When considering health-conscious choices, particularly for those managing cholesterol levels, hawker food may not be the first thing that comes to mind. However, many Indian hawker dishes in Singapore offer both flavour and heart-friendly benefits. This guide provides a carefully selected list of the top 10 lowest cholesterol Indian hawker foods—each evaluated for their nutritional profile, preparation method, and ingredients that support cholesterol management. Ideal for individuals concerned about cardiovascular health, weight management, or diabetes.
1. Tandoori Chicken (Skinless, Grilled)
Why it’s cholesterol-friendly:
Tandoori chicken is marinated in yoghurt and spices, then grilled in a tandoor without added oils. The key is to opt for skinless chicken, which significantly lowers saturated fat and cholesterol content.
Estimated cholesterol per serving (100g): 60–70 mg
Key benefits:
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Grilled, not fried
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Yoghurt adds probiotics
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High protein, low saturated fat
Pro tip: Request minimal ghee or butter when ordering.
2. Chappati (Whole Wheat Flatbread) with Dhal (Lentil Curry)
Why it’s cholesterol-friendly:
Chappati is made from whole wheat flour and typically cooked without oil. Pairing it with dhal, a plant-based protein source rich in soluble fibre, aids in reducing LDL (bad) cholesterol.
Estimated cholesterol:
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Chappati: 0 mg
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Dhal (1 ladle): 0–5 mg (varies if ghee is added)
Key benefits:
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High in dietary fibre
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Zero cholesterol (plant-based)
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Helps lower LDL levels
Pro tip: Ask for dhal made without ghee or coconut milk.
3. Thosai (Plain Dosa)
Why it’s cholesterol-friendly:
Thosai is a fermented rice and urad dal crepe, pan-fried with minimal oil. It contains no cholesterol if made without butter or ghee and offers healthy gut bacteria due to fermentation.
Estimated cholesterol: 0 mg
Key benefits:
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No animal fat
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Fermented, aiding digestion
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Low in saturated fat
Pro tip: Avoid masala thosai or ghee thosai—these can double the fat content.
4. Vegetable Sambar with Brown Rice or Idli
Why it’s cholesterol-friendly:
Sambar is a tangy lentil-based vegetable stew, typically cooked without cream or butter. Pairing it with steamed brown rice or idli (steamed fermented rice cakes) creates a complete, fibre-rich meal.
Estimated cholesterol (combined): 0–5 mg
Key benefits:
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High in fibre and antioxidants
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Low-fat, plant-based
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Contains soluble fibre that binds cholesterol
Pro tip: Request for less oil in the tempering.
5. Ragi (Finger Millet) Thosai
Why it’s cholesterol-friendly:
Ragi is a whole grain high in calcium and dietary fibre. When prepared like a regular thosai, it is light, nutritious, and supports lipid profile improvement.
Estimated cholesterol: 0 mg
Key benefits:
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High dietary fibre content
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Supports blood sugar and cholesterol control
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Naturally gluten-free
Pro tip: Opt for non-ghee versions for a truly heart-friendly option.
6. Mixed Vegetable Uttapam (No Butter)
Why it’s cholesterol-friendly:
Uttapam is like a thick thosai topped with chopped vegetables. It’s pan-cooked with minimal oil and, when ghee is omitted, remains low in cholesterol.
Estimated cholesterol: 0–10 mg (depending on oil used)
Key benefits:
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Vegetable topping boosts antioxidants
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No deep-frying
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Made from urad dal and rice
Pro tip: Ask for less oil and no ghee to keep it under 5 mg cholesterol.
7. Masala Oats or Oats Upma
Why it’s cholesterol-friendly:
Some modern hawker stalls offer Indian-style oats, a fibre-rich alternative known to actively lower LDL cholesterol thanks to beta-glucans.
Estimated cholesterol: 0 mg
Key benefits:
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Contains beta-glucan fibre
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Promotes satiety
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Supports heart health
Pro tip: Confirm there’s no added ghee or coconut milk for the healthiest version.
8. Steamed Idiyappam with Vegetable Kurma
Why it’s cholesterol-friendly:
Idiyappam (string hoppers) are made from rice flour and steamed, making them fat-free. Paired with a light, vegetable-based kurma (without coconut milk), they make a well-balanced meal.
Estimated cholesterol: 0–5 mg
Key benefits:
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Zero cholesterol in base
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Light and easy to digest
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Kurma can be rich in potassium and fibre if made right
Pro tip: Avoid kurma made with evaporated or coconut milk.
9. Chickpea Sundal
Why it’s cholesterol-friendly:
Sundal is a dry stir-fried dish made with chickpeas, mustard seeds, and curry leaves. It’s a protein-rich snack with zero cholesterol, ideal as a light bite or side.
Estimated cholesterol: 0 mg
Key benefits:
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Plant-based protein
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High in dietary fibre
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No oil if sautéed dry
Pro tip: Go for the boiled version with minimal oil and no grated coconut.
10. Cucumber Raita or Onion Raita
Why it’s cholesterol-friendly:
Using low-fat or skimmed yoghurt, raita offers calcium and probiotics without the high saturated fat content of cream-based dishes. An excellent side to balance spicy foods.
Estimated cholesterol (using low-fat yoghurt): 5–10 mg per serving
Key benefits:
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Cooling, digestion-friendly
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Contains probiotics
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Low in fat, cholesterol if yoghurt is low-fat
Pro tip: Avoid full-cream yoghurt. Choose cucumber over boondi (fried balls) additions.
Healthier Eating Tips at Indian Hawker Stalls
To maintain a low-cholesterol diet at Indian hawker centres, here are a few essential guidelines:
1. Choose steamed or grilled over fried
Opt for dishes like idli, idiyappam, or grilled tandoori over vadai or samosas.
2. Watch out for ghee and coconut milk
Even vegetarian dishes can spike cholesterol levels due to ghee or thick coconut cream. Ask if these can be left out.
3. Skip the butter, margarine, or cream toppings
Butter naan, ghee rice, and paneer masala are rich in saturated fat. Choose plain chappati or brown rice as your base.
4. Prioritise fibre and legumes
Lentils, chickpeas, beans, and vegetables are cholesterol-lowering foods. Dhal, sambar, and sundal are excellent choices.
5. Control portion sizes
Even healthy dishes, when over-consumed, may contribute to weight gain—a factor that negatively impacts cholesterol levels.
Conclusion: Delicious Yet Heart-Friendly Indian Hawker Choices Exist
Eating at hawker centres while managing cholesterol is possible—if you choose wisely. The ten dishes listed above combine low saturated fat, minimal cholesterol, and plenty of fibre to help you maintain a heart-healthy diet. Whether you’re seeking everyday meals or planning cheat-day alternatives that won’t sabotage your health goals, this list provides balanced, affordable, and nutritionally sound Indian hawker food choices in Singapore.
Important Disclaimer:
This article is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Individuals with hyperlipidaemia, heart disease, or metabolic syndrome should consult a licensed dietitian or physician before making dietary changes.
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