Singapore has transformed into a thriving hub for plant-based dining. A decade ago, options were limited, but today, the city boasts a rich variety of eateries. From hawker stalls to Michelin-starred spots, there’s something for everyone.
I remember my student days when finding good meat-free meals was tough. Now, places like Whole Earth and VeganBurg prove how far the scene has come. These spots focus on bold flavors, showing that meat isn’t needed for a satisfying meal.
Little India and Orchard Road are packed with diverse choices. Whether you crave Peranakan-Thai fusion or Japanese delights, the city delivers. Time Out’s latest list highlights 14 must-visit spots, blending affordability with creativity.
Key Takeaways
- Singapore’s plant-based dining scene has grown significantly since 2010.
- Michelin-recognized spots like Whole Earth elevate vegetarian cuisine.
- Innovative concepts, such as VeganBurg, attract younger crowds.
- Locations like Little India offer diverse cultural flavors.
- Options range from budget-friendly hawkers to upscale restaurants.
1. Whole Earth: Michelin-Starred Peranakan-Thai Fusion
Whole Earth stands out with its unique Peranakan-Thai fusion, earning it a Michelin Bib Gourmand since 2023. Nestled in a charming Peranakan shophouse, the vegetarian restaurant blends lemongrass and Thai herbs with Nonya spices for bold, meat-free dishes.
Signature Penang Rendang with Shiitake Mushrooms
The star of the menu is the Penang Rendang, where shiitake mushrooms simmer for eight hours in thick, aromatic gravy. This dish captures the essence of Malaysian cuisine without compromising on flavor. Pro tip: Pair it with their olive rice for a complete experience.
Olive Rice and Thai Sweet & Sour Delight
Their olive rice, infused with Peruvian olives and pandan leaves, offers a fragrant base for the Thai Sweet & Sour Delight—a crowd favorite at $21. For rainy days, regulars swear by the Tom Yum soup, balancing heat and tang perfectly.
Don’t miss the Enchanted Forest ($28), featuring braised broccoli and rare Monkeyhead mushrooms. Vegan? Staff gladly customize ingredients upon request. Lunch feels relaxed, while dinner buzzes with energy—ideal for group sharing, as Time Out recommends. Budget around $30 per person for a memorable meal.
2. Greendot: Vegan Singaporean Staples
From school canteens to mall outlets, Greendot’s expansion mirrors Singapore’s love for meat-free meals. Founded in 2012, this chain now has 10 locations, serving as a gateway to local vegan cuisine. Time Out praises its “healthy yet filling” options, from coconut-rich laksa to budget-friendly bento boxes.
Vegan Laksa with Rice Noodles
Greendot’s take on laksa swaps traditional shrimp paste for konjac “fish” and bean sprouts. The creamy coconut broth, paired with rice noodles, gets a tangy kick from lime wedges. Tofu puffs soak up the spices, making each bite hearty. At $8.90, the Angelica noodles with cordyceps add an earthy twist.
Customizable Bento Meals
Their meal system lets you pick 1 protein (like Gong Bao mushrooms) and 2 greens, served with sesame brown rice or soup. Bento boxes start at $7.30—perfect for quick lunches. Pro tip: The sweet & sour nuggets, made with soy, are a crowd favorite.
| Bestseller | Price | Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| Vegan Laksa | $8.90 | Konjac “fish,” tofu puffs |
| Craft Bento | $7.30+ | Sesame rice, 3 components |
| $10 Meal Deal | $10.00 | Includes winter melon tea |
Weekday lunches buzz with office crowds, while dinners are quieter. Greendot also stands out for eco-friendly packaging—no single-use plastics. Gluten-free and vegan labels make choice easy for dietary needs.
3. Lingzhi Vegetarian: Award-Winning Chinese Buffet
Tucked away in Liat Towers, Lingzhi Vegetarian has been redefining Chinese plant-based dining since 1991. Part of the renowned Tunglok Group, this 150-seat restaurant surprises first-timers with its elevator-access entrance leading to private dining rooms and an expansive buffet spread.
Dim Sum Lunch Buffet
The weekday lunch service ($33.80 for 90 minutes) showcases 30+ dishes like truffle ee fu noodles (limited to one serving per guest). Steamed siew mai stuffed with pea shoots and golden yam croquettes disappear quickly from the rotating menu. Regulars save room for the rojak salad—a crunchy mix of jicama and tofu puffs tossed in tamarind dressing.
Vegetarian Steamboat Experience
Dinners transform into interactive feasts with the signature steamboat. Servers present a variety of five mushroom types and lotus root slices to simmer in house-made broths. The braised kale soup ($12 à la carte) earns consistent praise for its medicinal herb notes. Vegan cheese melts perfectly into the hotpot for creamy richness.
Weekends see larger families celebrating special occasions, while weekdays attract business lunches. The kitchen accommodates Jain diets by substituting onion/garlic with asafoetida. Time Out Singapore calls it “a destination worth dressing up for”, especially for the dinner tasting menus starting at $50.
4. Fortune Centre: Hidden Hawker Gems
Tucked away in the heart of the city, Fortune Centre has been a go-to spot for plant-based dining since the 1980s. Spread across six floors, this building houses 26 stalls offering everything from local comfort dishes to Japanese fusion. It’s a must-visit for anyone craving affordable, flavorful vegetarian food.
Thunder Tea Rice at New Green Pasture Café
New Green Pasture Café serves a standout dish: thunder tea rice ($12.50). This meal features a vibrant mint-and-herb broth poured over brown rice, topped with ground nuts, tofu, and 18 fresh ingredients. Pro tip: Order a half portion if you’re new to the bold flavors.
The café holds organic certification, ensuring quality in every bite. Lunch queues start by 11:30 AM—arrive early to snag a seat.
Herbivore’s Japanese-Inspired Sushi Rolls
At Herbivore, avocado and shiitake sushi rolls ($14) steal the show. Crispy tempura contrasts with creamy avocado, while vegan mayo adds richness. Their mock calamari, made from king oyster mushrooms, is another crowd-pleaser.
Beyond the restaurant, explore Fortune Centre’s health stores for rare ingredients like monkeyhead mushrooms. The options here make it a full-day experience.
5. Little India’s Best Vegetarian Food Singapore Offers
Little India pulses with the aroma of spices, offering Singapore’s most vibrant meat-free dining. This cultural hub is a treasure trove of Indian food, where traditional recipes shine without meat. From bustling breakfast spots to late-night eats, every meal here tells a story.
Murugan Idli Shop’s Fluffy Idlis
At Murugan Idli Shop, steam rises from plates of idlis—pillowy, fermented rice cakes served 24/7. Their secret? A 12-hour batter soak for unmatched fluffiness. Dip them in sambar, a lentil stew with 18 spices, or coconut chutney for a creamy contrast.
Regulars swear by the variety of dosas here, from paper-thin to ghee-laced. The onion dosa, crispy and golden, pairs perfectly with their mint chutney. Pro tip: Try the uttapam, a savory pancake topped with veggies, recommended by local food bloggers.
Arunachala Bhavan’s Banana Leaf Plates
Arunachala Bhavan turns lunch into a ritual with its $9.90 banana leaf thali. Servers heap rice onto fresh leaves, flanked by three curries, tangy rasam, and crunchy papadum. The potato masala, spiced with mustard seeds, is a must-try.
Diners can skip ghee by request—just ask when ordering. Time Out suggests pairing the dishes with frothy filter coffee, a South Indian staple. Nearby, Mustafa Centre’s spice aisle invites post-meal shopping for curry leaves and tamarind.
By evening, Syed Alwi Road transforms. Strings of lights illuminate stalls serving jalebi and masala chai, capping off the experience. Whether it’s breakfast idlis or a hearty thali, Little India’s cuisine never disappoints.
6. VeganBurg: World’s First 100% Vegan Burger Joint
In 2010, a burger revolution began in Singapore with the launch of VeganBurg, the world’s first fully plant-based burger joint. Their Jalan Eunos location, tucked in a basement, proves meatless meals can thrill even die-hard carnivores. Fun fact: Their US expansion made them the first Asian vegan chain in San Francisco.
Creamy Shrooms Burger
The star dish—Creamy Shrooms—features portobello patties smothered in garlic aioli. Unlike soy-based alternatives, the mushroom texture delivers a juicy bite that surprises first-timers. Seasonal twists like the Avocado Beetroot collaboration (limited to 500 servings monthly) keep regulars guessing.
Seaweed Fries and Chi’kn Nuggets
Nori-seasoned fries and crispy Chi’kn Nuggets complete the experience. The latter uses pea protein for a crunch that rivals chicken. Time Out Singapore recommends pairing them with sambal mayo from the DIY sauce station, where truffle aioli draws queues.
Gluten-free buns accommodate dietary needs, while the build-your-own menu lets you swap ingredients like konjac-based “crab” in the Chili Krab burger ($15.90). GrabFood delivers within 5km—perfect for rainy days in the city.
7. Ahimsa Sanctuary: Bali-Inspired Vegan Eats
Bali comes to Singapore at Ahimsa Sanctuary, a vegan oasis blending nourishing eats with mindful living. Housed in a restored Neil Road shophouse, this restaurant doubles as a wellness hub with yoga classes and kombucha flights. Sunlight filters through palm fronds in the courtyard, while indoor seating offers air-conditioned comfort.
BLT Bagel with Smoky Tempeh
The $13.90 BLT bagel stars house-smoked tempeh cured for 48 hours with maple and liquid smoke. Crisp coconut “bacon” and sunflower cream cheese complete this dish. Time Out Singapore praises its “uncanny resemblance to deli classics”—perfect for lazy weekend brunches.
Nourish Bae-rrito Bowl
Lion’s mane mushrooms take center stage in the $11.90 burrito bowl, tossed with maca-infused cashew crema. Spirulina-dusted sweet potatoes add vibrant flavours, while activated charcoal tortillas make for Instagram-worthy meals. Gluten-free and soy-free ingredients cater to diverse diets.
- Wellness packages: Combine 60-minute yoga sessions with meals ($35 bundles)
- Seasonal twists: Winter brings reishi hot chocolate; summer features dragonfruit açai bowls
- Workspace perk: Second-floor nooks with power outlets for digital nomads
Don’t miss their ashwagandha latte ($6.50), simmered with house-made nut milk. The menu changes quarterly, but the commitment to sustainability remains—even their nut cheeses use rainwater-harvested almonds. Whether for a full day of productivity or a post-yoga bite, Ahimsa delivers a holistic experience.
8. Hawker Highlights: Accidentally Vegan Street Food
Singapore’s hawker centers hide a secret: many street food classics are naturally meat-free. These unassuming stalls serve comfort food that’s stood the test of time, often using traditional recipes passed through generations.
Rojak at Chinatown Complex
Stall #02-131 at Chinatown Complex makes rojak that’s featured on Netflix’s Street Food Asia. Their version skips shrimp paste, using tamarind and crushed peanuts for that sweet-sour punch. Crisp jicama and cucumber get tossed with fried dough sticks in this refreshing salad.
The dressing’s secret? Fermented soybean paste replaces belacan for depth without seafood. Pro tip: Come before noon—this stall sells out by 2 PM. Pair it with soy cincau from neighboring drink stands for the full experience.
Putu Piring at Haig Road
These steamed rice cakes ($2.50 for five) get their magic from molten palm sugar centers. Vendors use special brass molds to create the perfect pocket for gula melaka filling. The 3-minute steaming process results in fluffy pillows dusted with grated coconut.
Texture warning: The water chestnut cake at nearby stalls can be unexpectedly gelatinous. For satay lovers, Geylang’s peanut sauce uses mushroom powder instead of shrimp base, while Adam Road offers skewered tofu skin.
Navigating Hawker Culture
- Cash rules: 80% of stalls don’t accept cards
- Timing matters: 10-11 AM avoids both breakfast crowds and lunch rushes
- Maxwell Centre gems: Try the vegan lok lok—assorted mushrooms on sticks dipped in clear soup
- Tekka specials: Fermented rice noodles in appam make a hearty breakfast meal
These stalls prove Singapore’s cuisine thrives beyond dedicated meat-free restaurants. From crispy yong tau foo to claypot rice, the hawker scene offers endless plant-based dishes waiting to be discovered.
9. Upscale Dining: Original Sin and HRVST
Two establishments redefine luxury vegetarian dining with distinct approaches. Original Sin brings Mediterranean warmth to Holland Village, while HRVST’s sleek Shenton Way space champions urban farming. Both deliver memorable culinary journeys through carefully crafted dishes.
Mediterranean Mezze Platter at Original Sin
The $42 mezze platter showcases Original Sin’s mastery of flavours. Smoky baba ganoush sits alongside dolmades stuffed with pine nuts, while house-pickled vegetables add bright acidity. Their Kashmir pizza surprises with tandoori-spiced tomato sauce and cashew cheese.
Special Jain menu options replace onion and garlic with asafoetida and ginger. The pesto pasta, recommended by regulars, gets its creaminess from blended almonds. Weekend reservations require 72-hour notice—the courtyard fills quickly with families enjoying the relaxed vibe.
Vegan Pancakes at HRVST’s Brunch
HRVST transforms Saturday mornings with chickpea flour pancakes that defy expectations. The light, protein-rich base supports toppings like macerated berries and coconut whip. Their BKT barley risotto features daikon “bacon” for satisfying crunch.
The restaurant’s vertical gardens supply 30% of ingredients, visible from the open kitchen. Sommeliers suggest organic wines like the Loire Valley Chenin Blanc ($18/glass) to complement the meal. Sustainability certifications adorn the walls, reflecting their farm-to-fork philosophy.
| Feature | Original Sin | HRVST |
|---|---|---|
| Signature Dish | Mezze Platter | Brunch Pancakes |
| Location Vibe | Bohemian Courtyard | Urban Greenhouse |
| Must-Try Drink | Pomegranate Mocktail ($15) | Cold Brew Lavender Latte |
Dinner at HRVST reveals a different menu, featuring dishes like roasted heirloom carrots with black garlic puree. Both restaurants prove that plant-based dining can deliver five-star experiences without compromise.
10. Conclusion: Singapore’s Vegetarian Food Scene Awaits
Exploring plant-based dining here reveals endless creativity. From Michelin-starred restaurants to humble hawker stalls, the city caters to every palate. Whether you crave Peranakan spices or vegan burgers, the variety astounds.
Don’t miss emerging trends like jackfruit rendang or seaweed “fish.” The Happy Cow app lists 300+ spots, proving how far the scene has grown. Blend hawker adventures with upscale experiences for the full picture.
Mark your calendar for October’s Vegetarian Festival—a perfect time to dive deeper. My top picks? Whole Earth’s rendang and VeganBurg’s shroom burger. Tag #SGMeatFreeEats to share your finds!
Ready to explore? This thriving cuisine scene promises unforgettable flavors. For more dining gems, check our guide to Chinese culinary delights.