Savor the Flavors of Singapore: Top Vegetarian Dishes You Can't Miss
Savor the Flavors of Singapore: Top Vegetarian Dishes You Can't Miss
Singapore's vegetarian cuisine is as diverse as it is delicious. From noodle dishes to rice bowls, explore the must-try veggie delicacies. Get a taste of Singapore's vegetarian delights with our guide
The vegetarian food scene in Singapore is thriving, and with a growing awareness of healthy eating, more and more people are turning to plant-based diets. This has led to the rise of vegetarian cafes and restaurants that offer a variety of innovative and delicious dishes. In fact, some of the most popular food establishments in Singapore are vegetarian, which is a testament to the quality of vegetarian food available in the country. So, whether you're a long-time vegetarian or just looking to try something new, Singapore has a lot to offer in terms of vegetarian cuisine.
Here is our top recommendations for you on Vegetarian foods !
Rojak
A popular fruit and vegetable salad dish in Southeast Asia, including Singapore. It typically consists of a mix of fruits and vegetables, such as cucumbers, pineapples, turnips, bean sprouts, and tofu, which are cut into bite-size pieces and mixed with a sweet and spicy sauce made from palm sugar, chili, and lime juice. Other ingredients, such as peanuts, fried dough fritters, and shrimp paste, can also be added for additional flavor and texture.
However, whether Rojak is vegetarian or not depends on the ingredients used. Some versions of Rojak may contain shrimp paste or other non-vegetarian ingredients, so it's important to check with the vendor or restaurant to confirm the ingredients used. There are vegetarian versions of Rojak available that do not contain any non-vegetarian ingredients, making it a delicious and healthy vegetarian option.
Type - Snack/Side dish
Vegetarian Laksa
Classic Singaporean laksa dish that is made without any meat or seafood products. Instead, it is typically made with a variety of vegetables, tofu, and sometimes vegetarian protein substitutes like seitan or tempeh.
The soup base of vegetarian laksa is usually made from a blend of spices, coconut milk, and vegetable stock. The soup is then poured over rice noodles and topped with a variety of vegetables, such as bean sprouts, cabbage, and eggplant, as well as fried tofu and sometimes boiled eggs. The dish is typically finished with a squeeze of lime juice and a sprinkle of chopped herbs like coriander or Thai basil.
Vegetarian laksa can be found at many vegetarian and vegan food stalls throughout Singapore, as well as some non-vegetarian food stalls that offer a vegetarian version of the dish. It's a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for anyone looking for a tasty and healthy vegetarian meal.
Type - Mains
Roti Prata
This dish is made from a dough of flour, water, and ghee, which is stretched, folded, and then fried on a griddle until crispy and golden brown. It is typically served with a side of curry sauce, and sometimes with other accompaniments like sugar, condensed milk, or even ice cream.
Roti Prata can be enjoyed plain or with various fillings, such as egg, cheese, onion, or mushroom. It's a popular breakfast food in Singapore and can also be found at hawker centers and Indian restaurants throughout the day.
In recent years, there has also been a rise in fusion variations of Roti Prata, such as with fillings like Nutella or banana, and even savory versions with toppings like chicken floss or salted egg yolk.
Do check with the stall owners prior to ordering to match your vegetarian taste buds :)
Type - Mains (may contains Egg)
Carrot Cake
Carrot dish in Singapore is carrot cake, but it's not made with carrots as you might expect :) Instead, it is a savory dish made with radish cake, which is made from grated daikon radish and rice flour that is steamed and then pan-fried with eggs and other ingredients.
There are two versions of carrot cake in Singapore - the white version and the black version. The white version is made with plain radish cake and is typically stir-fried with eggs, garlic, and a variety of sauces, including soy sauce, oyster sauce, and chili paste. The black version gets its color from the addition of dark soy sauce and is typically sweeter than the white version.
Type - Mains (contains Egg)
Popiah
A snack in Singapore that is very similar to a fresh spring roll. It is made by wrapping a thin, crepe-like skin around a filling of shredded vegetables, such as carrots, turnips, bean sprouts, and lettuce, along with a sweet and savory sauce. Some versions of Popiah may also include ingredients like tofu, egg, or even crab meat. Do check on that before ordering with the vendors !
The skin of the Popiah is made from a mixture of wheat flour, water, and rice flour, which is spread thinly on a hot plate and cooked until it forms a thin, translucent sheet. The filling is then added and the whole thing is rolled up and sliced into bite-sized pieces.
Popiah is a popular dish which you can find in hawker centers and food courts in Singapore, and is often served with a side of chili sauce or a soy-based dipping sauce.
Type - Mains/Side dish
Mee Goreng
The next dish is fried noodles which you can commonly find in Singapore and other parts of Southeast Asia. It is typically includes stir-fried noodles, vegetables, tofu, and sometimes egg, all flavoured with a mix of spices and sauces such as kecap manis (sweet soy sauce), chilli sauce, and curry powder.
Just to caution you, Mee Goreng can sometimes include meat or seafood, it is also commonly available in a vegetarian version that excludes those ingredients. It's always a good idea to confirm with the restaurant or hawker stall beforehand to make sure it is indeed vegetarian, as some variations may use meat-based sauces or seasonings.
Mee Goreng is a flavorful and filling dish that can be found at many hawker centers and food courts throughout Singapore. It's a must-try for anyone looking to explore the city's diverse food scene.
Type - Mains
Thosai
Thosai, also known as Dosa or Dosai, is a popular South Indian dish that can be found in many Indian restaurants and hawker centers in Singapore. It is a type of crepe or pancake made from a fermented batter of rice and urad dal (a type of lentil), and is typically served with a variety of chutneys and sambar (a vegetable soup).
In Singapore, Dosai can be enjoyed plain or with various fillings, such as potato masala, paneer (a type of Indian cheese), or onion. It's also a popular breakfast food and can also be found at Indian restaurants throughout the day.
Some popular spots for Dosai in Singapore include Komala Vilas, Ananda Bhavan, and MTR 1924.
Type - Mains
Chwee kueh
Snack item in Singapore made from steamed rice cakes topped with savory preserved radish, also known as "chai poh." The rice cakes are made from a mixture of rice flour and water, which is poured into small cups and then steamed until they are soft and spongy.
Chwee Kueh is a classic Singaporean dish that can be found at many hawker centers and food courts throughout the city which is made with only a few simple ingredients, including rice flour, water, preserved radish (chai poh), garlic, and seasonings. The dish does not contain any meat, poultry, or seafood products, making it a popular choice among vegetarians and vegans.
However, it's always a good idea to double-check with the food stall or restaurant where you're ordering Chwee Kueh to ensure that there are no non-vegetarian ingredients used, such as lard or shrimp paste, which may be added in some variations of the dish.
Type - Snacks
Goreng Pisang
Popular snack in Singapore that consists of deep-fried banana fritters. The bananas used in Goreng Pisang are typically ripe and sweet, and are coated in a batter made from flour, sugar, and sometimes spices like cinnamon or cardamom. The fritters are then deep-fried until crispy and golden brown.
Goreng Pisang is a classic street food in Singapore and can be found at hawker centers and food courts throughout the city. It's often enjoyed as a midday snack or a dessert, and can be eaten on its own or with a side of ice cream or condensed milk.
While Goreng Pisang is typically vegetarian, some variations may include ingredients like eggs or milk in the batter. It's always a good idea to check with the vendor beforehand if you have any dietary restrictions or preferences.
Type - Snacks
Gado Gado
The dish typically consists of a mix of cooked and raw vegetables, such as potatoes, cabbage, bean sprouts, and carrots, that are topped with a spicy peanut sauce.
In its vegetarian version, Gado Gado does not contain any meat, poultry, or seafood products. The vegetables are often accompanied by tofu or tempeh as a protein source, and the peanut sauce is made using a blend of ground peanuts, chili paste, and other seasonings.
Gado Gado is a refreshing and healthy dish that is perfect for anyone looking for a light and flavorful meal. It can be found at many vegetarian and vegan food stalls throughout Singapore, as well as some non-vegetarian food stalls that offer a vegetarian version of the dish.
Type - Side dish
Appam
Appam is a type of pancake that is popular in South Indian and Sri Lankan cuisine. It's made using a batter of fermented rice and coconut milk, which gives it a slightly sweet and tangy taste. The batter is poured onto a hot griddle and cooked until the edges are crispy and the center is soft and fluffy.
In Singapore, Appam can be found at many Indian food stalls and restaurants, particularly those that specialize in South Indian cuisine. It's often served with a variety of curries and chutneys, such as coconut chutney, sambar, or vegetable stew.
While Appam can be made with or without eggs, the traditional recipe does not include any animal products, making it a vegan and vegetarian-friendly dish. It's a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for anyone looking for a flavorful and healthy meal
Type - Mains
Nasi Lemak
Nasi Lemak is a popular dish in Malaysian and Singaporean cuisine that typically consists of fragrant coconut rice, anchovies, peanuts, cucumber slices, hard-boiled egg, and sambal, a spicy chili paste. In its traditional form, Nasi Lemak is not vegetarian, as it contains anchovies and sometimes meat or poultry.
However, vegetarian versions of Nasi Lemak are also available and are typically made without anchovies or any other animal products. Instead, vegetarian Nasi Lemak may include plant-based protein sources like tofu, tempeh, or mock meat. The sambal can also be made without shrimp paste or any other animal-derived ingredients.
Vegetarian Nasi Lemak is becoming increasingly popular in Singapore and can be found at many vegetarian and vegan food stalls and restaurants.
Type - Mains
Thunder Tea rice
Thunder Tea Rice, also known as Lei Cha Fan, is a popular Hakka dish that originated in China and is now commonly found in Malaysia and Singapore. The dish consists of a bowl of steamed rice, topped with an assortment of finely chopped vegetables, tofu, and peanuts, and served with a fragrant green tea soup.
The green tea soup is the most unique and essential component of the dish, made by grinding tea leaves, mint leaves, basil leaves, and other herbs and seasoning to a fine paste. The paste is then mixed with hot water and poured over the rice and vegetables to create a delicious and aromatic broth.
While the traditional version of Thunder Tea Rice contains small pieces of dried shrimp or anchovies in the green tea paste, a vegetarian version of the dish is also available. The vegetarian version usually omits these ingredients and can be made with a variety of vegetables and plant-based protein sources like tofu or tempeh.
Vegetarian Thunder Tea Rice is a healthy and flavorful dish that is perfect for anyone looking for a nutritious and satisfying meal. It's often found in vegetarian and vegan food stalls and restaurants throughout Singapore.
Type- Mains
Red bean buns/ green bean buns
Red bean buns are often served as a dessert or snack and can be found in many bakeries and food stalls throughout Singapore. It is also known as Anpan, a popular Japanese pastry that have become a beloved treat in Singapore. They are made with a soft and fluffy dough that is filled with a sweet red bean paste made from azuki beans.While the traditional recipe for red bean buns is vegan and vegetarian-friendly, some variations may contain milk or eggs.
Tau Sar Piah or green mung bean buns, are also a popular traditional pastry in Singapore. They are made with a crispy flaky crust and a sweet filling made from green mung beans, sugar, and sometimes pandan leaves for added fragrance.
Types - Snacks
Chendol
Sweet dessert in Singapore that is made with shaved ice, coconut milk, palm sugar, green pandan jelly noodles, and red azuki beans. The dish is typically served in a bowl or cup and is perfect for cooling off on a hot day.
The shaved ice is the base of the dish and is often topped with the green pandan jelly noodles and red azuki beans. The coconut milk is then poured over the top, followed by the palm sugar syrup, which gives the dessert its signature sweetness and depth of flavor.
Chendol is a vegetarian-friendly dessert that is loved by locals and visitors alike.
Type - Dessert
Potato Curry Puffs
A flaky pastry shell filled with spiced mashed potatoes and other ingredients such as onions, peas, and carrots. The filling is typically flavored with a blend of curry spices, giving the puffs their distinct aroma and taste.
Potato curry puffs are often sold in bakeries and food stalls throughout Singapore and are a popular choice for a quick and satisfying snack or light meal. They are vegetarian-friendly and can be enjoyed by anyone looking for a tasty and convenient snack on the go.
Overall, potato curry puffs are a delicious and satisfying snack that offers a unique blend of flavors and textures. They are a beloved staple of Singaporean cuisine and are a must-try for anyone interested in exploring the country's vibrant food scene.
Type - Snack
Veg bee hoon
Vegetarian bee hoon is a healthy and filling dish that is commonly found in hawker centers and vegetarian restaurants throughout Singapore. It is a great option for vegetarians and vegans looking for a delicious and satisfying meal that is packed with nutrients.
This consists of stir-fried rice vermicelli noodles with a variety of vegetables and sometimes tofu or mock meat. The dish is often seasoned with soy sauce, garlic, and other spices for added flavor.
Type - Mains
Bean Curd
Bean curd, also known as tofu, is a popular ingredient in Singaporean cuisine and is a staple in many vegetarian and vegan dishes. It is made from soybeans and is a good source of protein, iron, and calcium.
Bean curd can be prepared in a variety of ways, including fried, boiled, and steamed. It is often used in dishes such as hotpot, laksa, and vegetarian stir-fries, and can be served cold in salads or marinated in sauces for added flavor.
In addition to its versatility in cooking, bean curd is also a healthy and nutritious food choice. It is low in calories and saturated fat, and is a good source of plant-based protein, making it a great option for those following a vegetarian or vegan diet.
Type - Dessert
Putu Piring
Steamed rice cake dessert that is commonly found in Singapore. It is made of steamed rice flour filled with melted palm sugar and is usually served with grated coconut. The dish is believed to have originated from South India and has since become a popular snack in Singapore and Malaysia.
Type - Dessert/Snack
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