One of the most appealing aspects of the garden city is Singapore’s multicultural environment. Singapore boasts a melting pot of different cultures, the main three being Chinese, Malay and Indian. In 1822 Sir Stamford Raffles proposed a city plan for Singapore based on ethnic segregation; this plan was drawn up in the Jackson Plan of 1822. Among the major ethnic groups, the Indian population of Singapore were settled in Tanjong Pagar, but eventually expanded into Serangoon Road as more Indians migrated from India to Singapore. Once the place for horse races and cattle ranching today’s Little India presents a mix of the old with the new – rustic shop houses, modern shopping centres, and many, many opportunities for English learners to practice their English skills!
If you like shopping, then Little India is definitely the place to visit. There are several shopping centres in the area; the most popular is probably Mustafa Centre – first established in 1971, Mustafa Centre has since expanded into a 400,000 square foot shopper’s paradise, offering 300,000 items at affordable prices. And the best part about it – Mustafa is open 24 hours! Whether you’re looking for jewellery, clothing, household items or distinctly Indian items, Mustafa has something for everyone. And it’s the ideal place for English learners to practise their English shopping skills. Have a look at Mustafa’s website at: http://www.mustafa.com.sg/mmsnew/
Or perhaps sampling the unique and unforgettable taste of Little India is what brings you – you will not be disappointed. There are dozens of restaurants in and around Little India that offer the choice between North and South Indian cuisine, both for meat lovers and vegetarians. One good place to check out is Sakunthala Food Palace, which offers both North and South Indian dishes, Chindian (Chinese-Indian fusion) food, and a selection of mouth-watering biriyanis with chicken, fish or mutton. After indulging in the authentic taste of India, cool down those warm flavours with a chilled tangy lassi drink. Sakunthala is located next to Mustafa’s Shopping Centre at 88 Syed Alwi Road in Little India; check out their delicious menu selections at: http://www.sakunthala.com.sg/
If you’re looking more for the spiritual side of Little India, you may want to visit one of the Hindu temples in the area. One of the most impressive is the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, located at 141 Serangoon Road, and is one of the oldest Hindu temples in Singapore. The temple is dedicated to the goddess Kali, and the temple features a 14 armed visage of Kali, ornate painted ceiling, and an impressive ‘gopuram’, a tower featuring carvings of many Hindu gods. The temple is closed between 12:30 and 4:00 pm, but is opened to the public before and after those times. You can learn more at http://www.sriveeramakaliamman.com/
If you’re looking for a little less of the main tourist attractions in Little India, you may be content to just visit the many shops along Serangoon Road; textiles, clothing, music, India’s sweets and delicacies, are all there to see and experience along this main road. Shopping, food and culture – the main attractions of Singapore’s cultural hub can be found in Little India – the perfect place to practice English!
Written by: Michael Bunyak
English Teacher at Canadian Education College, Singapore
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