You might be surprised to learn that a city known for its diverse culinary delights also boasts an impressive array of vegan and vegetarian restaurants. As someone who has fond memories of feasting on favorite dishes during family trips to Singapore, my latest visit was particularly exciting as I explored the city’s plant-based options.
During my time in this vibrant city, I was delighted to find that there were plenty of vegan food options available, from local delights to international cuisines. Whether you’re a committed vegan, a vegetarian, or just looking to try meat-free options, you’ll find that restaurants in Singapore offer an incredible variety of choices that don’t compromise on flavor or creativity.
This guide will take you through the best of Singapore’s restaurant scene, highlighting the multicultural heritage reflected in its diverse vegetarian offerings. Get ready to explore the city’s exciting plant-based dining landscape.
The Flourishing Plant-Based Scene in Singapore
Singapore has emerged as a haven for plant-based dining, offering a diverse range of vegetarian and vegan options. The city-state’s culinary landscape is now dotted with innovative restaurants in Singapore that are redefining vegetarian and vegan cuisine.
How Singapore Became a Vegetarian and Vegan Haven
Singapore’s transformation into a vegetarian and vegan haven has been driven by increasing health consciousness, environmental awareness, and a growing expatriate community seeking plant-based options. The city-state’s rich multicultural heritage has allowed for creative adaptations of traditional dishes into vegetarian and vegan versions without sacrificing authentic flavours.
What to Expect from Singapore’s Vegetarian Cuisine
You’ll find that Singapore’s vegetarian cuisine goes far beyond simple salads and grain bowls, offering innovative meat alternatives, creative use of tofu, tempeh, and mushrooms, and bold flavor profiles. Many restaurants in Singapore now clearly label vegan options on their menus, making it easier for plant-based travelers to dine out.
At any given time, you can enjoy a variety of plant-based dishes that cater to different tastes and dietary preferences, showcasing the best of Singapore’s culinary innovation.
Must-Visit Local Singaporean Vegetarian Restaurants
Singapore’s vegetarian scene is a melting pot of flavors, with restaurants that blend local ingredients with global culinary techniques. You can experience the best of Singaporean cuisine without compromising on your dietary preferences. Two standout eateries that showcase the diversity and richness of local vegetarian options are Whole Earth and Greendot.
Whole Earth: Peranakan Vegetarian Delights
Whole Earth is a pioneering Peranakan vegetarian restaurant that has earned the prestigious Michelin Bib Gourmand award. Their menu boasts a unique fusion of Peranakan and Thai flavors, making it a must-visit for both vegetarians and meat-eaters. Be sure to try their signature mushroom rendang, which features shiitake mushrooms in a rich, spicy gravy perfect for ladling over rice. Other highlights include the Thai Sweet & Sour Delight and their signature olive rice.
Greendot: Affordable Plant-Based Local Favorites
Greendot is a vegetarian eatery that has revolutionized accessible plant-based dining in Singapore. Their menu features local favorites like vegan laksa, a spicy noodle soup made with shiitake mushrooms and served with rice noodles. You can also customize your meal with their bento sets, which include a choice of rice, a main dish, two greens, and a bowl of hot soup. Greendot’s commitment to affordable, delicious, and healthy food makes it a great option for a quick meal.
Both Whole Earth and Greendot demonstrate the creativity and diversity of Singapore’s vegetarian scene, offering a range of options that cater to different tastes and preferences. Whether you’re in the mood for a flavorful curry or a hearty bowl of vegan laksa, these restaurants are sure to satisfy your cravings.
Singapore, Singapore: Acclaimed Vegetarian and Vegan Restaurants for Asian Cuisine
For those seeking Asian flavors without the meat, Singapore boasts an impressive array of acclaimed vegetarian and vegan restaurants. You can indulge in a variety of dishes that not only tantalize your taste buds but also cater to your dietary preferences.
Herbivore: Japanese Vegetarian Excellence
Herbivore is a pioneer in Japanese vegetarian cuisine in Singapore, offering an extensive menu that includes creative plant-based versions of sushi, ramen, katsu curry, and bento boxes. Their innovative approach to vegetarian sushi includes using ingredients like avocado, mushrooms, and plant-based alternatives to create rolls and nigiri that capture the essence of Japanese flavors without seafood.
The Boneless Kitchen: Korean Vegetarian Specialties
The Boneless Kitchen stands out as Singapore’s premier Korean vegetarian restaurant, serving authentic plant-based versions of Korean classics like bibimbap, kimchi stew, and tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes). As a social enterprise, it employs people with special needs, offering not just delicious food but also a dining experience that contributes positively to the community.
LingZhi Vegetarian: Upscale Chinese Dining
LingZhi Vegetarian represents the pinnacle of upscale Chinese vegetarian dining in Singapore, with locations in Liat Towers and Velocity. Their dim sum lunch buffet features meticulously crafted dumplings, bun, and small plates that showcase the versatility of vegetarian ingredients in Chinese cooking. You can treat yourself to steamed ‘Siew Mai’ and mushroom dumplings, crispy yam croquettes, and a steamboat featuring at least five different kinds of mushrooms.
These restaurants demonstrate how Asian cuisines, which traditionally rely heavily on meat and seafood, can be thoughtfully adapted for vegan vegetarian diets while maintaining authentic flavors and textures. Whether you’re in the mood for Japanese sushi, Korean bibimbap, or Chinese dim sum, Singapore’s vegetarian and vegan scene has something to offer you.
Western and Fusion Vegetarian Restaurants
Beyond Asian vegetarian cuisine, Singapore is home to a variety of Western and fusion vegetarian restaurants that are worth exploring. These establishments offer a fresh twist on traditional vegetarian dining, incorporating global flavors and culinary techniques.
Original Sin: Mediterranean Vegetarian Cuisine
Original Sin is a pioneering Mediterranean vegetarian restaurant in Singapore, established in 1997. It offers a sophisticated dining experience in a lush setting, with dishes that highlight the naturally vegetarian-friendly aspects of Mediterranean cuisine. Standout options include the Mezze Platter with homemade dips and falafel, the Magic Mushroom (a portobello mushroom stuffed with ricotta and spinach), and their signature Bosco Misto pasta. You can indulge in their Broccolini Pesto Pasta, made with spaghetti tossed with broccolini, sun-dried tomato, and walnut pesto, or opt for the hearty, thin-crust Kashmir Pizza topped with tofu, hummus, cherry tomato, and tandoori sauce.
HRVST: Contemporary Vegan Dining
HRVST represents the cutting edge of contemporary vegan dining in Singapore, combining innovative plant-based cuisine with a stylish, Instagram-worthy setting that includes an edible garden. Their creative approach to vegan food includes dishes like sourdough served with burnt onion butter, king oyster mushroom “scallops,” and barley risotto. These options showcase how plant-based ingredients can be transformed into sophisticated, complex vegan dishes that appeal to both committed plant-based eaters and curious omnivores.
Both Original Sin and HRVST demonstrate how Western culinary traditions can be adapted for vegetarian and vegan diets without sacrificing flavor or dining experience. The fusion elements in these restaurants reflect Singapore’s multicultural influences, creating unique vegetarian and vegan offerings that are worth trying.
Best Vegan Burger Joints in Singapore
Discover the best vegan burger spots in Singapore, where flavor and innovation come together. You’re about to embark on a culinary journey through some of the city-state’s most exciting plant-based eateries.
VeganBurg: Singapore’s First Plant-Based Burger Joint
VeganBurg, located in the basement of Jalan Eunos mall, is a must-visit for any vegan burger enthusiast. This pioneering restaurant offers a variety of creative burgers, including the Creamy Shrooms and Tangy Tartar options, all made with soy or mushroom-based patties. Don’t forget to try their seaweed fries on the side.
Flavours by Saute: Creative Vegan Burgers and More
Flavours by Saute, situated in Funan mall, is a vegetarian-vegan concept that boasts an expansive menu featuring Western, Asian, and fusion dishes. Their burgers are crafted with housemade patties using ingredients like portobello mushrooms and chickpeas, served with creative sauce and toppings. This restaurant is perfect for those looking to try plant-based cuisine for the first time.
Both VeganBurg and Flavours by Saute prove that plant-based burgers can be just as satisfying as their meat counterparts, offering a range of flavors that cater to different tastes. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, these restaurants are sure to provide a memorable meal experience.
Budget-Friendly Vegetarian Options
You can enjoy delicious vegetarian meals in Singapore without overspending. The city-state is home to a variety of budget-friendly vegetarian options that serve tasty and satisfying meals.
Lian Xin Vegetarian Food Court: Affordable Delights
Lian Xin Vegetarian Food Court is a hidden gem located beneath the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple in Chinatown. This cosy food court offers a range of affordable vegetarian dishes, including mixed rice, noodles, and desserts. You can customise your meal at the mixed rice station, where dishes like Thai-inspired pandan ‘chicken’ and stir-fried greens start at $3.
Ruyi Yuan: Beloved Vegetarian Bee Hoon
Ruyi Yuan has been a favourite among locals since the 2000s for its delicious vegetarian bee hoon. For just $4, you get a generous serving of noodles topped with mushrooms, cabbage, fried soy skin, and tofu. You can also customise your noodles with options like hor fun, bee hoon, or yellow noodles.
Origanics: Young Hawkerpreneur’s Vegetarian Stall
Origanics is a vegetarian stall run by young entrepreneur Darryl Tong, who has recreated popular local dishes like kolo mee and duck rice in plant-based versions. You can enjoy these delicious and affordable vegetarian options at various hawker centres.
These budget-friendly vegetarian options demonstrate that eating vegetarian in Singapore doesn’t have to be expensive. You can enjoy a satisfying and delicious meal without breaking the bank.
International Vegetarian Cuisine in Singapore
From South Indian idlis to Chinese dumplings, Singapore’s international vegetarian cuisine is a reflection of the city’s cultural diversity. You can explore a wide range of authentic vegetarian dishes from around the world, all within the city.
Murugan Idli Shop: A South Indian Vegetarian Haven
Murugan Idli Shop has established itself as the go-to destination for authentic South Indian vegetarian cuisine in Singapore. Their signature soft, fluffy idlis are served with sambar and an assortment of chutneys, drawing crowds to their Little India location.
Arunachala Bhavan: Authentic South Indian Vegetarian Experience
Arunachala Bhavan offers the quintessential South Indian banana leaf rice experience. For less than $10, you can enjoy unlimited servings of rice, dahl, vegetables, and accompaniments served on a banana leaf in the traditional manner.
Din Tai Fung: Vegetarian Dumplings and More
Din Tai Fung, while not exclusively vegetarian, has become a favorite among plant-based diners for their exceptional vegetarian dumplings. The steamed mushroom dumplings feature a blend of four different mushrooms wrapped in delicate, hand-pleated skins.
These international vegetarian options demonstrate Singapore’s cosmopolitan nature, where authentic cuisines from around the world are readily available, often adapted slightly to suit local tastes while maintaining their traditional essence.
Vegan Desserts and Sweet Treats in Singapore
Discover the best vegan desserts in Singapore, where creativity meets deliciousness. Singapore’s vegan scene is booming, with innovative dessert shops offering a range of sweet treats that are both healthy and indulgent.
Smoocht: Vegan Ice Cream Paradise
Smoocht is a pioneering vegan ice cream joint in Singapore, offering 16 delicious flavors made from organic brown rice milk. Their ice cream is not only tasty but also packs 50% less calories than traditional dairy ice cream. Try unique flavors like “it’s getting dark” (dark chocolate) or “mint mint mia” on their crispy vegan waffles.
Afterglow: Innovative Vegan Desserts
Afterglow is Singapore’s premier destination for raw vegan desserts, featuring creations like raw chocolate salted caramel fudge and avocado lime cheesecake. Their innovative approach uses nuts, dates, and coconut to create treats that are free from refined sugar, gluten, and dairy.
Tips for Enjoying Singapore’s Vegetarian and Vegan Scene
You’ll find that Singapore’s vegetarian and vegan restaurants are a true reflection of the city-state’s multicultural identity. To make the most of your dining experience, plan ahead by checking restaurant websites or calling ahead for operating hours, as some establishments may observe special hours or closures during certain days of the lunar calendar.
When dining at non-vegetarian restaurants with vegetarian options, be specific about your dietary requirements. Some dishes may contain hidden animal products like fish sauce or chicken stock. Utilize helpful apps like HappyCow or abillionveg to discover new vegetarian and vegan options, complete with reviews and photos.
Explore vegetarian food festivals and hawker centers, where you can find affordable plant-based versions of local favorites like chicken rice, laksa, and satay. Look for Buddhist vegetarian stalls, often marked with the character ” ” (vegetarian), for authentic, meat-free dishes. By being mindful of your choices and communicating your dietary preferences, you can enjoy a diverse and satisfying vegetarian or vegan meal in Singapore.
