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Singapore Travel
2026.08.26
Stories Older than the Sign, Living Shops of Little India
The Time of Local Businesses Linked by Goldsmithing, Spices, Textiles, and Food
The history of Little India is preserved not just in monuments, but also in the shops that open their doors today. Businesses like Ani Mani, a goldsmith, Thandapani, selling blended spices, SIS, which started in Tekka Market, and Jothi, dealing in flowers and ritual items, operate in different sectors and maintain varied customer relationships. When connecting old restaurants and textile shops, we gain insight into what the local community has bought, eaten, and prepared for events.
This list is not an obligatory shopping route. While respecting the businesses operating, we can observe displays, signs, and product arrangements, and should seek permission before asking questions or taking photographs. The expressions of age and current operational status may differ, so it's advisable to confirm through official channels and on-site guidance on the day of the visit.
This list is not an obligatory shopping route. While respecting the businesses operating, we can observe displays, signs, and product arrangements, and should seek permission before asking questions or taking photographs. The expressions of age and current operational status may differ, so it's advisable to confirm through official channels and on-site guidance on the day of the visit.
Ani Mani Porchalai
A jewelry shop specializing in gold and gems that started in 1948, dealing with wedding tali pendants and gold ornaments. The National Heritage Board introduces it as a local business that has preserved custom jewelry and ritual culture across generations.
It is the first point to observe how traditional jewelry connects to rituals and family memories. As the first stop in the living shops of Little India, it distinctly clarifies the purpose of your itinerary without overlapping venues and roles.
Check the gold prices, workmanship fees, purity, and completion dates item by item, and obtain receipts and guarantees. Request permission before taking pictures of the displays, and confirm in writing whether custom work can be collected within your travel schedule.
It is the first point to observe how traditional jewelry connects to rituals and family memories. As the first stop in the living shops of Little India, it distinctly clarifies the purpose of your itinerary without overlapping venues and roles.
Check the gold prices, workmanship fees, purity, and completion dates item by item, and obtain receipts and guarantees. Request permission before taking pictures of the displays, and confirm in writing whether custom work can be collected within your travel schedule.
주소 73 Serangoon Road, Singapore 217978
공식 안내 https://animani.com.sg/
방문 팁 금 시세와 세공비, 순도, 완성일을 항목별로 확인하고 영수증과 보증서를 받는다. 전시품 촬영은 먼저 허락을 구하며, 맞춤 제작은 여행 일정 안에 수령 가능한지 서면으로 확인한다.
Thandapani Co
A traditional grocery store in Little India selling spices and proprietary blends since the 1960s. Products like biryani masala, made from various combined spices, tell the history of this place that is hard to find in regular supermarkets.
This showcases the art of blended spices behind completed dishes. As the second stop among the living shops of Little India, it clearly establishes the purpose of your itinerary without overlapping venues and roles.
Ask about the names, uses, and whether the spices are whole or powdered, and purchase in small quantities. After opening, verify storage methods, expiration dates, and the import regulations for plant-based foods in your home country without opening display containers arbitrarily.
This showcases the art of blended spices behind completed dishes. As the second stop among the living shops of Little India, it clearly establishes the purpose of your itinerary without overlapping venues and roles.
Ask about the names, uses, and whether the spices are whole or powdered, and purchase in small quantities. After opening, verify storage methods, expiration dates, and the import regulations for plant-based foods in your home country without opening display containers arbitrarily.
주소 124 Dunlop Street, Singapore 209443
공식 안내 https://www.nhb.gov.sg/what-we-do/our-work/sector-development/heritage-businesses/sg-heritage-business-registry/little-india/thandapani-company-pte-ltd
방문 팁 향신료 이름과 용도, 통·분말 여부를 묻고 소량부터 구입한다. 개봉 뒤 보관법과 유통기한, 귀국 국가의 식물성 식품 반입 규정을 확인하며 진열 용기를 임의로 열지 않는다.
SIS Premium Meats
A halal meat specialty store that began in the old Tekka Market in the 1960s and now operates at Chander Road. This business has maintained relationships with generations of customers and is listed in the SG Heritage Business as well.
It is a case of market vendors' butchery knowledge leading to modern distribution. As the third stop among the living shops of Little India, it demonstrates the purpose of your itinerary clearly without overlapping venues and roles.
Since this is not a tourist souvenir shop but an actual grocery store, refrain from disrupting operations and customer interactions if you do not plan to make a purchase. For refrigerated and frozen products, check the possibility of cooking and storage at your accommodation and confirm import regulations in advance.
It is a case of market vendors' butchery knowledge leading to modern distribution. As the third stop among the living shops of Little India, it demonstrates the purpose of your itinerary clearly without overlapping venues and roles.
Since this is not a tourist souvenir shop but an actual grocery store, refrain from disrupting operations and customer interactions if you do not plan to make a purchase. For refrigerated and frozen products, check the possibility of cooking and storage at your accommodation and confirm import regulations in advance.
주소 17 Chander Road, Singapore 219531
공식 안내 https://www.sispremium.com/
방문 팁 관광 기념품점이 아니라 실제 식재료 상점이므로 구매하지 않을 때는 작업과 고객 응대를 방해하지 않는다. 냉장·냉동 제품은 숙소 조리와 보관 가능 여부, 반입 규정을 먼저 확인한다.
Jothi Store & Flower Shop
A five-story store that started in 1960, dealing with flower wreaths and items for prayer, decorations, kitchen items, and daily necessities. You can observe items used in festivals and rituals within their real-life context.
From the seasonal displays of flowers and prayer items, you can read the community calendar. As the fourth stop among the living shops of Little India, it provides a clear purpose for your itinerary without overlapping venues and roles.
Since flower wreaths may have a primary demand for worship, seek permission before touching displays or photographing people. For electronics and kitchen items, check voltage and guarantees, and follow the billing process by floor.
From the seasonal displays of flowers and prayer items, you can read the community calendar. As the fourth stop among the living shops of Little India, it provides a clear purpose for your itinerary without overlapping venues and roles.
Since flower wreaths may have a primary demand for worship, seek permission before touching displays or photographing people. For electronics and kitchen items, check voltage and guarantees, and follow the billing process by floor.
주소 1 Campbell Lane, Singapore 209882
공식 안내 https://www.jothi.com.sg/
방문 팁 꽃 화환은 예배용 수요가 우선일 수 있으므로 진열을 만지거나 사람을 촬영하기 전에 허락을 구한다. 전자·주방용품은 전압과 보증을 확인하고 층별 계산 방식을 따른다.
Haniffa Textiles
A textile shop established in 1962 that has expanded its range to include silk sarees, clothing, and various household items. It is one of the traditional businesses introduced by the Little India Heritage Trail.
The materials and colors of the sarees and textiles connect to cultural events. As the fifth stop among the living shops of Little India, it distinctly defines your itinerary's purpose without overlapping venues and roles.
Differentiate between fabric, finished products, and custom orders when inquiring. For brightly colored textiles, confirm washing and color care methods, and note down in writing whether alterations or customizations can be completed before your travel departure.
The materials and colors of the sarees and textiles connect to cultural events. As the fifth stop among the living shops of Little India, it distinctly defines your itinerary's purpose without overlapping venues and roles.
Differentiate between fabric, finished products, and custom orders when inquiring. For brightly colored textiles, confirm washing and color care methods, and note down in writing whether alterations or customizations can be completed before your travel departure.
주소 24 Madras Street, Singapore 208419
공식 안내 https://www.roots.gov.sg/places/places-landing/Places/landmarks/little-india-heritage-trail-shop-till-you-drop/Haniffa-Textiles
방문 팁 원단·완제품·맞춤 여부와 가격 단위를 구분해 묻는다. 색상이 강한 직물은 세탁과 이염 관리법을 확인하고, 수선이나 주문 제작은 여행 출발 전 완성 가능한지 날짜를 서면으로 남긴다.
Komala Vilas
A South Indian vegetarian restaurant that has been operating since 1947, making it easy to experience dishes like dosa, idli, and thali. It is an old restaurant in Little India listed in the National Heritage Board's cultural heritage businesses.
Consider the fact that this old vegetarian restaurant served as a meeting place for the community. As the sixth stop among the living shops of Little India, it distinctly establishes your itinerary's purpose without overlapping venues and roles.
Check the operating hours and locations on the official website for the day. When eating with hands, respect the local custom of using the right hand, but you can request utensils, and remember to ask about spiciness, nuts, and dairy ingredients before ordering.
Consider the fact that this old vegetarian restaurant served as a meeting place for the community. As the sixth stop among the living shops of Little India, it distinctly establishes your itinerary's purpose without overlapping venues and roles.
Check the operating hours and locations on the official website for the day. When eating with hands, respect the local custom of using the right hand, but you can request utensils, and remember to ask about spiciness, nuts, and dairy ingredients before ordering.
주소 76–78 Serangoon Road, Singapore 217981
공식 안내 https://komalavilas.com.sg/
방문 팁 공식 사이트의 당일 영업 여부와 지점을 확인한다. 손으로 먹을 때는 오른손을 쓰는 현지 관습을 존중하되 도구를 요청해도 되며, 매운맛·견과류·유제품 성분을 주문 전에 묻는다.
Ananda Bhavan Syed Alwi
An old Indian vegetarian restaurant brand in Singapore that started in 1924. The Syed Alwi branch is great for exploring not only South Indian food but also North Indian and Jain options.
The expansion of a single brand illustrates the changes in everyday dining. As the seventh stop among the living shops of Little India, it distinctly clarifies your itinerary's purpose without overlapping venues and roles.
Since the operating hours and menus may vary by location, be sure to check the details for the Syed Alwi branch at 95 Syed Alwi Road. Jain, vegan, and allergy requests may differ even among vegetarian dishes, so be sure to explain when placing your order.
The expansion of a single brand illustrates the changes in everyday dining. As the seventh stop among the living shops of Little India, it distinctly clarifies your itinerary's purpose without overlapping venues and roles.
Since the operating hours and menus may vary by location, be sure to check the details for the Syed Alwi branch at 95 Syed Alwi Road. Jain, vegan, and allergy requests may differ even among vegetarian dishes, so be sure to explain when placing your order.
주소 95 Syed Alwi Road, Singapore 207671
공식 안내 https://www.anandabhavan.com/outlet
방문 팁 지점별 운영시간과 메뉴가 다르므로 95 Syed Alwi Road 지점을 지정해 확인한다. 자인식·비건·알레르기 요구는 같은 채식 메뉴라도 조리 재료가 다를 수 있어 주문 때 다시 설명한다.
The Banana Leaf Apolo
An Indian restaurant famous for serving rice, curry, seafood, and meat dishes on banana leaves. It adds Singaporean-style Indian dishes like fish head curry to the predominantly vegetarian route.
It examines the process by which banana leaf dining has established itself in local dining culture. As the eighth stop among the living shops of Little India, it clearly defines the purpose of your itinerary without overlapping venues and roles.
Check the address for the Race Course Road branch and consider making a reservation or waiting during peak hours. For shared menus, ask about portion sizes and pricing, and be cautious about fish bones, spiciness, and seafood allergies.
It examines the process by which banana leaf dining has established itself in local dining culture. As the eighth stop among the living shops of Little India, it clearly defines the purpose of your itinerary without overlapping venues and roles.
Check the address for the Race Course Road branch and consider making a reservation or waiting during peak hours. For shared menus, ask about portion sizes and pricing, and be cautious about fish bones, spiciness, and seafood allergies.
주소 54 Race Course Road, Singapore 218564
공식 안내 https://thebananaleafapolo.oddle.me/en_SG/
방문 팁 Race Course Road 지점 주소를 확인하고 인기 시간에는 예약·대기를 고려한다. 공유 메뉴는 양과 시가 적용 여부를 묻고, 생선 뼈와 매운맛, 해산물 알레르기에 주의한다.
Looking at these eight businesses reveals that commerce in Little India is not solely shaped by tourist souvenirs. Gold, flowers, spices needed for weddings and rituals, everyday ingredients and textiles, along with restaurants that the community frequently visits, have created generational memories. Although the sectors may differ, the common cultural heritage is the long-standing relationship with customers and craftsmanship.
Using the NHB's heritage trail and business guidance as background knowledge, we should respect current operations in the actual stores. For high-value items, check prices and guarantees; for food, verify storage and import regulations; for custom products, confirm completion dates. Instead of focusing on buying items from one shop, understanding the history of people and sectors will give you a new view of the signs in Little India.
Using the NHB's heritage trail and business guidance as background knowledge, we should respect current operations in the actual stores. For high-value items, check prices and guarantees; for food, verify storage and import regulations; for custom products, confirm completion dates. Instead of focusing on buying items from one shop, understanding the history of people and sectors will give you a new view of the signs in Little India.
At a glance
8 items
Ani Mani Porchalai
73 Serangoon Road, Singapore 217978 · https://animani.com.sg/ · 금 시세와 세공비, 순도, 완성일을 항목별로 확인하고 영수증과 보증서를 받는다. 전시품 촬영은 먼저 허락을 구하며, 맞춤 제작은 여행 일정 안에 수령 가능한지 서면으로 확인한다.
Thandapani Co
124 Dunlop Street, Singapore 209443 · https://www.nhb.gov.sg/what-we-do/our-work/sector-development/heritage-businesses/sg-heritage-business-registry/little-india/thandapani-company-pte-ltd · 향신료 이름과 용도, 통·분말 여부를 묻고 소량부터 구입한다. 개봉 뒤 보관법과 유통기한, 귀국 국가의 식물성 식품 반입 규정을 확인하며 진열 용기를 임의로 열지 않는다.
SIS Premium Meats
17 Chander Road, Singapore 219531 · https://www.sispremium.com/ · 관광 기념품점이 아니라 실제 식재료 상점이므로 구매하지 않을 때는 작업과 고객 응대를 방해하지 않는다. 냉장·냉동 제품은 숙소 조리와 보관 가능 여부, 반입 규정을 먼저 확인한다.
Jothi Store & Flower Shop
1 Campbell Lane, Singapore 209882 · https://www.jothi.com.sg/ · 꽃 화환은 예배용 수요가 우선일 수 있으므로 진열을 만지거나 사람을 촬영하기 전에 허락을 구한다. 전자·주방용품은 전압과 보증을 확인하고 층별 계산 방식을 따른다.
Haniffa Textiles
24 Madras Street, Singapore 208419 · https://www.roots.gov.sg/places/places-landing/Places/landmarks/little-india-heritage-trail-shop-till-you-drop/Haniffa-Textiles · 원단·완제품·맞춤 여부와 가격 단위를 구분해 묻는다. 색상이 강한 직물은 세탁과 이염 관리법을 확인하고, 수선이나 주문 제작은 여행 출발 전 완성 가능한지 날짜를 서면으로 남긴다.
Komala Vilas
76–78 Serangoon Road, Singapore 217981 · https://komalavilas.com.sg/ · 공식 사이트의 당일 영업 여부와 지점을 확인한다. 손으로 먹을 때는 오른손을 쓰는 현지 관습을 존중하되 도구를 요청해도 되며, 매운맛·견과류·유제품 성분을 주문 전에 묻는다.
Ananda Bhavan Syed Alwi
95 Syed Alwi Road, Singapore 207671 · https://www.anandabhavan.com/outlet · 지점별 운영시간과 메뉴가 다르므로 95 Syed Alwi Road 지점을 지정해 확인한다. 자인식·비건·알레르기 요구는 같은 채식 메뉴라도 조리 재료가 다를 수 있어 주문 때 다시 설명한다.
The Banana Leaf Apolo
54 Race Course Road, Singapore 218564 · https://thebananaleafapolo.oddle.me/en_SG/ · Race Course Road 지점 주소를 확인하고 인기 시간에는 예약·대기를 고려한다. 공유 메뉴는 양과 시가 적용 여부를 묻고, 생선 뼈와 매운맛, 해산물 알레르기에 주의한다.
Locations at a glance
8 places
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