Uncertainty is growing over the future of Komala Vilas, one of Singapore’s most well-known Indian vegetarian restaurants, after it remained closed for an extended period due to what has been described as “renovations”.
A familiar name to generations, its flagship outlet at 76–78 Serangoon Road, which previously welcomed former Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has been shut for close to two months.
A March 9 post on the Singapore Travel Tips and Plan Facebook group showing the closed storefront triggered online discussion about whether the restaurant might have shut permanently.
The user who posted wrote they were “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”.
Another commenter on the same thread added: “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 its Google reviews page, patrons have also been leaving frequent updates noting that the eatery has yet to reopen.
A notice on the shutters read: “We are temporarily closed for renovation starting Monday, 19 January, 2026.” No reopening date was indicated.
Despite this, there were no visible signs of renovation work taking place, and no activity or noise could be detected from inside the adjoining units.
Responding to queries from The Straits Times and 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 ongoing speculation.
“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 many people have approached him with questions about the restaurant’s future.
“Komala Vilas is a long-standing heritage business,” Mr Rajakumar added, noting that it was disheartening to see it remain closed for months.
Komala Vilas Vegetarian Restaurant was founded in 1947 by Mr Murugiah Rajoo and is now run by his grandson, Mr Rajakumar Gunasekaran, 40.
tabla! reached out to Komala Vilas’ Mr Rajakumar for comment on March 7. In a message sent at around 2:17 pm, he said: “I will get back to you at the end of the month.”
When The Straits Times spoke to staff from nearby eateries, as well as textile and jewellery shops on March 17, they said they had neither seen nor heard any renovation activity at the premises.
Some added that customers of Komala Vilas have occasionally entered their shops to ask when it might reopen or if there were any updates. “People are worried they will not open again; everyone likes the food there,” said an employee of a nearby shop.
Attempts to reach someone at the main office, located beside the sweets shop, were unsuccessful.
Responding separately to Tamil Murasu, Mr S Mahenthiran, honorary secretary of the Indian Restaurants Association (Singapore), said that the association’s “current understanding is that the outlet is undergoing renovation”.
He added that the 79-year-old establishment has played a significant role in shaping the local Indian food scene, and that the association is looking “forward to the next chapter of their operations”.
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12 Mar 2026 19:09
