In recent years vegetarianism and veganism have shifted from the margins to the mainstream. Long gone are the days of boring nut roasts and over-boiled vegetables. Thanks to increasing awareness about the environmental impact of the livestock industry, improvements in alternative proteins, Veganuary, and numerous Netflix documentaries, turning to a plant-based, animal-friendly diet is one trend we can get on board with.
And in Singapore, the number of vegan and vegetarian restaurants continues to increase (hurrah to that!). As does the number of restaurants including more plant-based menu choices noticed the explosion of alternative proteins like Impossible™, Huera, Beyond, and OmniPork appear on menus island-wide? In addition, thanks to apps like abillion, it’s never been easier for herbivores to find something delicious to eat. If you’re looking for inspiration, here’s where you’ll likely spot a GITNB member eating in the wild. Our guide is split in two: the first section covers our favourite vegan and vegetarian restaurants. And the latter half includes our favourite restaurants that serve meat but are vegan and veggie-friendly. Happy eating!
VEGAN AND VEGETARIAN RESTAURANTS
VEGANBURG – Vegan fast-food
On the scene since 2010, VEGANBURG lives up to the hype of being the world’s first 100% plant-based burger joint. So good that even carnivores will love it. It covers all the burger bases, from smoky BBQ to spicy chilli ‘crab’, and it also stocks Impossible™.
nomVnom – Vegan fast-food
nomVnom opened its doors in 2015 and is a firm favourite with the vegans in the GITNB team. It covers all the fast-food bases (think burgers, fries, pizza, pasta) plus a few salads thrown in for the health freaks. When you want to eat dirty but fresh, nomVnom is worth a visit.
WellSmoocht – Vegan Meals, Bakes & Desserts
For when only something sweet will do, this vegan spot certainly hits the spot! Currently, they have a line of vegan Chinese New Year goodies that will surely make you a favourite during the holidays!
Kind Kones – delicious vegan ice cream
Kind Kones is another must-visit for those with a sweet tooth. Ice cream aside, you’ll find other treats here like vegan doughnuts, parfaits, cakes, bread, and spreads. But back to the ice cream; not only is it vegan, but it’s also free of soy, refined sugar, eggs, and all things artificial. We say that makes it guilt-free too.
The Boneless Kitchen – Korean Cuisine (vegetarian)
For authentic Korean food, look no further. If you love bibimbap and kimchi as much as we do, The Boneless Kitchen is a must-try. This social enterprise is on a mission to make plant-based food the norm and prides itself on using the freshest, highest-quality ingredients. The entire menu is entirely vegetarian, but some dishes do contain eggs and dairy (always optional).
Whole Earth – Peranakan-Thai Cuisine (vegetarian)
The team behind Whole Earth describes the food as “vegetarian cuisine for non-vegetarians.” And it’s so good that even the Michelin guide has given it a nod; it’s received a Bib Gourmand for four consecutive years and counting. And it’s the only plant-based restaurant to make the cut. Its Peranakan-Thai menu is brimming with delicious dishes like rendang, Nonya curry, and sambal kang kong.
Original Sin – Mediterranean and Italian Cuisine (vegetarian)
Be wined and dined at Singapore’s first vegetarian Mediterranean restaurant. Located on a quiet street in Holland Village’s Chip Bee Gardens, its pretty location provides the perfect backdrop to a vegetarian feast. It’s been on the scene since 1997 and, over the years, has honed a dazzling array of ethically sourced ingredients and an excellent wine list. A beautiful spot for a veggie date night.
Elemen – Chinese and Western cuisine (vegetarian)
Four words: sizzling. Quinoa. Brown. Rice. Order it. Who knew that quinoa could be this good? If you’re on the market for hearty plates with a Chinese twist, Elemen is for you. Embracing the philosophy ‘love self, love earth’ Elemen’s focus is serving healthy, natural food without compromising the sustainability of the environment. We approve.
Herbivore – Japanese and Western Cuisine (vegan and vegetarian)
Katsu curry is one of life’s greatest pleasures. And Herbivore’s vegetarian version lives up to expectations. Katsu aside, its bento boxes, fish-free sushi, tempura, and gyoza are also worth a try. Or, for the less adventurous, you’ll also find some Western classics like pasta and burgers on the menu. There are a few (clearly labelled) vegan options too; word on the street is that vegan unagi is a must-try.
Greendot – Fast casual, Asian-fusion cuisine (vegan and vegetarian)
Greendot makes the list for two reasons. One: who doesn’t love a good bowl of noodles? And two, there are so many dotted across the city that grabbing something veggie on the go is a breeze. We’re also fans of bento sets, salads, and rice bowls. Vegans: It also has myriad options for you to tuck into as well.
Joie – Fine dining (vegan and vegetarian)
We ain’t gonna lie; Joie can get pricey, so we save it for a special-ish occasion rather than gorge ourselves at every possible opportunity. However, make sure you check it out if only to try the carrot sashimi. How the kitchen manages to transform a carrot into the actual taste and texture of salmon is mind-bogglingly brilliant. There has to be magic involved. 100%.
Gokul Vegetarian – traditional Indian and Singaporean Indian (vegan and vegetarian)
Proving that vegetarian food is neither boring nor bland is this excellent curry house in the heart of Little India. Its extensive menu features everything from biryanis and dosas to daal and butter ‘chicken’. Plus a healthy dose of Singaporean influence in the form of multiple noodle-based dishes. We recommend the vegetarian “mutton”’ curry, which is delicious. Vegan options are also clearly indicated on the menu.
Eight Treasures – Chinese cuisine (vegan and vegetarian)
Catering for the veggie crowd since 2007, if you’re craving Chinese classics (sans meat), this is the restaurant for you. Its extensive menu features the likes of vegetarian Peking ‘duck’, vegetarian suckling “pig”, hot and sour soup, and seemingly endless vegetable dishes.
VEGAN AND VEGETARIAN-FRIENDLY RESTAURANTS
Super Loco – street style Mexican
With four locations around Singapore, the Loco Group offers different styles of Mexican food and has a range of vegan and vegetarian dishes on their menu. The Super Loco restaurant boasts a selection of delicious vegan dips, tacos, and bowls. Additionally, the Loco group uses no plastic packaging, utensils, straws, or bottles.
Le Faubourg Sentosa – Comforting French plates
A little slice of Paris in the heart of Sentosa, Le Faubourg’s homely vibes provide the perfect backdrop for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or just a glass of rose. The menu is filled with French classics like sweet and savoury crepes, galettes, platters, and more. There’re plenty of vegetarian options on the menu, making it a safe choice if you’re dining with a group featuring mixed dietary requirements. And it goes without saying that the wine list reads like a dream.
Potato Head Singapore – Burgers
Ask a meat eater where to get the best burgers in Singapore, and we bet Potato Head is in their top 5. It’s recently added several Impossible burgers to the menu, which means plant-based eaters can get in on the action. And the PH Impossible™ burger is the best veggie option in the city. We’re calling it.
Pizza Express – Pizza. Duh.
High five to one of our favourite pizza joints for embracing veganism. It recently celebrated Veganuary with a menu featuring multiple vegan options. But you’ll still find Omnipork and Impossible™ choices all year round. And thank God that the dough balls are vegan. Because life without Pizza Express dough balls is no life at all.
Prive – Casual Western and Asian bites
Prive’s have been popping up all over Singapore over the last few years. And for casual lunches or dinners, it’s a perfect spot. Serving up soups, salads, burgers, pasta, and Asian bites, it’s wholly embraced the alternative protein movement. You’ll find the likes of Huera chicken and Impossible™ feature widely across the menu, with plenty of options whatever your dietary requirements.
Lime at PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering – Asian and international plates
Take one look at PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering, and you’ll understand why it’s the winner of Asia’s most sustainable hotel (World Travel Awards) for five years on the trot. No surprise, then, that it has an entire a la carte plant-based menu in its signature restaurant, Lime. Dining here with meat-eating pals is a breeze.
The English House – British brasserie classics
Marco Pierre White’s Singaporean venture is set within a beautiful shophouse on Mohamed Sultan Rd. Once famed for blasting vegetarians, the world-renowned chef has since softened his approach. To the extent that he has created an entire, ever-rotating vegan menu for The English House. OK, there’s not a massive amount of choice, but it all sounds delicious, and it makes dining out with friends one helluva lot easier. Oh, be sure to hit the gin bar out back for pre- or post-dinner drinks (or both).
Empress – Smart casual Chinese
This semi-swanky restaurant can be found tucked away in the Asian Civilisations Museum. And alongside its regular menu, you’ll find a varied vegetarian a la carte offering too. From pan-fried Impossible™ gyoza and egg drop soup to sweet & sour Omnipork balls and stir-fried ‘vegetarian’ squid with black bean sauce. We’ll take the lot, please, it sounds delicious.
Shabestan – Persian food
For vegan and vegetarian Persian food, multi-award-winning Shabestan is the place to go. Located in Robertson Quay, the heart of good food in Singapore, they now offer island-wide delivery for you to dine at home. With falafels, zeytooneh parvadeh, mirza ghasemi, and even Impossible™ meat on their menu, there’s something for everyone.
