LITTLE INDIA. Open since 1974, this lively eatery sets the standard for casual southern Indian style dining. The convivial atmosphere only serves to enhance a meal here, and you're likely to find yourself doing as the locals do ­ eating with your hands, that is! Each guest is served a large piece of a banana leaf onto which is placed a pile of rice, vegetables and papadums. Then you choose another dish, such as fish head curry, curry squid, or chicken masala, and start scooping! Your hands will probably turn a bit yellow and the aroma of your meal will linger for a few hours, so if you have any important afternoon meetings, better plan to have dinner here instead of lunch!

LITTLE INDIA. Simple, unpretentious and memorably yummy. Once you look past the dingy interior, you'll notice the wonderful aroma of spices being fried and pounded into some of the best curry in Little India. The biryani, with either chicken or mutton simmered in an intense, lava-like gravy till it's falling off the bone, is served with a heap of cardamom-flecked rice. If it's just a snack you're after, opt for a dosai ­ a delicately thin pancake stuffed with potatoes, onions and spices.

A Singaporean staple, roti prata is an Indian flatbread that's moist and chewy on the inside but flaky and crispy on the outside, served with an accompanying dish of spicy curry. While there are many stalls in Singapore claiming to be "famous" or "the best", this eatery really does deliver, and is well worth the drive out of town. If you're feeling slightly adventurous, try the durian or chocolate pratas for dessert.

This 25-year-old hawker center was given a new lease of life with an extensive facelift in 2004, and remains one of the best places to sample real local food. If you’re unfamiliar with hawker center etiquette, here’s what you do: find a table (lurk if necessary), note the table number, and then wander around ordering anything and everything you fancy. In addition to the satay, popular dishes here include the beef noodle soup, satay beehoon (thin noodles with a spicy peanut gravy) and barbequed chicken wings. Just look for the stalls with the longest queues! Hours vary by stall; some are closed in the afternoons.

LITTLE INDIA. Typical fast food, southern Indian style. Komala Vilas beats a greasy burger and fries any day. The setting may be similar, but the food is several notches above, with a choice of curries, dhals and dosas to satisfy every appetite. Spice levels vary from dish to dish but are clearly marked, so those with a more tender palate are sure to be pleased as well. Plus, for folks who like to end a meal on a sweet note, the eatery provides a number of traditional dessert items. Inexpensive and enjoyable.