Singapore - This morning I walked from Serangoon to Potong Pair MRT and got on the MRT to Little India station. Little India is one of Singapore’s most colourful and culturally vibrant districts. Easily accessible via Little India MRT Station, the area is always lively with its mix of heritage buildings, bustling markets, traditional shops, and most importantly, amazing food.
My first stop was the famous 545 Whampoa Prawn Noodles at Tekka Centre, one of Singapore’s best-known hawker centres. Although the bowl cost $6, which felt slightly expensive for hawker food, this stall carries quite a reputation. It has received recognition from the Michelin Guide and was even featured in an episode of Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown by the late Anthony Bourdain. The stall has also attracted visits from famous chefs including Massimo Bottura and Julien Royer.
I ordered the dry bee hoon mee prawn noodles, and the highlight was definitely the rich umami flavour from the prawn broth. The prawns were fresh and the noodles absorbed the savoury taste beautifully. It was easy to understand why this stall has become so popular over the years.
Next, I visited another well-loved stall, Grandma Mee Siam. What made the experience memorable was not only the food but also the owner herself; a friendly and chatty aunty running the stall all by herself. She shared that she started helping her grandmother sell mee siam at the young age of eight and still uses the same family recipe dating back to 1963.
The mee siam had a comforting homemade flavour with the right balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy notes. It felt like eating a dish filled with tradition and history rather than just another hawker meal.
After that, I stopped by Sri Aachi Appam to try freshly made appams. Two appams cost only $3 and were served piping hot with coconut milk.
Unlike the usual versions topped with coconut flesh, these had a slightly different twist that made them unique and enjoyable. Soft in the centre with crispy edges, the appams made for my delicious brunch.
Continuing my walk, I visited the iconic House of Tan Teng Niah along Kerbau Road. This brightly painted Chinese villa from the early 1900s is one of the most photographed buildings in Little India. Its colourful façade stands out beautifully against the surrounding streets and provides a striking contrast within this predominantly Indian cultural district. I was not allowed entrance to this house.
Just beside it is the Indian Heritage Centre, which I had visited previously. The museum offers fascinating multi-level exhibits showcasing the rich history, culture, and contributions of the Indian and South Asian communities in Singapore.
I also wandered through the Little India Arcade along Serangoon Road, where restored shophouses sell traditional sarees, jewellery, souvenirs, and henna art. The vibrant colours and lively atmosphere perfectly captured the spirit of Little India. Just before 11.30am, I took the MRT back home.
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