Guide for Vegetarian food in Singapore

Singapore, a melting pot of cultures and cuisines, is a food lover's paradise. While the city-state is renowned for its diverse culinary scene, navigating it as a vegetarian can be an exciting and fulfilling experience.

Also read: Travel Guide to Singapore from India 2023

In this guide, we will explore the vibrant world of vegetarian food in Singapore, showcasing the rich array of flavors, textures, and cultural influences that make it a haven for plant-based enthusiasts.

1. Hawker Centers: A Vegetarian Food Feast in Singapore

Singapore's hawker centers are a treasure trove of vegetarian delights. From classic favorites to innovative creations, these bustling food courts offer a plethora of vegetarian options.

Dive into the world of local specialties like Vegetable Laksa, Vegetarian Bee Hoon, and Rojak.

Explore iconic hawker centers like Maxwell Food Centre, Chinatown Complex, and Tiong Bahru Market for an authentic taste of Singaporean vegetarian street food.

Must-Try Dishes:

• Vegetable Laksa: A rich and spicy coconut milk-based noodle soup with tofu, bean sprouts, and a medley of vegetables.

• Vegetarian Bee Hoon: stir-fried rice vermicelli with a mix of vegetables, tofu, and flavorful sauces

• Rojak: A refreshing fruit and vegetable salad with a sweet and tangy peanut sauce.

Location: Maxwell Food Centre (1 Kadayanallur St., Singapore 069184), Chinatown Complex (335 Smith St., Singapore 050335), Tiong Bahru Market (30 Seng Poh Rd., Singapore 168898)

Price Range: SGD 3 - SGD 8 per dish = INR 168 - INR 448 per dish.

2. Little India: A Spice Paradise for Vegetarian food in Singapore

Step into the vibrant streets of Little India, where the aroma of spices and the sizzle of vegetarian curries fill the air.

Explore the numerous Indian vegetarian restaurants offering a diverse range of dosas, thalis, and biryanis.

Little India is a haven for those craving the bold and flavorful tastes of Indian vegetarian cuisine.

Must-Try Dishes:

• Masala Dosa: A crispy fermented rice crepe filled with a spiced potato mixture, served with chutneys and sambar.

• Paneer Butter Masala: Soft cubes of paneer in a rich and creamy tomato-based curry

• Vegetable Biryani: Fragrant basmati rice cooked with aromatic spices, vegetables, and herbs

Location: Various restaurants along Serangoon Road in Little India.

Price Range: SGD 8 - SGD 15 for a main course = INR 448 - INR 840 for a main course.

3. Vegetarian Delights in Singapore's Chinatown: Beyond the Dumplings

While Chinatown is famous for its delectable dumplings and noodle dishes, vegetarian options abound.

Explore vegetarian dim sum, stir-fried noodles, and innovative plant-based creations in the heart of Chinatown.

Restaurants like Lotus Vegetarian Restaurant and Sufood offer a modern twist to traditional Chinese vegetarian dishes, providing a delightful culinary experience.

Must-Try Dishes:

• Vegetarian Dim Sum Platter: Assorted steamed and fried dumplings filled with a variety of vegetables and tofu.

• Vegetarian Hotpot: A flavorful broth with an assortment of fresh vegetables and tofu for a hearty and comforting meal.

• Stir-Fried Noodles with Vegetables: Wok-tossed noodles with a colorful mix of vegetables in savory sauces

Location: Lotus Vegetarian Restaurant (471 Balestier Rd, Singapore 329844), Sufood (252 North Bridge Rd, Raffles City Shopping Centre #02-19, Singapore 179103).

Price Range: SGD 15 - SGD 25 per dish = INR 840 - INR 1,400 per dish.

Also read: 10 Fun and Adventurous Activities in Singapore for the Thrill-Seekers

4. Vegetarian Delights: Singapore's Peranakan Cuisine, A Fusion of Flavors

The Peranakan culture, a unique blend of Chinese and Malay influences, has left an indelible mark on Singapore's culinary landscape.

Explore vegetarian renditions of classic Peranakan dishes like Sayur Lodeh and Nyonya Laksa.

Peranakan restaurants such as Blue Ginger and Candlenut offer a sophisticated take on these traditional flavors with vegetarian options.

Must-Try Dishes:

• Sayur Lodeh is a coconut-based soup with a mix of vegetables, tofu, and aromatic spices.

• Nyonya Laksa: spicy coconut milk-based noodle soup with tofu, bean sprouts, and a medley of herbs

• Kueh Pie Tee: Crispy pastry shells filled with a delightful mixture of vegetables and savory sauces

Location: Blue Ginger (97 Tanjong Pagar Rd., Singapore 088518), Candlenut (17A Dempsey Rd., Singapore 249676).

Price Range: SGD 20 - SGD 35 per dish = INR 1,120 - INR 1,960 per dish.

5. Green Delights: Vegetarian Food Scene in Singapore's Hipster Cafés

Singapore's burgeoning hipster café scene has embraced the vegetarian movement. Explore trendy cafés offering plant-based dishes that cater to both the health-conscious and foodies alike.

From avocado toasts to quinoa bowls, these cafés provide a modern and stylish setting for indulging in vegetarian delights.

Check out cafes like Afterglow, The Living Café, and Real Food for a contemporary vegetarian experience.

Must-Try Dishes:

• Avocado Toast with Poached Egg: Sliced avocado on toasted bread, topped with a perfectly poached egg and seasonings.

• Quinoa Bowl with Roasted Vegetables: Nutrient-packed quinoa served with a colorful array of roasted vegetables and tahini dressing

• Acai Bowl: A refreshing and antioxidant-rich bowl featuring acai berries, granola, and assorted fruits.

Location: Afterglow (24 Keong Saik Rd., Singapore 089131), The Living Café (779 Bukit Timah Rd., Singapore 269758), and Real Food (6 Eu Tong Sen St., #B1-52/53 The Central, Singapore 059817).

Price Range: SGD 12 - SGD 20 for a meal = INR 672 - INR 1,120 for a meal.

6. Vegetarian food Beyond Little India: Exploring Singapore's Ethnic Enclaves

Venture beyond the well-known ethnic enclaves to discover hidden gems offering vegetarian options.

Malay, Indonesian, and Thai cuisines have vegetarian-friendly dishes waiting to be savored.

Explore restaurants like Gokul Vegetarian Restaurant (Indian), Herbivore (Japanese), and Whole Earth (Peranakan and Thai) for a diverse and satisfying vegetarian journey.

Must-Try Dishes:

• Vegetarian Mee Goreng: spicy stir-fried noodles with tofu, vegetables, and a flavorful sauce (Malay).

• Vegetarian Rendang: A rich and aromatic coconut-based curry with tofu, tempeh, and a blend of spices (Indonesian).

• Vegetarian Tom Yum Soup: A tangy and spicy Thai soup with tofu, mushrooms, and lemongrass

Location: Gokul Vegetarian Restaurant (19 Upper Dickson Rd, Singapore 207478), Herbivore (190 Middle Rd, #01-13 Fortune Centre, Singapore 188979), Whole Earth (76 Peck Seah St, Singapore 079331).

Price Range: SGD 15 - SGD 25 per dish = INR 840 - INR 1,400 per dish.

Also read: Shop Till You Drop: Must-Visit Markets in Singapore

7. Vegan Delights: Embracing the Plant-Based Movement in Singapore

With the global rise of veganism, Singapore has seen a surge in dedicated vegan establishments. Indulge in cruelty-free cuisine that goes beyond traditional vegetarian offerings.

From plant-based burgers to vegan sushi, these restaurants focus on sustainability and ethical dining.

Explore VeganBurg, Genesis Vegan Restaurant, and The Boneless Kitchen for a guilt-free feast that proves plant-based doesn't mean compromising on taste.

Must-Try Dishes:

• VeganBurg's Smoky BBQ Burger: A hearty vegan burger with a smoky barbecue flavor

• Genesis Vegan Restaurant's Vegan Sushi Platter: Creative and delicious sushi rolls with plant-based ingredients

• The Boneless Kitchen's Vegan Laksa: A satisfying vegan version of the classic laksa with tofu and rice noodles

Location: VeganBurg (44 Jalan Eunos, Singapore 419502), Genesis Vegan Restaurant (115 Owen Rd, Singapore 218922), The Boneless Kitchen (1 Irving Pl, #01-31 The Commerze@Irving, Singapore 369546).

Price Range: SGD 12 - SGD 18 for a meal = INR 672 - INR 1,008 for a meal.

8. Revitalizing Retreats: Nourishing the Soul with Vegetarian Cuisine in Singapore

Singapore caters to the health-conscious with a growing number of wellness-focused restaurants. These establishments prioritize fresh, organic, and nutrient-rich ingredients.

Dive into acai bowls, smoothie bowls, and wholesome salads that are as Instagram-worthy as they are delicious. Visit Kitchen by Food Rebel, The Living Café, and Shake Farm for a dose of goodness that nourishes both the body and soul.

Must-Try Dishes:

• Acai Berry Smoothie Bowl: A refreshing and nutritious bowl featuring acai berries, granola, and fresh fruits.

• Quinoa Salad with Avocado: A light and wholesome salad with quinoa, avocado, mixed greens, and a zesty dressing.

• Vegetarian Buddha Bowl: A balanced bowl with a variety of grains, vegetables, and plant-based protein.

Location: Kitchen by Food Rebel (28 Stanley St., Singapore 068737), The Living Café (779 Bukit Timah Rd., Singapore 269758), Shake Farm (126 Telok Ayer St., Singapore 068595).

Price Range: SGD 15 - SGD 25 for a meal = INR 840 - INR 1,400 for a meal

9. Singapore's Vegetarian Delight: Buffets to Feast on Plant-based Goodness

For those with an insatiable appetite, indulge in vegetarian buffets that showcase an extensive array of dishes. From international cuisine to local delights, these buffets offer a diverse spread that caters to all palates. Explore the vegetarian buffet at Seven Eden or enjoy the vibrant options at Rodizio Do Brazil for an all-you-can-eat experience that celebrates the richness of vegetarian cuisine.

Must-Try Buffet Items:

• Vegetarian Sushi Rolls: A selection of creative and flavorful vegetarian sushi options

• Vegetarian Dim Sum Spread: Assorted steamed and fried dumplings with diverse fillings.

• International Vegetarian Curries: A global array of vegetarian curries showcasing different flavors and spice levels

Location: Seven Eden (14 Scotts Rd., #05-23 Far East Plaza, Singapore 228213), Rodizio Do Brazil (1 Jalan Anak Bukit, #02-02 Bukit Timah Plaza, Singapore 588996).

Price Range: SGD 25 - SGD 40 per person = INR 1,400 - INR 2,240 per person.

Also read: Explore Singapore 2023: Top 11 Things to See and Experience

10. Food Festivals Celebrating Vegetarian Delights in Singapore

Singapore hosts various food festivals throughout the year, celebrating its culinary diversity. Keep an eye out for events like the Singapore Food Festival and the Singapore Vegan Festival, where you can sample a wide range of vegetarian and vegan delicacies.

These festivals often feature renowned chefs, cooking demonstrations, and a platform to discover emerging trends in the vegetarian culinary scene.

Must-Try Festival Specialties:

• Vegetarian Satay: Grilled and skewered plant-based proteins with a rich peanut sauce

• Vegan Ice Cream: Explore a variety of dairy-free ice cream flavors made from alternative ingredients.

• Plant-Based Street Food: Sample unique and innovative vegetarian street food creations from local vendors.

Location: Various locations during festivals such as the Singapore Food Festival and Singapore Vegan Festival.

Price: Varies; check festival websites for details.

11. Crafting Plant-based Excellence: DIY Vegetarian Culinary Classes in Singapore

Take your love for vegetarian cuisine to the next level by participating in hands-on cooking classes.

Several cooking schools and culinary studios offer workshops where you can learn how to prepare your favorite vegetarian dishes from scratch.

Gain insights into spice blending, cooking techniques, and flavor pairing to recreate the magic of Singaporean vegetarian cuisine in your own kitchen.

Must-Try Recipes:

• Vegetarian Laksa from Scratch: Learn the art of creating a flavorful laksa broth with fresh ingredients.

• Homemade Masala Dosa: Master the technique of making crispy dosas and the perfect potato filling.

• Creative Vegan Desserts: Explore the world of plant-based desserts with unique and delicious recipes.

Location: Various cooking schools and culinary studios across Singapore.

Price Range: SGD 80–SGD 150 per class = INR 4,480 - INR 8,400 per class.

12. Vegetarian foods: Uncovering Hidden Gems and Street Food Wonders in Singapore

While exploring the city, keep an eye out for hidden gems and street food vendors that offer vegetarian options.

From innovative snacks to local specialties, these off-the-beaten-path discoveries add an element of surprise to your vegetarian food journey.

Engage with locals, ask for recommendations, and be open to stumbling upon delicious surprises in unexpected places.

Must-Try Street Eats:

• Vegetarian Popiah: Fresh spring rolls filled with jicama, tofu, and a sweet hoisin sauce.

• Chwee Kueh: steamed rice cakes topped with flavorful radish and preserved radish (chai po).

• Kacang Puteh: Assorted nuts and snacks from traditional street vendors

Location: Explore neighborhoods like Kampong Glam, Joo Chiat, and Katong for hidden gems.

Price Range: SGD 5–SGD 15 for street food discoveries = INR 280 - INR 840 for street food discoveries

Also read: 15 best souvenirs to buy in Singapore that everyone will love

In conclusion

Embark on a culinary adventure through Singapore's vibrant vegetarian scene, where traditional flavors seamlessly blend with modern innovations.

Whether you're a long-time enthusiast or a newcomer, let the diverse and evolving landscape captivate your senses. Singapore's unwavering commitment to culinary excellence ensures a gastronomic journey satisfying every palate.

So, savor the flavors that make Singapore a haven for plant-based enthusiasts and embark on a memorable exploration of its rich and varied vegetarian delights, discovering the essence of the city's fusion of tradition and innovation with each delectable dish.