Top Veggie-Friendly Restaurants in Singapore
One of our favourite chefs and authors Nandita Iyer brought in Christmas in Singapore with her husband and son in tow. Of course, we had to ask her about her food recommendations. And while the home of the Merlion is known for its melange of Malaysian and Indonesian restaurants, we were glad to know that vegetarians can have a gala time in Singapore as well. Presenting Nandita’s top picks for vegetarian tourists in Singapore:
No need to have Maggi if you follow this list
Alaturka
A Turkish and Mediterranean restaurant in Kampong Glam, Alaturka serves great meze platters and middle-eastern favourites like babaganoush, hummus, shakshouka, halloumi, falafel, Turkish pizzas and grilled kebabs. The restaurant was featured in Michelin Guide Singapore in 2016 and features an authentic middle-eastern ambience.
While in Kampong Glam: Explore the Malay Heritage Centre and the restored shophouses on Arab Street, Baghdad Street and Bussorah Street.
Well Dressed Salad Bar & Cafe
Chinatown is a must-visit while in Singapore with its vibrant array of Buddhist, Chinese and Hindu temples. And when your tummy starts growling, head to Well Dressed Salad Bar & Café, where they believe that “meatless doesn’t mean tasteless”. The salads are obviously delicious but so are the cakes, chips, juices and Buddha Bowl. Even Jains will be spoilt for choice.
Nandita also recommends: Eight Treasures and Lotus Kitchen
Toast Box
You cannot leave Singapore without having the famous kaya toast for breakfast, consisting of toast topped with coconut jam and butter. The best place to try it is Toast Box, which is present at multiple locations across Singapore. Their peanut butter toast also comes highly recommended. If you are a coffee lover, pair your breakfast with their signature Nanyang Kopi.
Nandita recommends: Kaya Toast and Milo Dinosaur
Tino’s Pizza Café
This is an outlet of a Taiwanese pizza chain and after a hectic day of exploring Sentosa Island’s myriad attractions, you’ll love their Neapolitan and Roman pizzas. Most interestingly, they also serve star-shaped dessert pizzas, with toppings like fruits, tapioca pearls, milk tea mousse and condensed milk. There’s also spaghetti and paella on the menu but it might be better to stick to the pizzas.
Nandita recommends: Pizzas, fries and pasta
RedDot BrewHouse
If you love beer, RedDot Brewhouse at Dempsey Hill Green is a must-visit. It’s one of the few locally owned microbreweries in Singapore and is highly recommended for the hand-crafted beers. Enjoy some truffle fries and guava salad with your chilled beer. They also do a good mushroom spaghetti and Mediterranean burger though the menu is meat-heavy.
Fifth Season Tangra Chinese Restaurant
Craving Indian style Chinese in Singapore? Fifth Season at Little India will delight your taste buds with Chinese cuisine from Tangra in Kolkata, which they claim is “the only Chinatown of India”. You can get everything from Chinese bhel to soups, noodles and fried rice that is nearly as spicy and flavourful as the Indian Chinese back home.
Nandita recommends: Pan-fried momos and Szechuan noodles
Tapas Club
This is a lovely Spanish restaurant at Orchard Central Mall backed by Michelin starred chef Manuel Berganza and Chef Jose Alonso. The ambience has generous splashes of red and quintessentially Spanish elements. Enjoy creamy patatas bravas and a variety of paella, churros and desserts, apart from a set lunch with four different variants.
Nandita also recommends: The nearby “Real Food” for vegan cuisine
Nandita also enjoyed the vegetarian noodles at Discovery Food Court, a dinosaur-themed restaurant located at Universal Studios, which is a must-visit if you have your children along. Wildfire Burgers on Orchard Road is not the best dining option in Singapore but if you’re craving burgers, give it a try.
