Indian Vegetarian Food in Singapore: Dosa or Set Meal?
For a quick South Indian meal, start with a dosa. For lunch with a little of everything, look at the set meal instead. MTR’s published Tuesday menu makes the difference easy to price, while Nalan is worth checking for its separate dietary menus.
Photo: Rainer Halama · CC BY-SA 4.0
MTR: three orders, three different appetites
- Khaali Dosa, two pieces: S$6++. Rice-and-lentil pancakes with sambar and chutney.
- Pudi Masala Dosa: S$8++. The spiced-potato option, with chutney powder and ghee.
- Set meal: S$12++. A fuller spread including rice, vegetable accompaniments, sambar, rasam, curd rice, papad and a sweet.
These examples are from MTR’s Tuesday breakfast/lunch menu, not a claim that every dish runs all day. Its menu states 10% service charge and GST extra: at 9% GST, S$8 becomes about S$9.59 and S$12 about S$14.39. Filter coffee adds S$3 before charges.
Find MTR at 438 Serangoon Road. Tuesday breakfast runs 8.30am–11.30am and lunch 11.30am–3pm; the restaurant closes Mondays. Choose the menu for your actual day and service.
Nalan: useful when the group has different requirements
Nalan publishes vegan and no-onion-no-garlic menus alongside its main menu. That makes it easier to organise a mixed table without asking one diner to work through everything on arrival.
Its two listed locations are 82 Serangoon Road and 13 Stamford Road, #B2-54, Capitol Singapore. Pick the outlet and relevant menu; we have not verified a current Nalan thali price, so do not use MTR’s budget as a quote for Nalan.
Dosa is not automatically vegan
At MTR, the Pudi Masala Dosa lists ghee, and Rava Idly is made with yoghurt and clarified butter. If you avoid dairy, ask about the preparation and accompaniments rather than just choosing a meat-free name.
For a smaller appetite, start with one dosa order before adding idli, vada and a rice dish. For a hungry lunch, the set meal gives you the variety upfront. Neither choice requires ordering the whole menu to feel like a proper meal.
