SINGAPORE – Intense speculation surrounds the future of Komala Vilas, one of Singapore’s most iconic Indian vegetarian restaurants, following a prolonged closure for “renovations”.
A household name for generations, the brand’s outlet at 76-78 Serangoon Road – which in 2015 hosted then Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi – has been shuttered for nearly two months.
On Facebook group Singapore Travel Tips and Plan, a March 9 post of the shuttered storefront sparked a discussion on whether the restaurant has shut for good. The post said: “Was disappointed to discover that Komala Vilas in Little India has been closed for renovations since January 19 but is listed as open on Apple Maps. Sharing to help others avoid the same letdown.”
In the same thread, another user said: “Sad to see the 70+ year old iconic legendary South Indian vegetarian restaurant has shut its doors after probably 4 generations of being family owned and operated.”
On the restaurant’s Google reviews page, customers have been posting regular updates to say the eatery has yet to reopen.
When The Straits Times visited the flagship restaurant on March 17, a sign on the shutters said: “We are temporarily closed for renovation starting Monday, 19 January, 2026.” The sign did not state when the restaurant would reopen.
However, there were no signs of any renovation works being carried out at the site and there was no noise coming from within the two units either.
In response to queries from ST and Tamil-language daily Tamil Murasu, Mr Rajakumar Chandra, former chairman and current adviser of the Little India Shopkeepers and Heritage Association (LISHA), said he was aware of the speculation about the restaurant.
“It has been over two months without any work being done. This is creating speculation and rumours on what is happening,” he said, adding that multiple people have asked him what will become of the restaurant.
“Komala Vilas is a longstanding heritage business,” he added, saying that it was upsetting to see the restaurant shut for the past few months.
Komala Vilas Vegetarian Restaurant was established in 1947 by Mr Murugiah Rajoo. It is now run by his grandson, Mr Rajakumar Gunasekaran, 40.
