Eating gluten-free in Singapore is tough: awareness is low and options are limited, especially for those with allergies or intolerance. Singapore is praised as a food capital of the world, but for those with celiacs (or other dietary restrictions), the limitless options can suddenly feel rather limiting.
Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley that helps food maintain its shape. While gluten is commonly found in wheat-based products such as bread and pastries, it is also a hidden ingredient in a variety of unexpected foods such as dressings, soups, and soy sauces.
By compiling a list of restaurants in Singapore I hope to bring awareness to restaurants that are conscious of inclusive eating. People with food allergies are often brushed aside at restaurants, making those that embrace the cooking challenge a refreshing change.
So here is my list of the best GF eats in Singapore:
1. Wild Honey
Stephanie Hancock, founder of Wild Honey’s vision for her restaurant is executed flawlessly from the big picture to the smallest details. Not afraid to do the grunt work, if the quality of ingredients are not up to her standards she will go out herself to find the perfect fit. The restaurant is all-day-breakfast and has lots of clearly marked “gf” options on their menu. They even specify vegetarian, vegan, dairy free, and egg-whites only, making it easy to identify what you can and cannot eat. Passionate about food, Hancock believes that dietary restrictions do not taint the quality of her brand and enjoy including delicious meals that leave everyone satisfied. The real stand-out on the menu was the gluten-free bread.
Wild Honey is located at #6 Scots Road #03-01
2. Cedele
Local Singaporean chain Cedele has gained popularity for creating dishes that not only taste good but make you feel good. Their utilization of superfoods and commitment to health make them an obvious supplier of gluten-free goods. However, Cedele has 3 concepts from counter service to full dining, with the amount of gluten free options varying per venue. I recommend their gluten-free red sauce tofu salad, both refreshing and spicy this substantial portion left me extremely satisfied.
Cedele has multiple locations island-wide.
3. Coriander Leaf
A more upscale option Coriander Leaf brings gluten-free options to Pan-Asian cuisine. Located in Chijmes Market, this gorgeous second-floor building is the essence of fine communal dining. Shareable plates can often be a nightmare for those with dietary restrictions, finding something everyone can enjoy and eat can be overwhelming. However, with an extremely receptive and friendly staff as well as an excellent (and clearly labeled menu) gluten-freers should have no qualms enjoying the creativity of Coriander Leaf.
The management is extremely receptive to consumer feedback and regularly updates their menu to ensure they are serving the highest quality meals. No matter your dietary restrictions, Coriander commitment to innovative and creative Asian dishes makes it a stand out. Often with more upscale restaurants, the chef’s vision trumps consumer restrictions or preferences. Coriander Leaf knows that allergies do not hurt the integrity of their dishes My favorite dish by far was the cod which literally melted in my mouth.
Coriander Leaf is located at 30 Victoria Street, #02-01 CHIJMES
4. Coriander Leaf Grille
Located off of Club Street CLG is a more casual and affordable alternative to Coriander Leaf. They still offer some favorites from the original venue, but they also have more finger foods and casual meals. The venue provides the perfect location for an evening of fun starting with a nice gluten free meal on the first floor and ending with cocktails on their rooftop bar, The Screening Room. Since the management behind CLG is the same as Coriander Leaf you can expect the same diversity and quality of pan-Asian eats just in a new location.
Coriander Leaf Grill is located at 12 Ann Siang Rd.
5. Wholesome by Cookit
One of Wholesome founders suffered from an autoimmune disease herself that left her breaking out in hives almost daily. After prolonged pain, she eventually found that a paleo-diet was one of the best ways to manage these reactions, inspiring her to start Wholesome by Cookit. The kitchen is 100% gluten free but they also offer sugar-free and grain-free options.
Health fanatics this is the place for you, Wholesome offers wellness crafted dishes that still provide flavor and satisfaction equal to their more traditional (and processed) counterparts. They even offer versions of traditional Singaporean dishes that are notoriously unhealthy. Yes, the food is healthy, but it definitely does not diminish the quality.
Wholesome Eats is located at 115 East Coast Rd Level 2
6. Kitchen by Food Rebel
Similarly to the owners of the other venues, Kitchen by Food Rebel was started out of a frustration on the lack of quality healthy foods in Singapore. Catering to a variety of dietary restrictions, including gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan, this venue has everything you need to eat a deliciously healthy gluten-free meal. We recommend the chia seed mango pudding.
Kitchen by Food Rebel is located at 28 Stanley Street, Telok Ayer
7. Jonathan’s Bakery
While technically not a brick and mortar venue, Jonathan’s Bakery gluten-free eats is a great option for those who need gluten-free options at home. The delivery service has a variety of breads, pastries, and appetizers that are all completely gluten-free. The breading is crisp and warm and the pastries could pass for their glutenous alternatives. The bakery is order based so this is the place to have all the foods you have been missing recreated.
Jonathan’s Bakery currently only offers online services.