A Fun, Multi-Cultural Guide to Tekka Centre
I’ll be hard-pressed to find a more multicultural blend of Indian, Chinese, Malay, and other influences under one roof than in Tekka Centre. I reckon that’s a good reason to visit this vibrant hub in Little India, whether you’re a tourist or local.
This diversity is especially evident in the food offerings, where you can enjoy authentic Indian curries, Chinese dim sum, Malay satay, and much more! You’ll need to check out its textile and apparel section, as well.
But I’m getting ahead of myself. Allow me to walk you through the best ways to explore this iconic spot.
Things to Know
Address: 665 Buffalo Road Zhujiao Centre
Operating hours:
- Wet market: 6.30 AM onwards (stall closings vary)
- Shopping centre: 10.30 AM onwards (shop closings vary)
How to Get to Tekka Centre
Closest bus stop: If you’re taking a bus to Tekka Centre, alight at the Tekka Centre bus stop, which is served by several bus routes. The bus stop number is 07031 and it’s located along Serangoon Road.
Closest MRT station: Take the Downtown Line or North-East Line to Little India MRT Station (DT12/NE7). Use Exit A, and you’ll find yourself just a short walk away from Tekka Centre, which is located right across the street from the station.
For more details on getting around Singapore, check this out.
What to Do and See in Tekka Centre
Admire the colourful exterior mural
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The mural “Street Vendors” by Alvin Mark (2024) vibrantly depicts the bustling street market life of Tekka Centre. It showcases colourful stalls filled with fresh produce, spices, and various goods.
The wall art captures the lively essence of the diverse vendors. Pay extra attention to the intricate details of vendors interacting with customers, highlighting the dynamic energy of the marketplace.
Explore the wet market (and people-watch, too)
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Address: Ground floor
Hours: Daily, 10.30 AM – 5 PM
People-watching at a wet market is more interesting than it sounds. There’s nothing like seeing folks look under one roof for everything from exotic spices and traditional Indian vegetables to fresh seafood and Chinese greens.
The wet market in Tekka Centre is located on the ground floor, making it easily accessible to visitors entering from the main entrances along Serangoon Road and Bukit Timah Road. It occupies a significant portion of the centre and is always bustling.
Browse eye-catching Indian garments
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Address: 2nd floor
Hours: Daily, 10.30 AM – 7 PM
Go upstairs and you’ll find a vibrant clothing market with thousands of brightly coloured Indian garments on racks reaching the ceiling. It’s the go-to of many Singaporeans for Deepavali or other Indian festivals in need of celebratory garments.
Clothes are affordable, with pants starting at S$5 and dresses at S$10, depending on the material and embroidery. Even if you’re not shopping for Indian fashion, it’s enjoyable to walk around and admire the eye-catching designs in multicultural Tekka.
Where to Eat and Drink in Tekka Centre
Allaudin’s Briyani
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Address: Floor 1 stall 232
Hours: Daily, 8 AM–8 PM
Price: $
Good to know: It’s been “Plated” in the Michelin Guide
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You simply must have some briyani at Tekka Centre, and I highly recommend the chicken briyani set at Allauddin’s Briyani for just around S$7. The warm curry, boiled egg, and chips make it one of the best briyani I’ve ever had, with generous portions and authentic Indian spices.
Heng Gi Goose and Duck Rice
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Address: Floor 1 stall 335
Phone: +6563960969
Hours: Monday to Saturday, 8 AM–3 PM
Price: $
Good to know: Add an egg for 70 cents
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There’s a reason this stall is Michelin-recommended: the duck is fragrant, soft, and juicy, with a savoury but not too salty sauce. Plus, you can get a single portion of duck rice for S$4 or half a duck for $21! But do come early, as this popular stall sells out by 1 PM or early 2 PM.
Yakader Muslim Food
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Address: Floor 1 stall 259
Phone: +6591783427
Hours: Daily, Sunday, 8 AM–8 PM
Price: $
Good to know: Free refillable curry!
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For over a decade now, Yakader Muslim Food has served fresh, richly marinated fish with a special sauce. The stall’s tasty briyani, generous fish portions, and sides like achar (pickled veggies) and papadum (crispy flatbread) make for a delicious meal. At just S$6.50, the fragrant rice and two kinds of curry ensure every grain is perfectly moist.
Chuan’s Ladle
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Address: Floor 1 stall 317
Phone: +6588069978
Hours: Monday to Saturday, 8 AM–2 PM
Price: $
Good to know: Order extra scallion noodles at S$1.50
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Chuan’s Ladle serves unique mang guang ge (turnip cake), similar to Teochew oyster cakes but tasting like prawn fritters at just S$1.50 per serving. These Hokkien ladle cakes come in original, coriander, and spicy flavours for every palate, but all have a chewy texture.
Generation Coffee Roasters
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Address: Floor 1 stall 321
Phone: +6588912911
Hours: Monday to Saturday, 7.30–10.30 AM, 11.15 AM–2.45 PM
Price: $
Good to know: The shop has proprietary beans
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Now onto beverages: try Generation Coffee Roasters for affordable, high-quality drinks. The shop offers traditional Singapore kopi, specialty coffee, and non-coffee options.
For a healthy, delicious coffee experience, give this coffee stall a try. Using a blend of arabica and robusta beans, the baristas roast the coffee without unhealthy additives like margarine or sugar.
Where to Shop in Tekka Centre
V Mystique Beauty
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Address: 2nd floor
Phone: +6592272666
Hours: Daily, 11.30 AM–8 PM
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V Mystique is known for its extensive collection of traditional Indian garments, including saris, lehengas, and salwar kameez, as well as modern ethnic wear. It’s also a favourite beauty parlour among soon-to-be brides, as it specialises in bridal makeup, hairstyling, and intricate henna application for all occasions.
Goodluck Spicemart
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Address: 1st floor
Phone: +6562945903
Hours: Daily, 9 AM–10 PM
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Goodluck Spicemart is a popular spot for enhancing cooking with authentic flavours. Even if I’m not cooking, I enjoy the sights and smells of the shop’s wide variety of spices, herbs, and condiments. From pure ghee to dosa mix, this is where all the yumminess begins.
Tekka Goldsmith & Jewellery
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Address: Floor 1 stall 04
Phone: +6562973647
Hours:
- Monday to Saturday, 10 AM–8.15 PM
- Sunday, 10 AM–7.45 PM
If you’re a jewellery fan, make sure to drop by Tekka Goldsmith & Jewellery, as it specialises in gold gift items as well as repair and alterations. The shop also does customised designs in case you want to bring home something truly unique. Don’t be shy to ask what you can get for under S$500, as there are lots of options!