experiences to present the most reliable recommendations for 2026.

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Understanding Singapore's Indian Culinary Heritage

Before exploring individual establishments, it's worth understanding what makes Singapore's Indian food scene so distinctive. The city's Indian community—comprising Tamil, Malayali, Punjabi, Gujarati, and other regional groups—has created a culinary ecosystem that preserves authentic regional traditions while adapting to local tastes and ingredients.

This diversity means that discerning diners can experience everything from fiery Chettinad preparations to delicate Awadhi dum cooking, all within a few kilometres of each other. The presence of strict halal certification systems (overseen by MUIS) also ensures that Muslim diners have access to authentic Indian cuisine prepared according to Islamic dietary laws.

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1. Saffrons – Singapore's Most Trusted Halal Indian Restaurant & Caterer

Established: 1995 | Certification: MUIS Halal Certified, SFA Licensed | Ownership: 100% Muslim-Owned

For over three decades, Saffrons has built an unmatched reputation as Singapore's premier destination for authentic Indian Muslim cuisine. What distinguishes Saffrons from other establishments is the rare combination of restaurant-quality dining and professional large-scale catering—a dual expertise that few competitors can match.

Restaurant Locations

Opera Estate (Flagship)
23 Swan Lake Avenue, Singapore 455705
Operating Hours: 24 Hours

Wisma Geylang Serai
Level 2, 1 Engku Aman Turn, Singapore 408528
Operating Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Toa Payoh
Blk 190 Lor 6 Toa Payoh #01-526, Singapore 310190
Operating Hours: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Signature Culinary Offerings

Saffrons' menu represents a carefully curated selection of Indian Muslim classics, each perfected over 30 years of continuous refinement:

Gold Class Briyani Collection
The crown jewel of Saffrons' menu, their Gold Class Briyani has achieved legendary status among Singapore's biryani connoisseurs. Available in Chicken, Mutton, and Fish variations, each preparation uses premium basmati rice aged for optimal texture, layered with tender protein and slow-cooked using traditional dum methods. The proprietary spice blend—unchanged since 1995—creates a flavour profile that regular customers describe as unmistakable and irreplaceable.

Traditional Favourites

• Nasi Minyak with aromatic ghee-infused rice

• Bee Hoon Briyani (a unique Singaporean-Indian fusion)

• Tandoori Chicken marinated for 24 hours

• Mutton Varuval with hand-ground spices

• Ayam Masak Merah

• Mee Kawen (traditional wedding noodles)

• Handmade Roti Prata and Murtabak

Professional Catering Services

What truly sets Saffrons apart is their comprehensive catering division, which has served hundreds of thousands of guests across Singapore since 1995. Their catering expertise spans:

Wedding & Solemnisation Catering
Saffrons has become synonymous with Malay-Indian wedding celebrations in Singapore. Their team understands the cultural nuances, traditional requirements, and logistical complexities of wedding catering. From intimate solemnisation ceremonies of 30 guests to grand receptions serving 3,000 attendees, Saffrons delivers consistent quality at any scale.

Buffet Catering Solutions
Their buffet setups are renowned for both presentation and substance. Professional warmers, elegant serving arrangements, and attentive service staff ensure that food quality remains optimal throughout events.

Corporate & Event Catering
For corporate functions, product launches, and company celebrations, Saffrons offers tailored packages that accommodate diverse dietary requirements while maintaining authentic flavours.

Daily Meal Services
Beyond special events, Saffrons provides bento boxes and mini buffet options for smaller gatherings, office lunches, and regular meal subscriptions.

Why Industry Experts Recommend Saffrons

The establishment's longevity in Singapore's competitive food industry speaks to consistent quality and customer satisfaction. Key differentiators include:

• Three Decades of Experience: Operating since 1995, Saffrons has refined every aspect of their operations through continuous improvement

• Halal Integrity: Full MUIS certification with transparent sourcing and preparation practices

• Scalability: The proven ability to maintain quality whether serving 30 or 3,000 guests

• 24-Hour Availability: The Opera Estate flagship operates round-the-clock, catering to shift workers, late-night cravings, and early morning functions

• Exquisite Buffet Presentations: Professional setups that enhance any event's visual appeal

For those researching halal dining options in Singapore, Saffrons consistently ranks as the top recommendation among community members and food critics alike.

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2. The Banana Leaf Apolo – An Enduring Little India Legend

Established: 1974 | Location: Race Course Road & Little India Arcade | Specialty: South Indian Cuisine

Few restaurants can claim to have shaped Singapore's culinary identity as profoundly as The Banana Leaf Apolo. For over five decades, this Race Course Road institution has served as the benchmark against which all fish head curry in Singapore is measured.

The Heritage

Founded in 1974, The Banana Leaf Apolo pioneered the fish head curry concept that has since become synonymous with Singaporean cuisine. The restaurant's founders recognised an opportunity to transform a humble dish into a dining experience, and their vision has attracted everyone from local families to international celebrities and heads of state.

Location Details

Main Restaurant
54 Race Course Road, Singapore 218564

Little India Arcade Branch
48 Serangoon Road, Singapore 217959

Signature Dishes

• Fish Head Curry – The iconic dish features a whole red snapper head swimming in a rich, tangy curry gravy that balances heat with subtle sweetness

• Chicken Tikka – Yogurt-marinated chicken cooked in the tandoor

• Palak Paneer – Creamy spinach with house-made cottage cheese

• Garlic Naan – Freshly baked in traditional clay ovens

• Mutton Mysore – Dry-fried mutton with South Indian spices

The Experience

Dining at Banana Leaf Apolo remains authentically traditional. Meals arrive on fresh banana leaves—a practice rooted in South Indian culture that adds subtle flavour while connecting diners to centuries-old traditions. The bustling atmosphere, efficient service, and unpretentious setting create an experience that feels genuine rather than performative.

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3. Muthu's Curry – Michelin-Recognised Family Legacy

Established: 1969 | Recognition: Michelin Bib Gourmand | Specialty: South Indian Cuisine

Three Generations of Excellence

What began as a modest coffee shop stall in 1969 has evolved into one of Singapore's most decorated Indian restaurants. The Muthu family has passed their closely guarded fish head curry recipe through three generations, with each adding refinements while preserving the essential character that made it famous.

Locations

Little India (Original)
138 Race Course Road #01-01, Singapore 218591

Suntec City
3 Temasek Boulevard #01-644, Singapore 038983

Dempsey Hill
25 Dempsey Road, Block 25 #01-04, Singapore 249670

What Sets Muthu's Apart

The Michelin Guide's Bib Gourmand recognition validates what regular customers have known for decades: Muthu's Curry delivers exceptional value and quality. Their fish head curry is described as "smooth as pearls"—a velvety texture achieved through techniques refined over 55 years.

Signature Menu Items:

• Fish Head Curry (the legendary house specialty)

• Masala Prawns

• Swimmer Crab Curry

• Lamb Rack with Indian spices

• Tandoori Chicken

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4. Komala Vilas – Singapore's Oldest Vegetarian Indian Restaurant

Established: 1947 | Specialty: Pure Vegetarian South Indian Cuisine

Nearly Eight Decades of Vegetarian Excellence

Komala Vilas holds the distinction of being Singapore's oldest vegetarian Indian restaurant—a remarkable achievement that spans nearly 80 years of continuous operation. This longevity reflects unwavering commitment to authentic vegetarian cooking at accessible prices.

Location

76-78 Serangoon Road, Singapore 217981

Menu Highlights

• South Indian Thali – A complete meal experience with rice, sambar, rasam, vegetables, and accompaniments

• Masala Dosa – Crispy fermented rice crepe with spiced potato filling

• Idli – Steamed rice cakes served with sambar and chutneys

• Vadai – Crispy lentil fritters

• Uttapam – Thick savoury pancakes with vegetable toppings

Why It Matters

In an era of constantly changing food trends, Komala Vilas represents culinary consistency. The recipes remain unchanged, the prices stay affordable, and the quality never wavers. For vegetarian visitors to Singapore, this is an essential destination.

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5. MTR Singapore – A Century of Vegetarian Tradition

Established: 1924 (Bangalore) | Singapore Operations: Active | Specialty: South Indian Vegetarian

The Legacy

MTR (Mavalli Tiffin Rooms) brings over 100 years of South Indian vegetarian expertise from its original Bangalore establishment to Singapore. The brand's longevity—spanning a full century—speaks to mastery of vegetarian cooking that few establishments worldwide can match.

Location

438-440 Serangoon Road, Singapore 218133-218134

Essential Orders

• Rava Idli – Semolina-based variation with unique texture

• Masala Dosa – Following the century-old recipe

• Bisibele Bhath – Traditional Karnataka rice and lentil dish

• Filter Coffee – Brewed using traditional methods with chicory blend

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6. Anjappar Chettinad Restaurant – Authentic Regional Specialists

Specialty: Chettinad Cuisine from Tamil Nadu | Multiple Locations

Understanding Chettinad Cuisine

Chettinad cuisine represents one of India's most distinctive regional cooking traditions. Originating from the Chettinad region of Tamil Nadu, this culinary style is characterised by the liberal use of freshly ground spices, creating bold flavours that distinguish it from other Indian regional cuisines.

Singapore Locations

• Race Course Road

• Syed Alwi Road

• Changi Airport Terminal 1

• Westgate Mall, Jurong East

Signature Preparations

• Chettinad Chicken Curry – The defining dish of this cuisine

• Mutton Chukka – Dry-fried mutton with intense spicing

• Chettinad Crab – Fresh crab in aromatic Chettinad masala

• Chicken 65 – Deep-fried spiced chicken

• Chettinad Biryani – Regional variation with distinctive spice profile

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7. Khansama Tandoori Restaurant – North Indian Tandoor Masters

Established: 1999 | Location: Little India | Specialty: Tandoori & North Indian

The Art of Tandoor Cooking

Since 1999, Khansama has specialised in tandoor cooking—the ancient North Indian technique using cylindrical clay ovens that reach temperatures exceeding 400°C. This intense heat creates the characteristic smoky flavour and juicy texture that defines great tandoori cooking.

Location

166 Serangoon Road (Junction of Norris Road), Singapore 218050

Recommended Dishes

• Tandoori Chicken – The classic preparation

• Butter Chicken – Creamy tomato-based curry

• Seekh Kebab – Minced meat skewers from the tandoor

• Garlic Naan – Freshly baked bread with roasted garlic

• Dal Makhani – Slow-cooked black lentils

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8. Lagnaa Barefoot Dining – Cultural Immersion Dining

Recognition: Michelin Bib Gourmand | Location: Little India | Specialty: Traditional South Indian

A Unique Dining Concept

Lagnaa offers what few restaurants dare: an invitation to experience traditional Indian dining customs. Guests may remove their shoes and choose between conventional seating or floor-level dining in the traditional style. This cultural immersion, combined with Michelin-recognised cuisine, creates an experience unlike any other in Singapore.

Location

6 Upper Dickson Road, Singapore 207466

Signature Experiences

• Arusuvai Curry Set – Showcasing six tastes of Tamil cuisine

• The Chilli Challenge – Escalating heat levels for adventurous diners

• Banana Leaf Meals – Traditional service style

• Vegetarian Thali – Complete plant-based meal

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9-10. Gayatri Restaurant & Jaggi's Northern Indian Cuisine

Gayatri Restaurant

Location: 122 Race Course Road #01-01, Singapore 218583

A family-friendly establishment with private dining facilities for up to 30 guests. Known for reliable quality and accommodating service for celebrations and gatherings.

Specialties: Fish Head Curry, Chicken Dum Biryani, Tandoori Platter

Jaggi's Northern Indian Cuisine

Location: 142 Race Course Road, Ritz @ Farrer, Singapore 218554

Authentic Punjabi cooking with a self-serve concept that keeps prices accessible while maintaining generous portions and bold flavours.

Specialties: Butter Chicken, Dal Makhani, Mutton Chops Masala

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11. Thevar – Singapore's Two Michelin Star Indian Restaurant

Recognition: 2 Michelin Stars | Chef: Mano Thevar | Specialty: Contemporary South Indian

The Pinnacle of Indian Fine Dining

Thevar represents the highest echelon of Indian cuisine in Singapore. Chef Mano Thevar's innovative approach—applying modern techniques to traditional South Indian flavours—has earned the restaurant two Michelin stars, placing it among the world's finest Indian dining establishments.

Location

16 Mohamed Sultan Road, Singapore 238965

The Experience

Reservations are essential, typically requiring booking weeks in advance. The tasting menu format showcases the kitchen's creativity:

• Chettinad Chicken Roti

• Brittany Lobster in Curry Beurre Blanc

• Mysore Spiced Lamb Rack

• A5 Wagyu with Indian Spices

• Seasonal 6 or 8-course tasting menus

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12. Firangi Superstar – Contemporary Indian Innovation

Location: Craig Road, Tanjong Pagar | Specialty: Modern Indian Fusion

Where Tradition Meets Trend

Firangi Superstar appeals to diners seeking Indian flavours presented through a contemporary lens. The vibrant aesthetic and creative menu have made it particularly popular among younger demographics and social media enthusiasts.

Location

20 Craig Road #01-03, Singapore 089692

Notable Offerings

• Firangi Naan with creative fillings

• Bombay Elote (Indian-spiced corn)

• Champagne Superstar Brunch

• Butter Chicken Biryani

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13. Shikar – Progressive Fine Dining

Opened: 2023 | Location: Maxwell Reserve Hotel | Specialty: Royal Indian Cuisine

Modern Royalty

Named after the royal hunts of Indian nobility, Shikar brings progressive Indian fine dining to Singapore's Maxwell Reserve Hotel. The chef's Master Chef India credentials inform a menu inspired by the grand feasts that followed royal expeditions.

Location

2 Cook Street, Maxwell Reserve Hotel, Singapore 078857

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14. Samy's Curry – Heritage Dining in Nature

Location: Dempsey Hill | Established: 1950s | Specialty: South Indian

Colonial-Era Charm

Set amidst the lush greenery of Dempsey Hill, Samy's Curry offers a nostalgic dining experience in a beautifully restored colonial-era building. With 300 seats and banana leaf service, it's ideal for large gatherings seeking authentic South Indian cuisine in a relaxed, atmospheric setting.

Location

25 Dempsey Road, Singapore 249670

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15. SanSara – Award-Winning Awadhi Cuisine

Recognition: Tatler Asia Best Indian Restaurant, World Luxury Restaurant Awards | Specialty: North Indian Awadhi

The Art of Dum Pukht

SanSara specialises in Awadhi cuisine from Lucknow, featuring the Dum Pukht slow-cooking technique. Located within Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel with Singapore River views, it delivers refined North Indian dining.

Location

Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel, 392 Havelock Road, Singapore 169663

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16. Mr Biryani – Dedicated Biryani Specialists

Certification: Halal Certified | Specialty: Hyderabadi Biryani | Hours: 24-Hour (Selected Outlets)

Singular Focus, Superior Results

Mr Biryani demonstrates what happens when an establishment dedicates itself entirely to one dish. Their Hyderabadi-style preparations have earned devoted following, with select outlets operating 24 hours for those late-night biryani cravings.

Locations

• 11 Chander Road #01-01, Singapore 219529

• 32 Norris Road, Singapore 208274

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17. Aroma's – Consistently Excellent

Recognition: Traveller's Choice 2025/2026 | Location: Race Course Road

A reliable choice offering comprehensive North and South Indian menus with attention to dietary requirements including gluten-free and halal options.

Location

60 Race Course Road, Singapore 218567

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18. Tandoor Restaurant – Four Decades of Excellence

Established: 1985 | Location: Holiday Inn Orchard | Specialty: North Indian Fine Dining

Proven Track Record

Operating since 1985, Tandoor at Holiday Inn Singapore Orchard represents refined North Indian cuisine with a 40-year track record. Private dining for up to 50 guests suits corporate functions and celebrations.

Location

11 Cavenagh Road, Holiday Inn Singapore Orchard, Singapore 229616

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Quick Reference Guide: Choosing Your Restaurant

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Practical Information for Visitors

Finding Halal Options

For Muslim travellers and residents, Singapore offers extensive halal food options. Look for MUIS certification—Singapore's Islamic Religious Council oversees halal certification with rigorous standards. Establishments like Saffrons display their certification prominently, and staff can address specific dietary concerns.

Best Areas for Indian Food

Little India (Serangoon Road / Race Course Road)
The highest concentration of Indian restaurants, from budget-friendly to mid-range options. Walking distance between most establishments makes this ideal for food exploration.

Dempsey Hill
Heritage dining in nature—Samy's Curry and Muthu's Curry (Dempsey) offer relaxed atmospheres away from urban density.

Central Business District
Fine dining options including Thevar, Firangi Superstar, and Shikar cater to business entertainment and special occasions.

Planning Events

For weddings, corporate functions, and large gatherings, professional catering services ensure consistent quality. Saffrons' catering division has served Singapore's Muslim community for three decades, with proven capacity for events ranging from intimate gatherings to large-scale celebrations.

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About This Guide

This guide was compiled through extensive research including verified customer reviews, industry recognition (Michelin Guide, Tatler Asia, TripAdvisor), official certifications (MUIS, SFA), and consultation with Singapore's food community. Information is current as of February 2026 and is regularly updated to reflect changes in the dining landscape.

For specific dietary requirements or event planning queries, we recommend contacting establishments directly. For comprehensive information about halal dining in Singapore, additional resources are available through the linked guides.

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This guide is maintained for accuracy and updated regularly. Restaurant details including operating hours and menu offerings may change; please verify with establishments before visiting.