If you have ever considered trying to go vegetarian, vegan or pescetarian, you were likely put off by the difficulty in finding good plant-based food in Singapore. Now’s not the time to give up as there are more places than ever to indulge in a healthy way. If you’re vegetarian or someone attempting to switch diets, then this list is for you.
Teriyaki ‘Meat’balls ($14)
Afterglow
This is the place where you can dine in style while enjoying a healthy twist to your usual favorites. Sourcing their food from local or Thai farmers, everything is made in-house. This is really a one of a kind place that is worth a visit. If you are feeling adventurous, try the raw vegan dishes and leave the restaurant feeling lighter and more energetic. If not, there are plenty of baked and cooked options as well. With indoor and outdoor seating along Keong Saik Road, Afterglow has the perfect ambiance.
Must-tries: The Raw-Vegan Nut Cheese Platter and Teriyaki ‘Meat’balls.
Afterglow is located at 24 Keong Saik Road, Singapore 089131
Lasagna with Soya Mince & Spinach $16
Cafe Salivation
Offering a wide selection of typical western cafe dishes, Cafe Salivation makes you forget you are eating vegatarian. This place has a great spread of breakfast and brunch options, and plenty of vegan, gluten-free and garlic/onion-free dishes as well. People come here for the food, not the ambiance. Maybe don’t take your date here if she’s someone fussy.
Must-tries: Spinach Soup and Lasagne
Cafe Salivation is located at 176 Race Course Rd, Singapore 218607
Dolsot Bibimbap $9.90
The Boneless Kitchen
It’s the first meatless Korean diner that we know of. Although vegetarian, the restaurant doesn’t stray far from the authenticity of the cuisine. One favourite was the the Budae Jigae, an army stew of cheese, ramen, enoki mushrooms and mock meat. The Kimchi Dumplings were just as delicious, and the Kimbap that topped it all off perfectly.
Must-try: The Dolsot Bibimbap, which is not only aesthetically pleasing but healthy and delicious as well.
The Boneless Kitchen is located at 1 Irving Place #01-31, The Commerze@Irving, Singapore 369546
The Living Cafe
The delicious food and cozy atmosphere definitely makes this place one of my favorites. It is both naturopathy clinic and cafe. Don’t walk out of there without a packet of their scrumptious flax seed chips, perfect for healthy snacking. The food, largely gluten-free, contains no dairy, refined sugars or white flour. But if you’re hungry for meat, ask for the fish or chicken breast. End it off with a smoothie or dessert – the Ganash Tart was one of the best desserts I had in a while.
Must-tries: The Ganash Tart and Veggie Delight Pizza.
The Living Cafe is located at 779 Bukit Timah Rd, Singapore 269758
Lemon Cake $8
Real Food
Everything in this place is thought through, even their own brand of water that is filtered and pH-balanced. Real Food also has its own grocer in which you can buy all your supplies for experimenting plant-based cooking at home. Favourites include the Barley and Mushroom Burger, Mushroom Soy Carbonara and Lemon Cake, proof that vegan cakes can be delicious too.
Must-tries: The Barley and Mushroom Burger, Mushroom Soy Carbonara and Lemon Cake.
Real Food is located at 181 Orchard Road, #02-16 to 19 Orchard Central, 238896
Whole Earth
Featured in the Michelin Guide, Whole Earth is great for its a fusion of Peranakan, Thai and Chinese vegetarian cuisine, but what they have come acclaim to is their Peranakan food. Standout dishes include the tofu-based Sweet and Sour Delight, Penang Rendang made with shiitake (a personal favorite), and the Crispy Golden Oats with Monkey Head Mushrooms.
Must-try: Penang Rendang
Whole Earth is located at 76 Peck Seah St, Singapore 079331
Baked Button Mushrooms With Garlic $8.80
Sufood
Mostly known for fusing Japanese with Italian, a new menu out later this month will lean towards a stronger general Asian palate. You can look forward to lots of soup, hearty salads, mushrooms and grain dishes. Offering four-course, six-course and six-course sets, Sufood is the place to go to if you are in the mood for variety. For what it lacks in ambience, it makes up in food, and I am sure you’ll be back for more.
Must-tries: The Baked Potato Ai Funghi, Revitalising Fruits and Vegetable Salad and Baked Mushroom with Garlic.
Sufood is located at Raffles City Shopping Centre, 252 North Bridge Road, #02-19, Singapore, 179103