Vegan food options in Singapore

One of the highlights of Singapore, a nation and a city at the same time located in Southeast Asia, is its multicultural food sources. Chinese, Muslim, Indian, and Western cultures all eat from an island regarded as a food paradise. The growing trend of veganism in Singapore, championed by health, environmental, and ethical concerns, has shifted the dining scene and made Singapore a center for plant-based cuisine.

As of March 31, 2025, the city had incorporated a wide variety of vegan food options ranging from hawker stalls and casual diners to upscale restaurants. This assessment addresses the diversity, scope, and creativity of Singapore vegan dining, focusing on important locations and their ethical modifications as well as developments of the emerging vegan food market.

The rise of veganism in Singapore

Veganism in Singapore has received increased attention in the last ten years due to the country’s young and health-conscious population and the government’s efforts toward sustainability. Some local surveys show that the proportion of vegetarians and vegans is increasing continuously, and Singaporeans who identify as flexitarian or vegetarian is predicted to reach 7-10 percent by 2025.

This change is also aided by the fact that Singapore is a global center, welcoming countless foreign vegan brands, chefs, and influencers who have different perspectives to offer. Encouragingly, the small geographical area of the city, coupled with efficient infrastructure, allows for the dissemination of vegan food options throughout neighborhoods.

Vegan Hawker Culture

Open-air food courts called hawker centers, where a variety of affordable local delicacies can be purchased, form a core part of Singaporean food culture. These centers, which have traditionally featured a heavy emphasis on meat as a result of the demand for plant-based options, have begun to include vegan-friendly stalls.

Lei Cha Thunder Tea Rice. This Hakka dish is sold at kiosks at Lau Pa Sat or People’s Park Complex. Thunder tea rice comes without meat because it’s served with a bowl of rice, topping vegetables, tofu, peanuts, and a green broth made from finely ground herbs such as mint and basil. The broth uses no fish sauce or shrimp paste so it’s entirely plant-based. Vendors always ensure that they use no meat products, confirming that soy sauce is plant-based.
Vegan Chicken Hainanese Rice. Maxwell Food Center’s Tian Tian Vegetarian stall is another great spot where tourists go to enjoy the traditional Hainanese chicken rice. The mock chicken made of seitan or soy protein is paired with the fragrant rice, which is cooked in vegetable broth and served with slices of cucumber and chili sauce with no fish sauce added.
Laksa Pescatarian. Originally a noodle soup with shrimp of chicken and coconut milk, vegan laksa can now be found at Loving Hut at Joo Chiat. The tofu puff, along with mushrooms, zucchini, and vegan fish balls, are added in place of animal ingredients together with the preserved creamy, spicy flavor of the dish.

These options from hawkers are almost completely uncooked or chill-cooked, meaning they do not last long in a nonrefrigerated environment. The cost is usually between $3-$6, meaning this is the perfect first step into the ever-growing vegan scene here in Singapore.

Casual vegan eateries

Apart from hawker stalls, Singapore has a more casual assortment of vegan restaurants with varying menus. Most of these restaurants are located in Chinatown, Little India, and Orchard Road.

Whole Earth. Whole Earth is located at Tanjong Pagar and specializes in vegan Peranakan and Thai dishes. Signature dishes are jackfruit rendang and pumpkin laksa with tofu and vegetables. Whole Earth has a sophisticated ambiance that can accommodate both vegans and non-vegans who are keen to try vegan food.
VeganBurg. VeganBurg is a home-grown fast food restaurant famous for its plant-based burgers. The highlight of the menu is the “Cracked Pepper Mayo” burger, which includes a soy patty, vegan cheddar, and a soy sauce-based dip. VeganBurg’s outlets at Eunos and the central business district are always busy serving customers looking for quick meals (/SGD 9-12).
Afterglow by Anglow. Afterglow is located on Keong Saik Road and serves raw and vegan meals and appetizers made from fresh, organic produce. The highlight of the menu includes zucchini spaghetti with cashew cream topped with avocado chocolate mousse. Prices average at SGD 15-25.

These places have unique takes on local dishes like red curry and seaweed, giving traditional Singaporean meals a vegan twist.

Fine dining and international influence

Singapore’s great reputation for luxurious restaurants extends to their vegan offerings and fine dining establishments are not shy to flex their creative muscles in the kitchen.

Joie By Dozo. Joie serves a multi-course vegan dish set from both Japanese and European sides, completing the exquisite dining experience. The restaurant is located on the rooftop of Orchard Central which makes the set meals priced from SGD 38-68 even more appealing. Alongside the infamous truffle mushroom risotto and lotus root tempura, Joie serves lotus root tempura showcasing sophistication.
Sufood. Sufood, which has won awards in Taiwan, is now servicing Singapore. Apart from their branches in Raffles City, they have multiple outlets and serve vegetarian dishes that can be made vegan, like stuffed eggplant with quinoa and delicate mushroom consomme. Lunch menus are sold between SGD 20-30.
Green Common. This outlet can be found in VivoCity and is a pride of Hong Kong’s fusion plant-based restaurants. They introduced OmniProk and Beyond Meat, serving them in bai buns and noodles, they are as capitalistic as their prices suggets, ranging from SGD 10-20.

These are only a handful of establishments that cater to an emerging demographic looking for ethical pleasure without compromising taste or presentation.

Vegan-friendly multicultural cuisine

Combinations of Chinese, Malay, and Indian, along with Western dishes, all offer their unique and colorful touch to the already unsurpassedly multicultural Singapore.

Chinese: Vegetarian stalls similar to Miao Yi in Bugis serve plant-based dim sum – imagine steamed buns stuffed with mushrooms or lotus seed paste – and mock meat soy and wheat gluten stir-fries.
Malay: Lunch spots like Warung M Nasir (Killiney Road) have organized local favorites such as nasi lemak, where chicken is replaced with tempeh and sambal with seaweed chips.
Indian: Dosa and idli curries are South Indian staples served at Komola Vilas in Little India. They are all vegan unless ghee is added (just check).
Western: Locals and overseas visitors love The Living Cafe in Bukit Timah, serving them with vegan pizzas, pastas, and mouth-watering desserts like raw cheesecakes.

This blend guarantees that vegans do not miss out on experiencing the multi-ethnic background of Singapore.

Vegan desserts and cafes

No meal is truly complete without dessert, and when it comes to that, Singapore is no slouch when it comes to vegan options.

Brownice. Based in Sin Ming, Brownice offers some local delights of pandan gula melaka and black sesame as scoops of ice cream made out of coconut and cashew bases, priced at SGD 4 – 6.
NomVnom Bistro. This bistro with various branches serves lavish and stunning main courses and even better vegan desserts like matcha lava cake and tiramisu for around SGD 8 – 15.
Kind Kones. Located in Forum The Shopping Mall, Kind Kones serves delicious vegan ice cream sweetened naturally with durian and salted caramel.

Cafes such as The Butcher’s Wife in Tiong Bahru combine specialty coffee (with oat or almond milk) and vegan pastries, forming warm places for plant-based indulgence.

Accessibility and trends

Vegan food is widely accessible in Singapore, thanks to online platforms like GrabFood and Foodpanda, which filter for vegan options. Supermarkets like FairPrice and Cold Storage stock plant-based meats (Beyond, Impossible), dairy alternatives, and vegan snacks, while specialty stores like Green Common’s retail section cater to home cooks.

Trends as of 2025 include:

Sustainability focus: Restaurants emphasize local, organic ingredients to reduce carbon footprints.
Mock meat innovation: Brands like Karana (jackfruit-based) and TiNDLE (chicken alternative) are staples in menus.
Plant-based hawker grants: Government initiatives subsidize hawkers to develop vegan dishes, broadening affordability.

Challenges and tips

Despite the abundance, challenges remain. Cross-contamination at hawker stalls can occur, and some dishes may contain hidden animal ingredients (e.g., oyster sauce). Tips for vegans include:

Ask about ingredients or request modifications politely.
Look for “vegan” or “vegetarian” labels on menus.
Use apps like HappyCow to locate certified vegan spots.

Conclusion

Singapore’s vegan food scene is a testament to its adaptability and inclusivity, offering something for every palate—whether you’re craving an SGD 3 hawker bowl or an SGD 50 fine-dining experience. From reimagined local classics to global imports, the city blends tradition with innovation, making it a standout destination for plant-based dining in 2025. Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, exploring Singapore’s vegan options promises a delicious, ethical adventure.