20 vegetarian food places you should check out in Singapore
There seems to be a perception that having on vegetarian food in Singapore equates to having limited eating options.
Well, you might be surprised to know that as far back as 2016, Singapore was named the “second-most vegan-friendly city in Asia ” by Peta, an international animal rights non-profit organisation. This ranking came about as a result of an increased number of plant-based eateries in Singapore.
There’s also a growing awareness of the importance of sustainable living and healthy eating habits.
In this guide, we’ve compiled a list of 20 places where you can find vegetarian food in Singapore from a variety of cuisines. Intrigued?
Read on for more places where you can have vegetarian food in Singapore
Japanese vegetarian food
1. Teng Bespoke
Sunshine Plaza, 01-50, 91 Bencoolen Street
Nearest MRT station: Bencoolen
Open: Monday to Sunday (11.30am to 2.30pm, 5pm to 8.45pm)
A well-regarded Japanese vegetarian restaurant in Singapore, Teng Bespoke exudes modern Japanese zen vibes with its cosy, Japanese-inspired interior. It has a philosophy of using only fresh ingredients and no artificial flavourings.
This aligns with its goal of preserving the reputation of Japanese food being healthy and encouraging wholesome eating habits. It has been largely successful through its creative menu items and replication of traditional Japanese meat-based cuisine.
Customers also love that the service staff go the extra mile in providing excellent service to ensure customers’ dining experience is always as pleasant as possible.
What to order: Strawberry mango sushi (S$18), unagi sushi (S$16), avocado maki (S$16)
2. Lucky Cat Cafe
Hougang Community Club, 01-02, 35 Hougang Avenue 3
Nearest MRT station: Hougang
Open: Monday and Tuesday, and Thursday to Sunday (11am to 9pm)
A cosy eatery in Hougang Community Club, this vegetarian cafe offers coffee, drinks and Japanese-Korean fusion plant-based food. It’s easy to miss this store, but don’t be fooled by its simple interior design because it serves pretty good-quality vegetarian fare.
Many diners have expressed their surprise at how unassumingly good the food is despite being plant-based. For instance, the zalmon sashimi, which is made from konjac jelly, not only looks like salmon but tastes like it, especially when dipped into soya sauce with wasabi.
What to order: Yangnyeom monkey head mushroom (S$11), Teriyaki Tofunagi (S$8), shiitake cream and cheese (S$7)
3. Herbivore
Fortune Centre, 01-13/14, 190 Middle Road
Nearest MRT stations: Rochor and Bugis
Open: Monday to Sunday (11.30am to 3pm, 5pm to 9.30pm)
Opened in 2010, Herbivore established itself as the first fully Japanese vegetarian restaurant in Singapore. Since then, it has continued to encourage Singaporeans to give vegetarian food a try and incorporate it into their regular diet.
Its consistency over the years in recreating Japanese dishes with plant-based organic ingredients and not using any eggs, onion or garlic is nothing short of amazing. The owner himself has been a vegetarian for more than two decades and owned vegetarian restaurants before. He then collaborated with a Japanese chef to create Herbivore.
What to order: Curry katsu bento set (S$18), unagi maki (S$16)
Korean vegetarian food in Singapore
4. Nayana Kpop Cafe & Restaurant
7 Ang Mo Kio Street 66, 01-13
Nearest MRT station: Yio Chu Kang
Open: Tuesday to Sunday (11am to 3pm, 5pm to 10pm)
Celebrating the popularity of K-pop culture in Singapore, Nayana Kpop Cafe & Restaurant keeps abreast of the latest K-pop trends — from music albums to popular K-pop artistes, as evidenced by its social media channels. The youthful vibes it exudes have drawn a following of young customers who have similarly embraced the pop culture trend.
In terms of food, it serves authentic Korean food prepared by an experienced Korean chef. It also has a separate vegetarian menu with many options.
What to order: Vegetarian bean paste stew (S$17.90), vegetarian mushroom stew (S$17.90)
Indonesian
5. Warung Ijo
337 Beach Road
Nearest MRT station: Nicoll Highway
Open: Tuesday to Friday (11am to 3pm, 5pm to 9pm); Saturday and Sunday (11am to 3.30pm, 4.30pm to 9pm)
Starting operations in 2019, Warung Ijo is a rare fully vegetarian Indonesian restaurant in Singapore. Its authentic Indonesian flavours have won over Singaporeans with its ability to replicate common meat dishes such as beef rendang and chicken satay with plant-based substitutes.
Combined with a beautiful interior design and extensive menu, Warung Ijo is the go-to spot for many vegetarian and non-vegetarian diners. That alone speaks volumes about the quality of food served and the potential for plant-based Indonesian cuisine.
What to order: Cendol — green rice flour jelly, shaved ice and coconut milk (S$5.90), lemper — glutinous rice with seasoned vegetarian chicken (S$5.20), rendang fried rice — lion’s mane mushroom rendang (S$10.90)
Vegetarian Thai food in Singapore
6. Bali Thai
Causeway Point, 05-05, 1 Woodlands Square
Nearest MRT station: Woodlands
Open: Monday to Sunday (11.30am to 10pm)
With many stores around the island, Bali Thai is one of the more accessible options when it comes to Thai-Indonesian food. It has an extensive vegetarian menu section that indicates if eggs, onions or garlic are used.
For vegetarians and vegans looking to satisfy their Thai food cravings, Bali Thai is certainly one of the most convenient options.
What to order: Thai green mango salad (S$11.90), Thai green curry with tofu and vegetable (S$15.20), tom yum soup with vegetables and tofu (S$19.80)
7. Sawadee Thai Cuisine
9 Tan Quee Lan Street
Nearest MRT station: Bugis
Open: Monday to Sunday (11am to 2.30pm, 6pm to 10pm)
A popular Thai restaurant in Singapore, Sawadee Thai Cuisine provides its customers with a gastronomical experience. The large vegetarian menu showcases its ability to replicate meat-based dishes. Furthermore, its creativity in formulating new dishes entices both vegetarians and meat lovers equally.
Having been around for more than 20 years and maintaining consistency in quality, Sawadee Thai Cuisine is a place that’s almost guaranteed to serve authentic and delicious Thai food.
What to order: Pomelo salad (S$16), tom yum vegetarian soup (S$18), pineapple fried rice (S$16)
Vietnamese vegetarian places in Singapore
8. The Kind Bowl
71 Killiney Road
Nearest MRT station: Somerset
Open: Monday to Thursday (11.30am to 2.30pm, 5.30pm to 9.30pm); Friday to Sunday (11.30am to 9.30pm)
Armed with a mission to spread awareness about sustainable living and the health benefits of clean eating, it is safe to say that The Kind Bowl is doing a great job.
Considered by many to be among the best Vietnamese eateries in Singapore despite using only plant-based ingredients, The Kind Bowl garners crowds of customers who would gladly wait in line.
Its pho broth has a strong umami flavour that leaves a lasting impression on those who taste it for the first time. It’s no surprise then that many patrons say it is just as good or even better than meat-based pho.
What to order: The Kind Pho (S$10.80), oyster mushroom fritter (S$4.80), Crazy Baguette aka banh mi (S$10.80)
9. Rebel @ 306 Lavender Street
306 Lavender Street
Nearest MRT station: Bendemeer
Open: Monday (10.30am to 8pm); Tuesday (10.30am to 3pm); Wednesday to Sunday (10.30am to 9pm)
Widely regarded as one of the best sandwich places in Singapore, Rebel made its mark almost instantly when it opened its doors. Featuring an Asian-Western take on Vietnamese banh mi, it has set new standards for what sandwiches could be like. In line with this movement, it also has numerous plant-based sandwiches with Quorn — a meat substitute made from a natural protein — patties that even meat lovers would approve.
In addition, its sandwich wrappers and packaging are biodegradable as it works towards reducing its impact on the environment.
What to order: Vegan H.A.L.T. — healthy Quorn vegan fillets [H], avocado salsa [A], lettuce [L] and tomato [T] (S$8.50), Healthy Boss — vegan nuggets, vegan fillets and tempeh (S$10)
Mexican vegetarian spots
10. Piedra Negra
241 Beach Road
Nearest MRT station: Bugis
Open: Monday to Sunday (12pm to 12am)
Well-known for its lively events, Piedra Negra has cemented its reputation as a place for drinks, authentic Mexican food and where friends can gather for a good time.
Against the backdrop of vivid wall murals and Spanish music playing in the background, most customers choose to sit outdoors.
It has an extensive menu with many options for vegetarians — tacos, burritos and quesadillas — where an assortment of fruit, vegetables and salsas is used.
What to order: Guacamole (S$11.90), vegetarian quesadilla (S$11.90), vegetarian burrito (S$13.90)
11. Super Loco at Robertson Quay
The Quayside, 01-13, 60 Robertson Quay
Nearest MRT station: Fort Canning
Open: Monday (5pm to 11pm); Tuesday to Thursday (11.30am to 11pm); Friday (11.30am to 11.30pm); Saturday (10am to 11.30pm); Sunday (10am to 11pm)
Located along the historic Singapore river, Super Loco boasts authentic Mexican food with its own twists. Being a pet-friendly place, it is also a common sight to see families dining here with their furry friends.
Behind the eatery are four individuals who were on the hunt for delicious Mexican food, and hence, worked to bring contemporary Mexican cuisine to Singapore’s food scene. Besides the wonderful selection of vegetarian and vegan options, the restaurant also has a cheerful atmosphere.
What to order: Trio — chips, guacamole and salsa (S$13), Mexican truffle mushroom burrito (S$18), Huitlacoche — corn fungus with mushrooms, cheese and salsa (S$16)
American vegetarian places in Singapore
12. VeganBurg
44 Jalan Eunos
Nearest MRT station: Eunos
Open: Monday to Sunday (11.30am to 10pm)
Founded in 2010 in San Francisco, VeganBurg is the world’s first complete plant-based burger joint. Despite facing tough competition from its meat-based burger competitors, VeganBurg has held its ground.
The store in Eunos features local flavours such as nasi lemak and chilli crab, with a customer favourite being the creamy shrooms burger. There is no doubt that this company is changing perspectives by making it easier for people to embrace plant-based diets.
What to order: Chilli Krab burger (S$11.90), creamy shrooms burger (S$9.90)
13. The Goodburger
Coronation Shopping Plaza, 587 Bukit Timah Road
Nearest MRT station: Tan Kah Kee
Open: Monday to Sunday (11am to 9pm)
A well-marinated and well-seasoned meat patty with a smoky charred flavour is essential in a burger. Plus, if the meat is juicy and tender, it makes for an extra satisfying bite.
That’s what the staff at The Goodburger food truck do: Making good burgers every day but using only plant-based meat. Many customers share the sentiment that it tastes just like meat. Even burger enthusiasts in Singapore applaud its top-quality burgers.
What to order: The Mahalo — plant-based pork patty, grilled pineapple, sweet onions and a marinade of island spices (S$20), The Black Tie — plant-based patty, truffle aioli and rocket leaves (S$18), What The Cluck — crispy fried Tindle “chicken” burger, cheese, pickles, and a special homemade sauce (S$18)
Chinese vegetarian restaurants
14. Green on Earth
The Rail Mall, 386 Upper Bukit Timah Road
Nearest MRT station: Hillview
Open: Monday to Sunday (11am to 10pm)
Formerly located at 2 Phoenix Road with al fresco dining, Green on Earth has since shifted its operations to The Rail Mall. It now provides air-conditioning for a more comfortable dining experience.
Offering vegetarian zi char (Chinese-style home-cooked meals) and mala xiang guo, Green on Earth has established itself among the mala fan base in Singapore by providing one of the best mala options. Its mala is listed among the top 50 vegan dishes in Singapore by abillion, an online review platform focused on plant-based food.
What to order: Mala xiang guo — spicy stir-fry hot pot (about S$16 per person), oatmeal mushroom (S$10), gong bao monkey head mushroom (S$18)
15. Supreme Vege
Hotel Royal @ Queens, 02-03, 12 Queen Street
Nearest MRT station: Bras Basah
Open: Monday, and Wednesday to Sunday (11am to 2pm, 5pm to 9pm)
Having been around for more than 20 years, Supreme Vege offers both a la carte and buffet options. Serving plant-based traditional Chinese dishes, it also specialises in catering services for weddings and other large-scale events.
What to order: Yam ring, kung po-style (S$22.80), golden tofu served with special pumpkin sauce (S$13.80), monkey head mushroom served with a chef-special sauce (S$15.80)
Indian vegetarian places
16. Greenleaf Cafe
43 Cuff Road
Nearest MRT stations: Little India and Jalan Besar
Open: Monday, and Wednesday to Sunday (11am to 4.30pm, 5pm to 10.30pm)
Greenleaf Cafe established itself as an Indian herbal vegetarian restaurant in Singapore offering authentic south Indian cuisine. It has become a paradise for many vegetarian Indians and even attracts many non-vegetarians as regulars.
The importance of healthy living is anchored heavily in the restaurant’s philosophy, as it does not use preservatives or artificial flavourings. It also uses cooking methods that preserve the ingredients’ nutrients.
Customers also say that the food is less oily, healthy and delicious. What’s more, Greenleaf Cafe has a daily buffet lunch menu, offering customers a variety of dishes. Those looking for authentic Indian vegetarian food should definitely check out this hidden gem.
What to order: Chilli paneer — Indian cottage cheese (S$7), basmati rice (S$4), and mushroom masala — mushrooms with spices and herbs (S$6.50)
17. MTR Singapore
440 Serangoon Road
Nearest MRT station: Farrer Park
Open: Tuesday to Friday (8.30am to 3pm, 5.30pm to 9.30pm); Saturday and Sunday (8.30am to 3.30pm, 5.30pm to 10pm)
With its first overseas branch in Singapore, this 90-year-old heritage restaurant from Bangalore in India says it’s the best south Indian vegetarian restaurant in Singapore. MTR Singapore has won many awards and comes highly recommended by TripAdvisor.
Being an established brand, MTR Singapore sources its ingredients from as far as Afghanistan, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and India to ensure that the quality of its food is top-notch.
What to order: Pudi idly — miniature rice cakes flavoured with spicy chutney powder and ghee (clarified butter), tempered with spices and coriander (S$6), masala dosa — pancake stuffed with spiced potatoes, laced with ghee (S$7)
Fusion food
18. iVegan
Thomson Plaza, 01-109, 301 Upper Thomson Road
Nearest MRT station: Upper Thompson
Open: Monday to Sunday (11.30am to 9.30pm)
iVegan opened its doors in March 2021 and provides a mix of Asian and Western dishes. Despite being a young restaurant, it has already received numerous positive reviews for the quality of its food and excellent customer service.
Its menu includes detailed information about the types of ingredients used. This makes it convenient for those with strict dietary restrictions or allergies.
It also makes an effort to turn out healthier dishes, relying more on natural ingredients to add flavour.
What to order: Linguine pesto (S$12.90), a la carte black bean burger (S$11.90), osmanthus peach gum (S$6.90)
19. Sunnychoice Cafe
The Rail Mall, 434 Upper Bukit Timah Road
Nearest MRT station: Hillview
Open: Monday to Sunday (10.30am to 9pm)
Replicating Singapore delicacies such as laksa and nasi lemak with plant-based organic ingredients, Sunnychoice Cafe has transformed these dishes into healthier versions that are also suitable for vegans and vegetarians.
The five sisters who founded it in 2007 also built a small grocery store selling plant-based food products such as tea leaves and vegan cooking oil.
What to order: Thunder tea rice — served with vegetables, nuts, tofu, and tea paste (S$10), tauhu goreng — deep-fried tofu with peanut sauce (S$7), veggie sushi (S$7.50)
20. WS Deli
319 Jurong East Street 31, 01-58
Nearest MRT station: Chinese Garden
Open: Monday to Thursday, and Sunday (12pm to 9pm); Friday and Saturday (12pm to 9.30pm)
This plant-based cafe in the void deck of a public housing block in Jurong East has much to offer. From pastas, pizzas, ice cream and waffles to tacos, you’ll probably have trouble deciding what to get. It offers primarily Western cuisine and its food is completely vegan-friendly, too.
Especially popular with its customers are the classic waffles and vegan ice cream. In addition, it also sells conveniently packaged precooked vegan food that one can conveniently heat up at home or at work.
What to order: Classic waffles (S$8), truffle porcini funghi pizza (S$21.60), classic lasagna (S$16.80)
All the places for vegetarian food in Singapore on this list are on the GrabFood delivery service.
You can also book a ride to these places.
