[2] Its location, along the Serangoon River, originally made it attractive for raising cattle, thus the livestock trade was once prominent in the area.

Located in the neighborhood, alongside shops that cater predominantly to the Indian community, are Chinese clan associations, places of worship of different religions, and various businesses ranging from electrical supplies, hardware, and second-hand goods to traditional spice grinders and grocers.

[6] One of the more prominent examples of cross-cultural patronage besides those regarding food is that many Chinese parents go to shops in Little India to grind rice to make congee for infants.

[citation needed] The machinery used in this instance was initially flown in from India to grind spices into powder for use in Indian cuisine.

The Abdul Gafoor Mosque, built in 1859 and named after a Tamil lawyer's clerk, features Arabian- and Renaissance-style architecture.

[citation needed] The Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple, along Serangoon Road, features a high Gopuram (tower), and was built in 1855.

[citation needed] The Sakya Muni Buddha Gaya Temple, along Race Course Road, was established by a Thai monk, Venerable Vutthisasara in 1927.