Singapore is a haven for food lovers, and for vegetarians and vegans, the city-state has a wealth of options that will excite your taste buds. From local hawker centers to trendy cafes, here’s a guide to help you navigate Singapore’s vibrant plant-based food scene:
1. Hawker Centers (Local Food Courts)
Hawker centers are where you’ll find a wide variety of local dishes at affordable prices, and many of them offer vegetarian or vegan options.
- Maxwell Food Centre
Offers vegetarian-friendly options like vegetarian bee hoon (stir-fried rice vermicelli) and vegan laksa (a spicy noodle soup with coconut milk). - Lau Pa Sat
Try the vegetarian popiah (spring rolls) or vegan satay (grilled skewers, often with tofu or mock meat). - Chinatown Complex Food Centre
Known for vegetarian stalls like Chong Qing that offer vegan versions of local delights, including Hainanese chicken rice made with mock meat and various types of tofu dishes.
2. Plant-Based Restaurants
For a more curated dining experience, these restaurants specialize in vegan and vegetarian food.
- Whole Earth
Singapore’s first plant-based Peranakan (Straits Chinese) restaurant, serving a range of flavorful, spice-forward dishes like sambal tempeh and vegetarian rendang. - VeganBurg
A vegan fast-food joint with delicious plant-based burgers, fries, and shakes, known for their innovative flavors like the Truffle Shiitake Burger. - Komala Vilas
An iconic South Indian vegetarian restaurant offering dosa, thali sets, and a variety of delicious curries. Vegan options are clearly marked.
3. Cafes and Casual Dining
In addition to traditional eateries, Singapore also boasts trendy cafes that cater to the plant-based crowd.
- The Living Café
Known for its raw food menu and gluten-free options, they offer salads, smoothie bowls, and hearty plant-based dishes. - Joie by Dozo
A chic and modern dining experience with a focus on organic, plant-based food. Their vegetarian degustation menu is an indulgent treat. - Feng Shui Inn
A high-end Chinese vegetarian restaurant that takes the concept of fine dining and applies it to plant-based cuisine.
4. Grocery Stores and Markets
If you’re looking to cook at home, there are several stores with great options for vegan and vegetarian groceries.
- Supermarkets:
Many major supermarkets like Cold Storage and NTUC FairPrice now offer plant-based products, including Beyond Meat, plant-based dairy, tofu, and mock meats. - The Green Collective:
A one-stop shop for eco-friendly and plant-based products, with a wide variety of vegan snacks, dairy alternatives, and cooking ingredients.
5. Specialty Vegan Stores
- VeganBurg also has a takeaway shop with vegan snacks and ready-to-eat products, as well as Love Handle (a cozy vegan café and store) that offers snacks, baked goods, and plant-based groceries.
Singapore’s food scene is diverse, vibrant, and increasingly plant-based. Whether you’re looking for quick bites, local flavors, or a more refined dining experience, there’s always something to satisfy your vegan or vegetarian cravings. Have you been to any of these places, or are you planning your trip soon?
