Komala Vilas

Komala Vilas opened on Serangoon Road in 1947, when founder Murugiah Rajoo registered the business, and it has been one of Little India's best-known vegetarian restaurants ever since. Still family-run, it serves South Indian food in a plain, busy dining room, and its longevity has made it a reference point for Singaporeans who grew up eating banana-leaf meals here.

South Indian vegetarian cooking is the focus. The classic order at lunch is a rice meal served on a banana leaf: a mound of rice surrounded by several vegetable curries, dal, sambar, rasam, yoghurt, pickles and crisp papadum, with refills brought to the table. At other times, the tiffin menu takes over, with dosai, the thin, crisp rice and lentil pancakes, in plain, masala and other variations, plus idli, vadai and uttapam. The menu also covers North Indian dishes such as navratan korma and palak paneer for those who prefer richer gravies, and Indian sweets and filter coffee to finish.

Eating with your right hand is customary for banana-leaf meals, and watching the regulars is the best way to learn the technique, though cutlery is always available. When you have finished, folding the banana leaf towards you is a traditional way of signalling that you enjoyed the meal. Service is brisk and prices are low, which makes it an excellent choice for a budget lunch.

Komala Vilas suits vegetarians, families and anyone keen to try authentic South Indian food in a long-established setting. Lunch is the busiest time, so arrive a little before noon if you want a quick table; dosai are a good option for a lighter meal in the late afternoon. The restaurant is fully vegetarian, so it is a safe choice for diners who avoid meat and fish.

It stands at 76-78 Serangoon Road, in the heart of Little India, a few minutes' walk from Little India MRT station. Tekka Centre, with its wet market and hawker stalls, is close by, and the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple and the colourful shophouses of Little India are on the doorstep. A walk along Serangoon Road before or after the meal is a good way to see the neighbourhood's spice shops, flower-garland stalls and jewellers.