Nalan Restaurant Little India
vegetarian restaurant — Little India · Singapore
About Nalan Restaurant Little India
Operating since 2008, Nalan Restaurant in Little India presents an extensive dining experience celebrating traditional North and South Indian vegetarian and vegan culinary heritage. Established with a philosophy that pays tribute to Chef Nalan, the restaurant emphasizes health-conscious and wholesome dining with the ethos of eating healthier and living longer.
Every dish at Nalan is prepared fresh on-site without relying on a centralized kitchen, utilizing organic ingredients and locally sourced produce where possible. The kitchen caters to a wide spectrum of specialized dietary requirements, offering dedicated selections that include pure vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, and Jain-friendly options without onion, garlic, or root vegetables.
Conveniently situated along Serangoon Road just a short stroll from Little India MRT station, the restaurant combines traditional Indian aesthetics with modern comfort. In addition to a relaxed dine-in setting, Nalan provides traditional sweets, savouries, bento boxes, and specialized event catering across Singapore.
Nalan Restaurant: Wholesome North and South Indian Vegetarian Dining in Little India
Established in 2008, Nalan Restaurant has anchored itself as a prime destination for vegetarian and vegan dining in Singapore. Situated at 82 Serangoon Road, right in the bustling heart of Little India, the restaurant pays homage to the ancient culinary traditions associated with Chef Nalan. Grounded in the guiding principle of "Eat Healthier, Be Happier, Live Longer," Nalan bridges authentic regional recipes with fresh, health-conscious preparation methods.
Unlike many large-scale operations, Nalan prepares every single dish fresh on-site without utilizing a centralized kitchen. The culinary team relies on organic ingredients and locally sourced produce wherever possible, cooking with authentic ghee and traditional oils. This scratch-cooking approach allows the kitchen to accommodate a broad spectrum of dietary lifestyles with confidence, including vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and nut-free diets, alongside strict Jain requirements that exclude onions, garlic, and root vegetables.
A Diverse Tour of Regional Flavors
Nalan's offerings span both North and South Indian traditions, offering diners a comprehensive tour of the subcontinent's plant-based cuisine. Guests can indulge in full-scale meals such as traditional Thali platters served alongside fresh chapatis, or explore classic gravies like Palak Paneer paired with freshly baked tandoori naans. Those looking for shared plates frequently gravitate toward the Tandoori Platter, featuring seasoned vegetables, broccoli cakes, and robust spiced tofu.
The restaurant also shines in its chaat and street food selections. Crispy Dahi Puri and tangy Dahi Papdi are served fresh with delicate textures and a careful balance of sweet, sour, and savoury chutneys. To accompany the spice profiles of the meal, traditional house-churned Butter Milk offers a tart and cooling digestif.
Sweets, Savouries, and Gatherings
Beyond dining in, Nalan operates as a hub for authentic Indian confections and snacks. Handcrafted sweets such as rich, buttery Mysore Pak—prepared with gram flour, ghee, and sugar—sit alongside savory Malabar treats and festive gift boxes. These items serve as popular take-home purchases and festive gift hampers during celebrations such as Deepavali and Hari Raya.
With its central location only a brief stroll from Little India MRT station, Nalan provides a welcoming and spacious interior where shoppers, locals, and visitors can pause to enjoy authentic, nourishing Indian vegetarian dining.
Signature items
- Dahi Puri
- Palak Paneer
- Mysore Pak
- Thali
- Tandoori Platter
- Butter Milk
Menu
Beverages
- Butter Milk — Refreshing, savoury and sour yogurt-based drink
Street Food & Chaat
- Dahi Puri — Crisp puffed shells filled with seasoned ingredients, yogurt, and fresh sauces
- Dahi Papdi — Crisp flat crackers balanced with sweet, sour, and savoury chutneys and yogurt
Meal Boxes & Gift Hampers
- Indian Bento Box — Individually packed meal box set suited for events and gatherings
- Deepavali Classic Hamper — Festive celebration gift box loaded with sweets and savouries
- Deepavali Premium Hamper — Curated festive gift hamper containing premium sweets and treats
- Tiny Joys Gift Box — Compact gift box assortment of traditional sweets
- Classic Plus Gift Box — Gift box set containing traditional confections
- Divine Treasures Gift Box — Curated selection of sweets and celebratory items
- Royal Duo Gift Box — Two-piece premium festive sweet presentation
- Timber Luxe Gift Box — Luxury packaged box of assorted Indian savouries and sweets
- Savouries Gift Box — Packaged collection of traditional crispy savoury snacks
Traditional Sweets & Savouries
- Mysore Pak — Rich, buttery traditional sweet made from ghee, gram flour, and sugar
- Malabar Sweets — Traditional regional confection crafted with authentic ingredients
- Indian Savouries — Assortment of crispy snacks and savouries made with traditional oils
North & South Indian Specialties
- Thali — Traditional multi-dish platter featuring an assortment of curries, breads, and sides
- Palak Paneer — Cottage cheese cubes simmered in a spiced spinach gravy
- Naan — Freshly baked Indian flatbread prepared in the tandoor
- Chapati — Traditional unleavened flatbread
- Tandoori Platter — Assortment of grilled vegetarian specialties cooked in tandoori spices
- Tofu — Thick, seasoned tofu prepared with hearty spices
- Cauliflower and Mushrooms — Vegetable dish cooked with fragrant Indian herbs and spices
- Broccoli Cakes — Seasoned pan-cooked broccoli patties
Frequently asked questions
- Where is Nalan Restaurant located in Little India?
- The Little India branch is located at 82 Serangoon Road, Singapore 217987, just a short walk from Little India MRT station.
- What are the opening hours of the Little India branch?
- The restaurant is open daily from 7:30 am to 11:30 pm from Monday through Sunday.
- Does Nalan cater to special dietary requirements?
- Yes, the menu includes pure vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, and no-onion no-garlic (Jain-friendly, non-root vegetable) options.
- Is the food prepared in a central kitchen?
- No, every dish is prepared fresh on-site without a centralized kitchen, using organic ingredients and locally sourced produce.
- Are Indian sweets and festival gift boxes available?
- Yes, Nalan offers traditional sweets like Mysore Pak and Malabar sweets, alongside savoury snacks and festive gift hampers.
- Does Nalan provide catering services?
- Yes, Nalan offers North and South Indian vegetarian catering, mini buffets, hi-tea, live cooking stations, and bento box sets for corporate events, weddings, and private celebrations.
Good to know
- {"dietary":"Pure vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, and no-onion/no-garlic options available.","accessibility":"Conveniently located within walking distance of Little India MRT station (North East and Downtown Lines)."}