The short answer
Ananda Bhavan: what visitors should know first
Yes, if you want a long-established vegetarian South Indian meal in Little India. Confirm the branch and ask about egg and onion before ordering, as our sources do not say the kitchen is Pure Veg or Jain.
Diet
What we checked
- Indian. An Indian restaurant outside India. Checked November 2026 · Source
Menus and kitchens change. If you follow a strict diet or have an allergy, confirm with the restaurant before you order.
History and context
The story behind Ananda Bhavan
Roots.gov.sg says the restaurant was established in 1924 and began by serving only South Indian vegetarian food. It later added North Indian and Indian-Chinese fusion vegetarian dishes, and now has four branches in Little India and one at Changi Business Park.
Useful facts
Ananda Bhavan facts at a glance
- Location
- 95 Syed Alwi Road, Little India (other branches exist)
- Dining style
- Casual vegetarian restaurant
- Established
- 1924, per Roots.gov.sg
- Signature order
- Try: thosai, vadai or chaat; naan with palak paneer
- Good for
- Vegetarian families, quick meals near Mustafa Centre
Why it matters
Why Ananda Bhavan is worth your time
Ananda Bhavan is one of the oldest Indian vegetarian restaurants in Singapore. Roots.gov.sg, the National Heritage Board's heritage portal, says it was established in 1924 by Kulanthaivelu Muthusamy Kaunder, who came to Singapore in the 1920s with his brothers.
For a vegetarian family, its value is familiarity. The menu is built on dishes known across India, the place is easy to find in Little India, and the length of its history gives you more confidence than a new opening. It is a practical stop between Mustafa Centre and the temples of Serangoon Road.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
Since 1924
Roots.gov.sg lists it among Singapore's oldest Indian vegetarian restaurants.
- 02
South Indian core
Thosais, vadais, bajis and chaats are the dishes named by the guides we opened.
- 03
Wider menu
North Indian and Indian-Chinese vegetarian dishes sit beside the South Indian list.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
Start with the South Indian core of the menu. The listings we opened name thosais, vadais, bajis and chaats, and the Roots.gov.sg entry says the restaurant began with South Indian vegetarian food only. A masala thosai or a plate of idli and vadai with sambar and chutney makes a light meal that suits most older travellers.
The menu has since widened. Roots.gov.sg says it now includes North Indian dishes and Indian-Chinese fusion vegetarian dishes, and a Women's Weekly roundup lists naans and palak paneer, so a family that wants roti and a paneer curry can share a table with someone who prefers dosa.
Because Ananda Bhavan has four branches around Little India plus one at Changi Business Park, pick the Syed Alwi Road branch if you are visiting Mustafa Centre, which is close by. Ask the staff about egg, onion and garlic before you order, since being vegetarian does not by itself mean the kitchen can cook without them.
Plan with confidence
Small checks that make a better meal.
- Confirm which branch you are going to
- Ask about egg, onion and garlic before ordering
- Visit outside the lunch rush for a calmer room
- Check current opening hours
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- 95 Syed Alwi Road, Little India
- Time needed
- 45 minutes to 1 hour
- Best time
- Breakfast or an early dinner
- Walking level
- Easy
- Senior comfort
- The Syed Alwi Road branch is on the ground floor of a street lined with shops, so there are no stairs to climb. Check seating and air-conditioning on arrival, as our sources do not describe the room.
- Tickets and access
- No reservation system is mentioned in our sources, so plan to walk in. Several branches exist, so check the address and opening hours before you go.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Ananda Bhavan
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
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Travelling with parents?
The Syed Alwi Road branch is on the ground floor of a street lined with shops, so there are no stairs to climb. Check seating and air-conditioning on arrival, as our sources do not describe the room.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
Is Ananda Bhavan pure vegetarian?
Sources describe it as a vegetarian restaurant. We found no statement that the menu excludes egg, so we have not tagged it Pure Veg; ask on the day.
Is it Jain-friendly?
We found no Jain statement. Ask whether a dish can be made without onion, garlic and root vegetables.
How many branches are there?
Roots.gov.sg reports four in the Little India area and one at Changi Business Park.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.
