Looking to reduce your carbon footprint but can’t bear to give up filet mignon? Travel the world of meatless menus at these plant-based dining spots in Singapore – you might just find that perfect middle ground.
Homely Japanese Dishes At Lucky Cat
Singaporeans love us some Japanese food. But have you ever tried vegetarian sashimi or katsu don? The first in Singapore to specialise in meatless Japanese cuisine, one of Lucky Cat’s signature dishes is Tofunagi Maki. Lovingly made in-house using tofu and tapioca, the tofunagi is grilled before it is placed atop a maki roll with cucumber and tempura enoki. A light drizzle of teriyaki sauce and vegan mayonnaise completes the umami bomb.
Other dishes that have found favour since it opened in November last year are the Japanese Curry Katsu Don and Konjac Sashimi Platter – the ‘sashimi’ looks like the real thing, and the taste is pretty close too! Speciality coffee drinks from Café Latte to Espresso Lemon Tonic, and the iced shaken Yuzu Rose Black Tea, are must-tries on the beverage menu.
#01-02 Hougang Community Club, 35 Hougang Avenue 3
facebook.com/luckycatcafesg; instagram.com/luckycatsg
Korean Favourites At Daehwa Vegetarian
There’s nothing quite like sharing a Korean-style hot pot with friends and family. So unsurprisingly, one of the bestsellers at Daehwa Vegetarian is the Mandu Jeongol, a steaming pot overflowing with kimchi, tofu, mushrooms, veggies, and huge dumplings made in-house, that’s perfect for sharing. More Korean mainstays getting the 100 per cent meat-free treatment include Soondubu Jjigae and Jjamppong, while sides not to be missed include Yangnyeom Broccoli and the super appetising Tangsuyuk.
By the way, Daehwa Vegetarian is more than just a plant-based diner. Just like sister restaurant The Boneless Kitchen, it’s a social enterprise that champions the spirit of environmental and social consciousness, kimchi-style. This means you get to enjoy a yummy meatless Korean meal, be part of the climate solution and support a specially abled workforce all at once!
#01-35 Galaxis, 1 Fusionopolis Place
daehwavegetarian.com
Local And International Fusion Treats At Green Common
Going green certainly doesn’t have to be boring. Creative and trendy dishes at Green Common include HK French Toast, Omni Luncheon Fries, and the tasty K-Dog that features a Moving Mountains Hot Dog topped with Unlimeat ‘beef’ slices and gochujang sauce. The wide-ranging menu is the brainchild of veteran Chef Louie Moong, a staunch advocate for sustainable dining. Other highlights include western classics like ‘Meat’ Lovers Pizza, as well as local hawker staples like the wittily named Hainanese Trick’en Rice.
Offering both indoor and al fresco seating, this 3,000 sq ft eatery and grocery concept store was launched in January as an all-inclusive plant-based dining destination. If you try something you like, why not attempt to make it at home? In a bid to make eating sustainably more accessible, the grocery section of Green Common offers more than 50 plant-based products from leading international brands, including new-to-market OmniEat frozen ready meals.
#01-169/170 VivoCity, 1 Harbourfront Walk
greencommon.sg
Asian Delights At Greendot
Established local vegetarian chain Greendot deserves an honorary mention for helping to make healthy meat-free dining mainstream. From one humble stall at Temasek Polytechnic in 2011 to over 10 restaurant outlets islandwide today, plus doorstep delivery, it’s safe to say eating green is easier than ever before.
Create your own bento “cai png”-style by selecting your choice of healthy rice, one main and two greens. Must-tries include Lion Mane Mushroom Rendang and Gong Bao Mixed Mushroom. We also like the Taiwanese Spicy Dry Handmade Noodles, as well as the Mushroom Soup Bowls with either Laksa or Herbal soup base. You’ll even find a breakfast menu of “economy”-style Brown Rice Bee Hoon Set, Nasi Lemak set, and Dim Sum items at selected outlets. The Rendang Lion Mane Mushroom Bao is an undeniable bestseller!
At various locations
greendot.sg
Do you have a favourite meat-free dining spot? Share them with us at magnsman@sph.com.sg!
