Heading to Little India in Singapore? Then don’t miss out on the delicious food at the Tekka Centre! This bustling neighborhood is one of the most colorful and interesting in the city. Here’s everything to know about one of our favorite Hawker Centres and all about why you should visit Little India!
How to Get to Tekka Centre in Little India Singapore
Little India is easy to get to as it’s just a quick ride away from the Merlion Park, Marina Bay Sands, and more of Singapore’s best attractions.
We always walk everywhere in Singapore, but the train is easy to use as well! Tekka Centre is just a short stroll from the Little India MRT station on the corner of the historic Serangoon Road and Buffalo Road.
To visit the area you can also jump on a Chinatown and Little India guided walking tour or a Little India Hawker Street Food Tour.
History of Tekka Food Centre Little India
The history of the Tekka Centre is intertwined with Little India in Singapore. The neighborhood surrounding Tekka Market was established at the beginnings of the city’s planning in the 1820’s.
However, what led to the rise of Little India was the cattle trade. This allowed for economic growth of the area and Indian population in a newborn city.
In 1915, the original Tekka Centre was constructed and known as the Kandang Kerbau Market. The wet market here offered all kinds of fresh produce, seafood, dry goods, and meat in the heart of Little India.
Once this was demolished in 1982, many of the stall owners moved across the street to the newly built market. It eventually became known as the Tekka Centre in the year 2000.
About Tekka Centre in Singapore Little India
As soon as you walk into the Tekka Centre you’ll be overwhelmed by the sights, smells, and sounds. If you’re huge Indian food fans like us, welcome to heaven! Tekka Centre in Little India has almost 300 stalls with a diverse mix of options.
While the Indian food stalls are the star of the show, know that this is actually a multi-use complex. In addition to the food court, there is a local wet market side and clothing shopping on the 2nd floor.
At this famous Hawker Centre there are some of the classics we’ve tried before, but also an insane amount of dishes we’d never heard of. The only problem at Tekka Centre may be picking one thing to eat! This is definitely worth including in your 2 day Singapore itinerary if you’re on a short visit.
4 Easy Tekka Food Centre Tips
1. Don’t be Afraid to Get Your Hands Dirty: This is essential as some of the stalls at Tekka Centre don’t even offer silverware! When looking around, you’ll see that most locals don’t use them anyway. Indian food by design is deliciously messy so don’t hesitate to roll your sleeves up and dive in.
2. Try as Much Tekka Centre Food as Possible: With over 100 food hawker stalls there is an overwhelming amount of goodies to try. That’s one reason why it can be fun to go to Tekka Centre as a group! We love getting a bunch of different plates to share in Little India Singapore.
3. Save Different Asian Food for Other Hawker Centres: One thing you’ll notice is that it’s not just Indian cuisine at Tekka Centre. You can find Chinese, Malaysian, Japanese, and more amazing dishes here. However, this is THE SPOT to try delicious Indian food. We recommend saving the other meals from around Asia for other Hawker Centres in Singapore.
4. Don’t Miss Out on the Drinks: Another unique part of Tekka Centre is the drink stands. While other Hawker Centres in Singapore will offer fresh juices, here you can get your lassi’s. ginger tea. and a good selection of Indian sodas and beers.
Tekka Centre Food You Have to Try
Onto to the good stuff! The undisputed star of the show at Tekka Centre are the dozens of hawker stalls. You can find everything from traditional Tandoori chicken to garlic naan, and prawns of all sizes.
You will also come across spots like Swee Heng Teochew Porridge Rice out of the Michelin Guide or random Roti Prata stalls you’ve never heard of.
Below are a few of our favorite places to eat at Tekka Centre in Singapore Little India. However, we recommend you wander around yourself and let your trail nose guide you through this wide variety of cuisine!
- Temasek Indian Rojak
- Anna Dosai Stall
- Samad’s Tekka Dum Briyani
- Jasmine Pork Rib Prawn Noodle
- Heng Gi Goose and Duck Rice
- Whampoa Prawn Noodles
- Ar-rahman Cafe & Royal Prata
Explore More of Little India in Singapore
After you’ve enjoyed some delicious prawn fritters, chicken briyani, and a mango lassi, it’s time to see more of Little India Singapore! This is one of the most colorful and diverse parts of the city, and a must-stop on your trip.
One of our favorite things to do is simply walk around and take in the street art. You can find amazing murals on Haji Lane in the Arabic Quarter and also throughout Chinatown.
There are plenty of historic sites to experience such as the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple. This is one of Singapore’s oldest religious buildings along with the incredible Sri Srinivasa Perumal and Sakya Muni Buddha Gaya.
Didn’t get enough shopping at the Tekka Centre? Well, you can also check out the enormous Mustafa Centre nearby. Also, be sure to eat at more of the best Hawker Centres after your visit to Little India in Singapore!
- Chinatown Complex Food Centre: Best Local Eats & What to Know
- Why Lau Pa Sat & Singapore Satay Street is a Food Lovers Dream!
- Maxwell Food Centre: Guide to the Fun Hawker With 100+ Stalls
- Liao Fan Hawker Chan: How to Eat at the Original Singapore Stall
Have any questions about the Tekka Food Centre or want to share your own favorite things to do in Little India Singapore? Leave us a comment below!
Safe Travels,
Brigitte & Jake
Where to Stay in Singapore
Luxury – Marina Bay Sands – We stayed at the Marina Bay Sands for Jake’s 30th birthday and it blew away our expectations. Aside from the luxury amenities, swimming in the rooftop infinity pool will be the highlight of your visit!
Iconic – Raffles Hotel – As one of the most historic hotels Southeast Asia, staying at the Raffles Hotel will be an experience like no other. Enjoy a Singapore Sling and take in the amazing architecture of this landmark built in 1887.
Fun Vacation– Parkroyal on Pickering– It doesn’t get much more green and lush then Parkroyal on Pickering! This fun vacation spot is literally one of the greenest hotels in the world. Plant life covers the entire property to make for a unique stay in Singapore.
Boutique – KēSa House – Located in Chinatown, this fantastic hotel was built in 1920’s. Enjoy the incredible setting in the heart of the city in a traditional building on Keong Saik Road.
Hostel – Hipstercity hostel – Fun hostel in downtown Singapore with both private and dorm rooms. Great place to meet other travelers to explore the city with.
PIN FOR LATER ↓
Singapore Travel Planning
Flights: We always find deals using Skyscanner and Kayak. That’s how we got flights from Athens to Singapore for $230 USD, and Singapore to Thailand for less than $50!
Accommodation: Compare competitive sites for hotels such as Booking.com and Agoda. Also, Hostelworld should be your go-to source if you’re traveling on a budget.
Tours: Check out Get Your Guide for activities all over Singapore. You can book everything from a Singapore Highlights Bike Tour to a Gardens by the Bay E-Ticket, and even a private food tour with 10 tastings!
Travel Insurance: Never travel abroad without being covered. We’ve been using SafetyWing for the last few years on the road and they are there when we need them.
Packing Lists: Here’s all the inspiration you need with our Amazon packing lists! Including electronics and camera gear, must-have medical items, and long flight essentials!
Singapore Posts: 23 Fun Things to Do – Butterfly Garden – Supertree Grove – Gardens by the Bay – Singapore Sling at Raffles Hotel – Singapore Jewel – Marina Bay Sands Infinity Pool
Light Shows: Gardens by the Bay– Marina Bay – 2 Best in Singapore
Travel Tips: Singapore Airlines Review – Using the MRT – 15 Wild Laws – Changi Airport
We’re Brigitte and Jake! American travel bloggers currently based in Spain. If you can believe it, we started Nothing Familiar way back in 2015 on an Ipad in the Ecuadorian jungle. Ever since, we haven’t stopped traveling! We’ve now been to over 60 countries around the world, with our expertise being Europe and Southeast Asia. We love outdoor adventures, tasting local specialties, and island hopping through tropical destinations. Hopefully, our guides and authentic experiences will inspire you on your own travels!
