Little India, Malacca

Little India is a historic trading district where rows of traditional multi-story shophouses with colorful facades line the main streets, especially Bendahara Street. The ground floors display textiles, spices, prayer items, and handicrafts for sale, while restaurants and food stalls operate throughout the area.

The area grew from a small trading outpost in the early 20th century as Indian merchants established their businesses in Malacca. The colonial-era street layout with its narrow passages between buildings has remained largely unchanged since that period.

Colorful fabrics and flower garlands line the shop fronts while the aroma of spices fills the streets. You can watch merchants arranging traditional goods and restaurants preparing curries and dosas the way families have for generations.

The district is easiest to explore on foot during daytime and evening hours when shops and restaurants are open. The narrow streets and passages wind between buildings, so take your time walking and allow yourself to get a bit lost in the layout.

The narrow alleys form a maze of interconnected shopping passages between buildings that do not appear on most maps. This winding layout encourages you to wander and discover hidden corners and small shops at your own pace.