Food History of Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, Little India, Singapore
The Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple is one of the oldest Hindu temples in Singapore and stands as a cultural cornerstone in Little India, a district famous for its vibrant and diverse cultural tapestry, which includes a rich food heritage. The temple, dedicated to the Hindu goddess Kali, has been a place of worship and community gathering since its establishment in 1881.
The food culture around Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple is heavily influenced by the South Indian cuisine, with Tamil and Hindu traditions forming the core culinary influences. Festivals celebrated at the temple often involve the distribution of Prasadam (sanctified food) to devotees, which is strictly vegetarian, following Hindu dietary customs that respect the principle of ahimsa (non-violence). This has also led to the prevalence of vegetarian-friendly eateries in the surrounding Little India area.
Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, Little India, Singapore
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Masala Dosa - A crispy South Indian pancake filled with spiced potatoes (Veg)
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Roti Prata - A flaky flatbread usually served with curry or sugar (Can be Veg or Non-Veg)
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Thosai - Similar to dosa, this fermented crepe-like pancake is often served with chutneys and sambar (Veg)
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Idli - Steamed rice cakes served as a breakfast item alongside sambar and coconut chutney (Veg)
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Pongal - A rice and lentil dish seasoned with cumin and peppercorns, garnished with nuts and ghee (Veg)
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Briyani - Aromatic rice dish cooked with an array of spices, often served with raita (vegetable and yogurt salad), can be prepared with vegetables or chicken (Veg or Non-Veg)
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Sambar - A tangy lentil-based vegetable stew (Veg)
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Chapati - Unleavened flatbread, a staple accompaniment to many dishes (Veg)
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Poori - Deep-fried bread often paired with potato masala or curry (Veg)
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Uttapam - Thick pancake made with fermented rice and lentil batter and topped with vegetables like onion and tomato (Veg)
Top Famous Restaurants in Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, Little India, Singapore
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Komala Vilas Restaurant
Address: 76-78 Serangoon Road, Singapore 217981
Famous Food: Masala Dosa, Biryani, Vegetarian Meals (Veg)
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Ananda Bhavan
Address: 95 Syed Alwi Road, Singapore 207671
Famous Food: Thosai, Sambar, Pongal (Veg)
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MTR Restaurant
Address: 438 Serangoon Road, Singapore 218133
Famous Food: Rava Idli, Masala Dosa (Veg)
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Sakunthala's Restaurant
Address: 66 Race Course Road, Singapore 218570
Famous Food: Roti Prata, Fish Head Curry (Non-Veg but has veg options)
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Banana Leaf Apolo
Address: 48 Serangoon Road, #01-32 Little India Arcade, Singapore 217959
Famous Food: Fish Head Curry, Chicken Masala (Non-Veg but has veg options)
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Murugan Idli Shop
Address: 76 Syed Alwi Road, Singapore 207655
Famous Food: Idli, Ghee Pongal (Veg)
While visiting the above-mentioned restaurants, it is advisable to clarify the dish type (Veg or Non-Veg) if you are particular about dietary preferences, as some restaurants serve both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.