As a global food destination, Singapore has something for everyone—vegetarians and vegans included. The native Chinese, Indian, and Malay populations that make up Singapore have a rich history of meat-free and vegan dishes that are more than enough to suit the most discerning palates. However, Singapore’s status as an international hub has also created a market for an ever-growing number of globally inspired plant-based experiences.
This diversity becomes evident just a few minutes after you land at Singapore Changi Airport and pass through The Jewel, the entertainment and retail complex linked to three of the airport’s four terminal buildings. Where other international airports may offer a few cafes and fast food chains, the Changi airport dining experience is often a goal on its own, particularly for travellers who are only visiting for a short layover. Of course, there are many other vegetarian and vegan places you can visit outside The Jewel.
Whether you’re a practising vegan or simply want a change of pace in your diet, Singapore has much to offer. Below are just a few of the must-try options that keep things on the plant-based side:
1. An Acai Affair
As you may have guessed, açaí bowls are the speciality at An Acai Affair. All the restaurant’s offerings come loaded with organic açaí and customisable toppings, including a mindblowing selection of fruits, granola, and nut butters. Bestsellers include the Nutty Party, which features a rich blend of almond butter and cacao nibs, and The Triple A, a potent combo of different superfoods. Aside from the branch at Jewel Changi, there are more than a dozen outlets of An Acai Affair dotted across Singapore. You should definitely be hitting them up for your next meat-free indulgences.
2. Chicha San Chen
Chicha San Chen is an award-winning Taiwanese tea house that specialises in hand-brewed teas with an emphasis on authenticity and flavour. Although it’s not a fully vegan spot, they do offer a wide variety of plant-based options alongside their teas. Their Dong Ding Oolong Tea and Green Tea with Mango are customer favourites, and you can experience the hype yourself at any of their locations across Singapore.
3. Kane Mochi
Another Jewel Changi option, Kane Mochi offers an assortment of mochi ice creams, including many vegetarian-friendly ones. If you’re not yet familiar with mochi ice cream, the use of mochi allows for a uniquely refreshing creamy and chewy texture. While many of the flavours do use milk, there are some solid vegan options in the lineup. Just be sure to talk to the staff about any specific ingredients you may want to avoid. Outside The Jewel, there’s also a Kane Mochi store in Victoria Street at Bugis+.
4. Privé
Though this popular café and restaurant isn’t strictly plant-based, its vegan menu is highly praised for its variety. Where many vegan places only offer small snacks, Privé also offers some hearty mains, making it a great option for vegans looking for a full meal. Privé also stands out among the other airport options with its relaxed ambiance and beautiful views of Jewel Changi’s iconic waterfall.
5. Violet Oon Singapore
If you’re in Singapore for just a few hours but want a taste of local heritage cuisine, Violet Oon Singapore at Jewel Changi offers excellent plant-based adaptations of local Peranakan favourites. The Grilled Eggplant with Sesame Dressing and Chap Chye are popular among vegan and omnivore diners for its wonderful textures and authenticity. Be sure to talk to the service staff before ordering, as some dishes may incorporate eggs or dairy. If you have more time to spend in Singapore, you can also find Violet Oon at ION Orchard and at the National Gallery.
6. The Living Café
The first establishment in this list to focus on raw vegan dishes, The Living Café offers a wide variety of gluten-free, dairy-free, and raw vegan dishes like Zucchini Pesto Pasta and Raw Cheesecakes. If you’re into raw foods, you can find The Living Café at Bukit Timah in Central SG.
7. VeganBurg
As you would have guessed from the business’s name, VeganBurg is a 100% plant-based burger joint. Where other vegan options tend to be on the pricey side, this fast-food restaurant aims to make meat-free options both affordable and sustainable. It’s been quite a success in the still-evolving vegan dining space, with two branches in Singapore (one at Jana Eunos and another at Woodleigh Mall) and another at the iconic Haight-Ashbury district in San Francisco, California.
8. Real Food
If you’re going to be staying in Singapore for a while, Real Food café and grocery offers a range of vegan shopping essentials as well as a fully plant-based menu with dishes like their Organic Quinoa Burger and Dumpling Soup. The options are a real fusion of East and West, just like Singapore. Find it along Orchard Road in the Central Area.
9. Komala Vilas
Image credit: Tabla
Komala Vilas is a long-standing Indian vegetarian restaurant that’s a fixture on Serangoon Road, serving South Indian delights such as Dosa and Uttapam with vegan-friendly chutneys and sambar. Like many plant-based Indian places, the menu leans more vegetarian than vegan. Fortunately for committed vegans, there are still plenty of 100% plant-based options on the menu to choose from.
10. Whole Earth
Whole Earth is Singapore’s only plant-based establishment to be awarded the Michelin Bib Gourmand—for seven straight years running, no less. The restaurant offers Peranakan-Thai inspired vegan cuisine with uniquely flavourful signature dishes like Penang Rendang and Olive Fried Rice. Visit them at Peck Seah Street in Tanjong Pagar to experience local plant-based dining at its peak.
Uncover Singapore’s Growing Plant-Based Scene
It should be pointed out that the establishments mentioned here are just a few of Singapore’s high-quality plant-based options. Singapore’s food scene seems to be evolving on a month-by-month basis so it can be fun to try out some of the new plant-based concepts before their hype builds up. For more tailored recommendations, don’t hesitate to engage with Singapore’s sizable vegetarian and vegan communities on social media.