Eating at Komala Vilas Singapore is a delicious journey through one of the nation’s oldest Indian vegetarian restaurants, serving meals since 1947.
This vibrant spot is my top choice for authentic Indian cuisine in Singapore!
A Taste of Little India
Located in Little India, Singapore’s liveliest and most colorful neighborhood, Komala Vilas offers a unique dining experience.
However, parking here can be quite a challenge!
The narrow lanes are bustling with shoppers and diners, creating a vibrant atmosphere that can feel a bit chaotic compared to orderly Singapore.
If you’re used to the neat streets of Penang, you might find Serangoon a bit more organized and pleasant for a leisurely stroll.
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Why You Should Eat at Komala Vilas Singapore?
My friends Ais and Rauf first recommended this gem, and I can see why!
Veronique Ficheux, a longtime fan, has been dining at Komala Vilas for nearly 20 years.
She describes it as a national treasure for excellent Indian cuisine.
Come with an empty stomach; you’ll want to indulge in all the fantastic dishes!
While the entire menu is impressive, the standout for me is the Chana Bhatura.
Would you mind ordering hot drinks if you can’t bear to drink from disposable white plastic cups like me?
The Cuisine at Komala Vilas Singapore
Indian cuisine is all about balance and nutrition, and Komala Vilas Singapore offers a brilliant mix of flavors, colors, and textures.
South Indian Delights
The South Indian menu features traditional meals served on freshly cut banana leaves.
Enjoy delightful dishes like Dosais, Vadais, Idlis, and Utthapams.
You must try the Idiyappam, paired with grated coconut and brown sugar—pure bliss!
Idiyappam served with grated coconut and brown sugar.
North Indian Comfort
North Indian cuisine brings you rich, creamy gravies paired with Tandoori roti and Naans.
Each meal is hearty, bursting with dried fruits and nuts, and ready to awaken your taste buds.
The Star of the Show – Chana Bhatura
While I could enjoy everything on the menu, nothing beats the Chana Bhatura for me.
It’s a delicious dish that’s become my go-to comfort food.
The first time I tried it in Little India, Penang, I was hooked!
A friend, Vee, introduced me to it, and my eyes widened at the thought of a giant, fluffy Bhatura.
The best Bhatura is a deep-fried, golden sphere, soft and perfect for dipping in the spicy Chana Masala.
If you haven’t tasted it yet, trust me—Chana Bhatura is food to die for!
My eyes widened like the twin Puri I envisioned devouring.
A Bhatura Experience Like No Other
When you order a Bhatura, sit facing the kitchen if you can.
It’s a treat to watch the server briskly deliver that golden puff of dough.
It’s like the grand reveal in a movie!
The secret to that perfect puff?
A touch of dried mango powder (Amchur) makes all the difference.
Trust me, real connoisseurs can taste the quality!
The Menu at Komala Vilas Singapore
The menu at Komala Vilas features a delightful array of Indian food, including many vegan options.
Here are a few must-try items:
- Bhatura
- Paper Thosai
- Chilli Idly
- Ghee Masala Dosa
When the Chana Bhatura arrives, it steals the spotlight.
We can’t help but tear into it with gusto, folding as many chickpeas into our Bhatura as we can.
The best Bhatura is a deep-fried, fluffy, puffed, golden sphere worthy of adoration.
The Chana Masala Experience
Chana Bhatura consists of spicy, traditional Chana Masala served with fluffy Bhatura.
This dish is vegan, nut-free, and gluten-free, making it a great choice for many diners.
Chana, or chickpeas, is the star ingredient here.
These larger-than-usual chickpeas bring a robust flavor and firm texture to the table.
Mixed with a rich tomato and onion sauce, spiced with garlic and ginger, it’s simply irresistible!
Ghee Dosa VS Chana Bhatura at Komala Vilas Singapore. It’s obvious who’s more popular.
Chana Masala, robust and BIG Chickpeas – none of that tiny weeny, itsy bitsy cousins.
Komala Vilas Singapore: A Must-Visit!
If you love South Indian food, you must visit Komala Vilas.
The Dosa is fantastic, but the puffy Chana Bhatura is truly unforgettable.
For authentic South Indian cuisine in Singapore, Komala Vilas is unbeatable.
While they do use a lot of plastic items (even for dine-in), the food is worth it!
The restaurant is often busy, but if you’re with regulars, the service tends to be quicker.
Each time I’m in town, my Singaporean friends take me here for an authentic experience in Little India.
And don’t forget to grab some Samosas to take home—they’re a crowd-pleaser!
The Samosa from Komala Villas Restaurant looks pretty.
Komala Vilas Restaurant
76-78 Serangoon Rd, Singapore 217981
Business Hours: 7 am – 10:30 pm (Daily)
Website: komalavilas.com.sg
Blog Disclosure: This is a NOT sponsored blog post. All opinions are mine. The writer and friends paid for their meal.
