Think it’s time to add more plant-based foods to your life, or go all the way with a meat-free lifestyle? You’ll be chuffed to discover that heaps of restaurants, cafes, bars and even curry houses have brilliant menus loaded with satisfying veggies. Read on for our huge guide to awesome vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Singapore – we’re here to prove that going green isn’t as hard as you think.

 

1. HRVST

Image credit: RVST

At places like HRVST, you won’t believe how good vegan food can get

Situated at OUE Downtown Gallery is HRVST: boutique gym Kilter Avenue’s in-house restaurant. You won’t be missing meat here. The restaurant and bar make vegan food actually palatable by swapping out meat with delicious plant-based options. “Scallops” in this case are king oyster mushrooms, "satay" is made of soy and "bak kut teh" is barley risotto, garlic chips and garlic oil, pink radish served with dough crisps. Brunch is equally pleasurable, with soy sausage served with rosti and orange glazed grilled tofu atop sourdough and a nut spread.

HRVST, OUE Downtown Gallery, 6A Shenton Way, #05-01. p. 6920 7500

 

2. Kitchen by Food Rebel

Image credit: Kitchen by Food Rebel

The tofu scramble from Kitchen by Food Rebel 

Kitchen by Food Rebel always teems with crowds –  a telling sign of its stellar food. The healthy cafe delivers food for all sorts of diets, including vegan, vegetarian, dairy and gluten-free. Pop by for brekkie and enjoy the breakfast special with cage free eggs, spiced chickpeas, mushroom and avocados or the gluten-free hearty buckwheat porridge with wholegrain and house-made cashew butter. Lunch is equally delish, options include Rebel Buddha-Bowls like the chicken protein bowl and the Zoodle Bolognese – a spaghetti-inspired dish that swaps the carbs for shredded zucchini.

Kitchen by Food Rebel, 28 Stanley Street, p. 6224 7088.

 

3. Afterglow

Image credit: Afterglow

Dip your spoon into plant-based desserts from Afterglow 

Leave all notions of vegetarian food being boring at the door. This trendy (thanks to its industrial-chic interiors) go-to spot for raw food has some impressive plates like raw crispy lasagne, quinoa and spinach hashbrown burger and raw “cheese” cake, made with cashew cream fudge.

Afterglow, 24 Keong Saik Road, p. 6224 8921.

 

4. Fill a Pita

We’re always on for Middle Eastern food – especially at wallet-friendly prices. This lunch hot spot is all about fresh, vegetarian ingredients. The hummus is creamy – just the way we like it – and the wholemeal pita sandwiches (especially the falafel filled one) always hits the spot.

Fill a Pita, #01-29 China Square Central, Nankin Row, 3 Pickering Street. p. 9835 1446

 

5. Pollen

Image credit: Pollen

Salt baked celeriac 

Okay, so Pollen isn’t exactly 100% vegetarian, but you certainly can’t pass up the dishes on the vegetarian ala carte menu by chef Steve Allen (of London’s Michelin-starred Gordon Ramsay). Arguably the fanciest restaurant of the lot, this gorgeous establishment in Gardens by the Bay features fine plates like eggplant risotto, salt-baked celeriac, as well as roasted potato and leek sabayon – a perfect venue for special occasions.

Pollen, #01-09 Flower Dome, Gardens By The Bay, 18 Marina Gardens Drive, p. 6604 9988.

 

6. JAAN

While JAAN isn’t really a vegetarian restaurant either (see Pollen), but this fine French culinary superstar offers vegetarian diners a five- and eight-course menu that features delights such as chestnut cannelloni with wild mushroom and kabocha pumpkin with barley risotto. And veggie-lovers, expect to splurge here too; the full eight-course set dinner menu runs at $268++.

JAAN, Swissôtel The Stamford, 2 Stamford Road, Level 70, Equinox Complex, p. 6837 3322.

 

7. Joie

Image credit: Joie

Prettily plated food from Joie

Joie (pronounced ‘joy’, not ‘joey’) is a meat-free dining spot that serves up luxurious options like bailing mushroom on paper hot pot and a zucchini tower. Can’t make up your mind? Opt for the multi-course lunch (six-course for $38.80++) or dinner (seven-course for $68.80++).

Joie, #12-01 Orchard Central, 181 Orchard Road, p. 6838 6966.

 

8. Herbivore

Vegetarians have it tough as far as Japanese food goes. The most common options are often limited to vegetarian ramen, or cucumber and avocado maki sushi rolls at supermarkets. Herbivore’s offerings, however, are not only Japanese and vegetarian, but also vegan, and include rarities like mock salmon sashimi, mock tuna sashimi and even mock unagi. The restaurant also avoids using garlic and onion, so you’ll find Jain-friendly dishes as well.

Herbivore, Fortune Centre #1-13/14, 190 Middle Road, p. 6333 1612.

 

9. Cafe Salivation

Image credit: Cafe Salivation

Vegetarian lasagne at Cafe Salivation 

Want vegetarian dishes that are a little out of the ordinary? Pay a visit to Cafe Salivation’s vibrant fuchsia and tangerine-themed shophouse cafe for its fun take on international vegetarian cuisine. Here, you’ll find a smorgasbord of vegetarian dishes including burgers (veggie ones, of course!), pastas, baked dishes, quesadillas, eggless cakes and more! The menu also offers items suitable for vegans, Buddhists and Jains. And, if you’re after an early brekkie, the cafe offers delicious breakfasts such as breakfast burritos, mushroom & cheese omelettes, eggless mini pancakes and scrambled paneer on toast that will all make your meat-munching pals jealous.

Cafe Salivation, 176 Race Course Road, p. 6298 1412.

 

10. Original Sin

The Holland Village stalwart serves some of the best Mediterranean-veggie plates on the island – you won’t even miss meat. Don’t leave without trying their cheesy baked portobello mushroom with pesto and tomato basil sauce (aka the Magic Mushroom), and the Principessa Salad which features roasted sweet potatoes, spanish onions, pumpkin seeds and other mouth-watering ingredients.

Original Sin, #01-62 Block 43 Jalan Merah Saga, Chip Bee Gardens, Holland Village, p. 6475 5605.

 

11. Whole Earth

Image credit: Whole Earth

Sambal kangkong from Whole Earth

Whole Earth is full of Thai-Peranakan dishes – surprising, considering how meat-heavy these cuisines are – take the spotlight here at this award-winning 11-year-old restaurant. Give some of their menu highlights a go, such as the sambal kangkong and ‘honey ribs’, that feature monkeyhead mushroom, shitake mushrooms and lotus root as opposed to the usual suspect: pork.

Whole Earth, 76 Peck Seah Street, p. 6323 3308.

 

12. LingZhi Vegetarian Restaurant

This long-standing restaurant has been putting out classic Chinese creations since 1991. Look forward to prettily plated dishes such as braised spinach soup with bamboo fungus and hearty stuff like the vegetarian satay, which is made with mushrooms and other greens. Set menus are available from $37 per person.

LingZhi Vegetarian Restaurant, #05-01 Liat Towers, 541 Orchard Road, p. 6734 3788 and Velocity@Novena Square #03-09/10, 238 Thomson Road, p. 6538 2992.

 

13. Ananda Bhavan Restaurant

Established in 1924 (yes, really), this chain of Indian restaurants has been winning the hearts of vegetarians with fuss-free menu items like boli (sweet lentil flatbread) and pani puri (crispy puffed shells stuffed with tamarind chutney). If you’re not familiar with Indian cuisine, get ready for a culinary adventure at this place.

Ananda Bhavan Restaurant, 95 Syed Alwi Road, p. 6398 0837.

Image credit: Real Food

Vegetarian meatball pasta at Real Food 

 

14. Real Food

This isn’t a showy cafe with fancy creations and pretentious-sounding menu items, but rather, a humble store with simple offerings like a veggie meatball spaghetti and a beetroot burger. And oh, everything’s pretty pocket-friendly, too.

Real Food, Multiple locations including Orchard Central.

 

15. VeganBurg

Image credit: VeganBurg

So tasty that you’ll forget you’re not eating meat

We know a number meat-loving people who love Veganburg, including one of our resident foodies, Sam. Her thoughts? “My go-to combo is the Cracked Mayo burger, which comes with a GMO-free soy patty and “mayo” (I have no idea what’s in it, just that it’s vegan-friendly!), seaweed fries, and a fudgy chocolate brownie. I hardly enjoy anything without meat or dairy in it, but VeganBurg does these three things so well that I just can’t say no. I’d have them every day if I could…”. We’re sold.

VeganBurg, 44 Jalan Eunos. p. 6844 6868

 

16. Ange Cafe

This hidden restaurant located at Robinsons The Heeren has got all the goods – think floor-to-ceiling windows, an elegant and serene setup, and a menu bolstered by fresh produce from local farmers. While it isn’t entirely vegetarian, its many veggie dishes are nothing short of delicious, with salads filled with superfoods (think pomelo, blueberries, goji berries with passionfruit dressing), with toasts and tartines topped with feel-good ingredients like smoky eggplant, sun roasted tomatoes and locally grown kale and amaranth.

Ange Cafe, Robinsons The Heeren #01-40 / #02-02/03, 260 Orchard Road.

 

17. Elemen

Elemen doles out vegetarian fare at this lunchtime cafe in Millenia Walk. Think salads like mushroom and spinach, or quinoa salad, and mains of Asian curry and black truffle porcini. Swing by if you’re looking for earthy feast, as it offers pocket-friendly sets – five course for $26.80, and $32.80 for eight courses, which runs from starters and salads and soups to mains and desserts.

Elemen, 9 Raffles Boulevard, #01-75A/76 Millenia Walk; 301 Upper Thomson Road, #01-113 Thomson Plaza; 1 Maritime Square #02-85.

 

18. Sufood

Image credit: Sufood

White ferula pesto pasta at Sufood

You won’t find mock meats at this vegetarian restaurant. Hailing from Taiwan, Sufood puts out Italian-inspired plates in the form of an eight-course meal (which only costs $36.80).

Sufood, #02-19 Raffles City Shopping Centre, 252 Bridge Road, p. 6333 5338.

 

19. Annalakshmi

“Eat what you want, give what you feel. We believe you, we trust you.” That’s the Annalakshmi mantra. For 30 years, this vegetarian restaurant has served as the culinary arts branch of the Temple of Fine Arts. This social enterprise restaurant is volunteer-run and offers a smorgasbord of lunch offerings with no fixed price. The dishes you’ll be served vary according to who’s manning the kitchens, but staples like dhal, chutney and sambar are always present. While it is pay-as-you-wish, that’s no excuse to short-change them! The restaurant has helped many people going through financial difficulties get a wholesome meal during dire times; so if you can afford it, it’s worth putting in a little bit more for those who can’t.

Annalakshmi, 104 Amoy Street, p. 6223 0809.

 

20. Project Acai

Image credit: Project Acai

Eat clean with refreshing lunch options from Project Acai 

Health freaks and clean eaters unite at Project Acai (pronounced ah-sigh-ee), Singapore’s first superfood-focused cafe. These guys put out acai bowls featuring the main star, Sambazon organic acai. What you get is a bowl of goodness with a frozen smoothie-like, berry-tasting base topped with a variety of fruits, cacao nibs, and granola. Aside from the acai bowls, there are smoothies on offer, but that’s about it – for now.

Project Acai, 27 Lorong Liput.

 

21. Loving Hut

Loving Hut’s 100 percent vegan, plus, many of their creations are low in calories (below 500 kcal to be exact). Select from an extensive range of dishes, from laksa to pho and lasagne.
Loving Hut, #01-01, 229 Joo Chiat Road, p. 9787 4389.

 

22. Genesis Vegan Restaurant

Situated in Little India, Genesis Vegan Restaurant is one of many fab options for affordable vegetarian food. But, you might want to order a few dishes to share because portions aren’t exactly huge. Try their famous dumplings, which feature mushrooms, carrots, and soy-based mock meat.

Genesis Vegan Restaurant, 115 Owen Road, p. 6438 7118.

 

23. The Living Cafe

Image credit: The Living Cafe

Raw chocolate tart

Joined at the hip with holistic wellness centre Balanced Living, The Living Cafe serves up raw and unprocessed organic foods at incredibly affordable prices. There are plenty of mains to be had, but leave some space for dessert; the raw mango tart with coconut crumble is a must-try.

The Living Cafe, 779 Bukit Timah Road, p. 6468 4482.

 

24. Lotus Vegetarian Restaurant

Want to go crazy with your greens? Head to Lotus Vegetarian Restaurant to enjoy an all-you-can-eat spread of dim sum, herbal soups, mock meats, and plenty more.
Lotus Vegetarian Restaurant, Quality Hotel Marlow, 201 Balestier Road, p. 6254 0090.

 

25. Gokul Vegetarian Restaurant

You’ll be spoilt for choice with the cuisine types on offer here, from North and South Indian to Asian fusion. Dum briyani, murtabak, Chinese rojak and chicken rice are some signature vegetarian dishes that are real crowd-pleasers.

Gokul Vegetarian Restaurant, 19 Upper Dickson Road, p. 6396 7769.

 

26. Komala Vilas

Both North and South Indian specialties are on offer here at Komala Vilas, a chain of vegetarian restaurants that started back in 1947. Go for the vegetable briyani, or the naan with palak paneer.
Komala Vilas, 76-78 Serangoon Road, p. 6293 6980.

 

27. Madras New Woodlands

Like Komala Vilas, Madras New Woodlands needs very little introduction. You’ll get a lot of Indian food aficionados swearing either by this joint or Komala Vilas, since these two restos have been open for years and developed their own loyal followings. We think they’re both pretty darn good, but if you find yourself at Madras New Woodlands, make sure you try the VIP thali set: a massive platter of various dhals, curries and a hearty portion of rice. Of course, you also have a positively massive selection of other Indian vegetarian dishes to choose from. If you need to stave off the food coma, make sure you order a cup of its signature masala tea or coffee.

Madras New Woodlands, 14 Upper Dickson Road, p. 6297 1594.

 

28. The Boneless Kitchen

Image credit: The Boneless Kitchen

The Boneless Kitchen offers Korean classics with vegetarian ingredients

Don’t despair if you’re a vegetarian with a weakness for Korean food. At The Boneless Kitchen, all of its dishes are 100% vegetarian and vegan and made entirely from scratch, including its kimchi and gochujang (so you won’t find garlic or fish sauce in there!). On the menu, you’ll find familiar favourites like spicy Kimchi stew and bibimbap, only with plant-based proteins.

The Boneless Kitchen, 1 Irving Place #01-31, The Commerze@Irving. p. 8457 6464

 

29. Teng Bespoke

Teng Bespoke ain’t your average Japanese restaurant – it’s vegetarian. Its bestselling sashimi platter is made up of five mock seafood: salmon, prawn, squid and scallop and tuna. Also another popular dish is the Avocado maki. Slices of creamy avocado sit atop the maki rolls, which are filled with mock prawn, mock sashimi, nori and cucumber.

Teng Bespoke, 91 Bencoolen Street, #01-50 Sunshine Plaza. p. 6337 7050

 

30. Pete’s Place

Image credit: Pete’s Place

Plant-based pizzas are part of the vegan buffet at Pete’s Place

Now, this is a feast even hardcore carnivores can get on board with. At Italian resto Pete’s Place, the vegan lunch buffet is pocket-friendly ($32) with a wide array of grub, including salads, soups, plant-based pizza, pasta, sauteed organic vegetables, and plant-based desserts.

Pete’s Place, 10 Scotts Road, Grand Hyatt Singapore Hotel, p. 6738 1234.