Singapore's "Little India"

rab · Apr 13th, 2005, 20:53

I spent a couple of days in Singapore this week on my way back to Australia from the UK and my wife and I visited Little India.

We wandered down the streets, taking in the smells and sounds of this district and it was pretty similar to a walk around Chennai or Delhi, especially in the hot and humid evening ... even down to the cats and rats we saw out on the lookout for food (and each other!).

Everywhere we went there were people making flower garlands, preparing dosas and other food, selling spices and imported goods, materials, clothing, or trying to encourage westerners to come into their restaurant or textile shop. The temples and other traditional buildings were a wonderful sight too.

All very hectic and very commercial, but we enjoyed our time there.

Have you a Little India in your city?

Kanbe · Apr 13th, 2005, 21:00

My first taste of a masala dosa was actually in Little India in Singapore. I wasn't overly impressed...but it didn't put me off trying a [much tastier] one in India! But I know what you mean about the busy, lively atmosphere on the streets there.

Auntyji · Apr 13th, 2005, 21:14

The first time I ever left India was to move to Singapore. I was SOOOO lonely there in the first few weeks. I liked Little India because I could have dosa and filter coffee once in a while, and experience a little bit of Madras at the same time.
Can't say much about Singapore in general because I lived there for a very short while; unfortunately I will always associate it with feeling lonely and lost!

Hyderabadi · Apr 13th, 2005, 21:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by Auntyji

......Can't say much about Singapore in general because I lived there for a very short while; unfortunately I will always associate it with feeling lonely and lost!

Really unfortunate, for its a beautiful city. I've been there several time during my 'travel agent/tour leader' days. Used to get the group off my back (shopping!) for the 3-4 days we used to stay there before heading back to MAA. I used to wander around on my own, enjoy the great vendor food and generally hangout with other group leaders and flight crew from all over by the pool

. Since my departure from the travel industry I've visited SIN a couple of time and plan to do so again on my next trip to India.

Btw Serangoon Road = Little India, Singapore.
Komala Vilas, Serangoon Road = Masala Dosa.

This also reminds me of one Singapore Airlines ad in the trade magazines when they started direct flights from Singapore to Helsinki way back:

"There IS a direct connection between SIN and HEL"

skell · Apr 14th, 2005, 01:51

Does anyone know why the really cool Sri Therdayuthupani Temple is in Chinatown and not in Little India?

In Southern California, Pioneer Blvd in Artesia is the place to go for a taste of India.

monkgonemad · Apr 14th, 2005, 16:18

skell - i know it well. do you live in the area?

ironically you ask about the temple in sin. last time i was on pioneer w/ indian friend many koreans/chinese had interloped.

many indians though actually live in orange county - both jain and sikh.

Apr 13th, 2005, 20:53	#1
rab Honorary Mod Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: McLaren Vale, South Australia Posts: 1,217	Singapore's "Little India" I spent a couple of days in Singapore this week on my way back to Australia from the UK and my wife and I visited Little India. We wandered down the streets, taking in the smells and sounds of this district and it was pretty similar to a walk around Chennai or Delhi, especially in the hot and humid evening ... even down to the cats and rats we saw out on the lookout for food (and each other!). Everywhere we went there were people making flower garlands, preparing dosas and other food, selling spices and imported goods, materials, clothing, or trying to encourage westerners to come into their restaurant or textile shop. The temples and other traditional buildings were a wonderful sight too. All very hectic and very commercial, but we enjoyed our time there. Have you a Little India in your city? __________________ IndiaMike Mod Team (The Honorary One)

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Apr 13th, 2005, 21:00	#2
Kanbe la la laa Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: lala land Posts: 350	My first taste of a masala dosa was actually in Little India in Singapore. I wasn't overly impressed...but it didn't put me off trying a [much tastier] one in India! But I know what you mean about the busy, lively atmosphere on the streets there.

Apr 13th, 2005, 21:14	#3
Auntyji One tight slap! Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: New York Posts: 323	The first time I ever left India was to move to Singapore. I was SOOOO lonely there in the first few weeks. I liked Little India because I could have dosa and filter coffee once in a while, and experience a little bit of Madras at the same time. Can't say much about Singapore in general because I lived there for a very short while; unfortunately I will always associate it with feeling lonely and lost!

Apr 14th, 2005, 01:51	#5
skell Maha Guru Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: The OC Posts: 975	Does anyone know why the really cool Sri Therdayuthupani Temple is in Chinatown and not in Little India? In Southern California, Pioneer Blvd in Artesia is the place to go for a taste of India.

Apr 14th, 2005, 16:18	#6
monkgonemad Aimless Drifter, Shiftless Idler, Useless Waster Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: SoEastAsia/AsiaSubCont Posts: 427	skell - i know it well. do you live in the area? ironically you ask about the temple in sin. last time i was on pioneer w/ indian friend many koreans/chinese had interloped. many indians though actually live in orange county - both jain and sikh.

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