Eating Healthy and Meat-Free: Must-try Vegan Restaurants Singapore

A hearty breakfast with scrambled eggs, roasted tomatoes, mushrooms, asparagus, hash browns, baked beans, and slices of bread on a white plate.

By:

Share Article

A hearty breakfast with scrambled eggs, roasted tomatoes, mushrooms, asparagus, hash browns, baked beans, and slices of bread on a white plate.

If you had asked me five years ago where to celebrate a milestone anniversary with a purely plant-based meal, I would have struggled to give you a solid answer. We had plenty of casual salad bars and wonderful hawker stalls offering local dishes like fried rice and vegan chicken rice, but high-end, sophisticated experiences were incredibly rare. Fortunately, the culinary scene has evolved dramatically. Today, the demand for plant based food and fine dining has pushed chefs to get creative, transforming humble vegetables and mock meats into absolute masterpieces that even meat eaters rave about.

In my experience, the best vegan fine dining in Singapore do not just rely on fake meats or beyond burger alternatives. Instead, they elevate fresh produce, celebrate complex global flavors including Singapore’s Peranakan cuisine, and offer impeccable service. Here is my honest vegan guide to the top five premium venues, complete with the pros, the cons, and everything you need to know before you book a table.

Best Vegan Restaurants You Should Visit

1. Whole Earth (Tanjong Pagar) – Singapore’s Peranakan Cuisine

Modern restaurant interior with wooden floors, white tables, and brown chairs. Two servers are setting tables, creating a calm, inviting atmosphere.

  • Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (approx. 5-minute walk)

  • Price: $$

Whole Earth is a renowned plant-based restaurant in central Singapore, famous for its extensive menu that blends Singapore’s Peranakan cuisine with Thai influences, all in a vegan format. Recognized with a Michelin Bib Gourmand, it preserves complex Southeast Asian heritage recipes without meat or dairy.

Their signature Penang Rendang, made with shiitake and king oyster mushrooms, mimics slow-cooked beef and is a must-try at about $30. Other popular vegan dishes include olive rice and thunder tea rice. Expect to spend $50 to $80 per person for a rich, leisurely meal lasting 1.5 to 2 hours.

A white table with Asian dishes: fried rice, soup with greens, sautéed vegetables, spicy greens, and dipping sauces. Plates and cutlery suggest a shared meal.

While the vibrant atmosphere can get crowded and loud on weekends, the delicious vegan food and authentic flavors make Whole Earth one of the best vegan restaurants in Singapore.

  • Ideal for: Group dinners with friends or introducing skeptical meat eaters to elevated plant based dishes.

  • Dining tip: Order the Lion’s Mane Mushroom Rendang early in your meal. It is their most requested dish and actually sells out frequently during busy weekend dinner services.

2. LingZhi Vegetarian (Orchard) – Fine-Dining Chinese Vegetarian Food

Elegant restaurant interior with round, white-clothed tables and chairs on wooden flooring. Artwork adorns the walls, and soft lighting creates a calm ambiance.

  • Nearest MRT: Orchard (approx. 5-minute walk)

  • Price: $$$

Located in the heart of Singapore’s shopping district at Liat Towers, LingZhi Vegetarian sets the standard for fine-dining Chinese vegetarian cuisine with luxurious ingredients like imported truffles and delicate mushrooms. Their signature Truffle Fried Rice, priced around $35, offers an aromatic, flavorful experience. Expect to spend $60 to $100 per person for a full à la carte or curated set meal, with attentive service and elegant Cantonese-style plating. While the price is higher than typical vegetarian restaurants or hawker centers, LingZhi provides a refined atmosphere ideal for special occasions and formal dining.

A vibrant meal on a table features a slate bowl of creamy soup with a breadstick, a plate of stir-fried noodles with green garnish, a hot pot with broccoli and mushrooms, sushi rolls on a white tray with dipping sauce, and a glass of orange juice. The setting conveys a sense of gourmet dining.

  • Ideal for: Luxury vegetarian dining occasions, formal business lunches, or elegant family celebrations.

  • Dining tip: Opt for one of their curated set menus rather than ordering à la carte. It allows you to experience a much wider range of the kitchen’s premium specialties, including their famous dim sum, while managing the overall cost.

3. Genesis Vegan Restaurant (Havelock II) – Japanese-Western Fusion

Cozy vegan restaurant entrance with a blackboard menu listing dishes like Nasi Lemak and Olive Rice. Patrons sit at tables, creating a relaxed atmosphere.

  • Nearest MRT: Clarke Quay (approx. 6-minute walk)

  • Price: $$

Genesis Vegan Restaurant (Havelock II) offers a unique blend of Japanese and Western fusion cuisine, presenting an extensive menu of innovative and flavorful plant-based dishes in a cozy, modern setting.

Ideal for casual upscale dinners and romantic dates, the service can slow during busy weekends. Dining tip: Share the Mezze Platter to sample the best vegan food items and enjoy a flavorful vegan dining experience in Singapore.

A table with Asian dishes: a bowl of noodle soup with chopsticks, steamed dumplings with sauce, grilled chicken salad, and rice with greens.

  • Ideal for: Couples or small groups looking for a quiet, refined dining experience with a modern, artistic twist.

  • Dining tip: Always ask the waitstaff about their off-menu seasonal specials. The chef frequently brings in unique, limited-time plant based ingredients that you won’t find on the regular printed vegan menu.

4. Original Sin (Holland Village) – Mediterranean Vegetarian Dining

Elegant restaurant interior with neatly set tables, featuring white plates, wine glasses, and cutlery. Orange banquettes and warm lighting create a cozy ambiance.

  • Nearest MRT: Holland Village (approx. 5-minute walk)

  • Price: $$

Rounding out my list is Original Sin, a beloved Mediterranean vegetarian restaurant in Chip Bee Gardens, Holland Village. Though fully vegetarian, nearly the entire menu can be adapted for a strict vegan diet, making it a top choice among vegan friendly restaurants in Singapore. The must-try dish is their famous Mezze Platter ($32), featuring creamy hummus, smoky baba ganoush, spiced falafel, and warm pita bread—a delicious explosion of Mediterranean flavors. Dining al fresco here offers a relaxed vibe perfect for enjoying vegan food and wine. Expect to spend $50 to $90 per person for a leisurely 2-hour meal.

The one con I have noticed over my multiple visits is that the service can occasionally slow down when the restaurant is at full capacity on a Saturday night. The staff are always friendly, but the kitchen can get backed up. If you go in knowing this and treat the evening as a slow, leisurely Mediterranean feast rather than a quick bite, it won’t bother you at all.

A fresh salad with crisp lettuce, red bell pepper strips, cucumber slices, and cherry tomatoes, drizzled with vinaigrette, served on a white plate.

  • Ideal for: Casual upscale dinners, romantic date nights, and long catch-ups with friends over good wine.

  • Dining tip: Order the Mezze Platter as a shared starter for the table. It is incredibly generous and is by far the best way to sample several of the kitchen’s best dips and flavors at once.

Additional Must-Visit Plant Based Dishes Spots in Singapore

Singapore’s vibrant vegan food scene extends beyond high-end dining to include a variety of casual eateries, hawker centers, and unique cafes that offer delicious vegan options for every palate and budget.

Fortune Centre – A Vegan Haven

Cityscape with modern buildings under a partly cloudy sky. The tallest building features white grid-like windows and a bright yellow top, conveying a vibrant urban feel.

Fortune Centre in Singapore is a well-known hotspot for vegan restaurants in Singapore, housing several popular eateries under one roof. Here, you can enjoy authentic Singaporean cuisine with vegan versions of classic dishes like vegan mutton, fried rice, and spring rolls. Notable spots include Living Wholesome Vegetarian, famous for its flavorful thunder tea rice, and Bodhi Deli, where you can savor vegan chicken rice and laksa. This center is a must-visit for anyone wanting to eat vegan food that’s both delicious and affordable.

Maxwell Hawker Centre – Convenient Vegan Eats

A traditional food center with green sign, beige facade, and empty street in front, set against a backdrop of modern skyscrapers and trees.

Located near Chinatown, Maxwell Food Centre offers a variety of hawker stalls serving vegan-friendly dishes. You can find vegan pho, rice bowls, and other local favorites with plant-based twists. The area is perfect for quick meals and sampling diverse flavors in a lively setting.

Unique Vegan Cafes and Experiences

Exterior of The Living Café with a small outdoor table and chairs. The window displays text on vegan and gluten-free options, like superfoods and smoothies.

For those seeking a more relaxed vibe, the Living Cafe near a yoga studio provides wholesome plant-based dishes and smoothies, ideal for health-conscious diners. Boneless Kitchen offers Korean-inspired vegan dishes, including their famous kimchi pancakes and spicy rice cakes, delivering bold flavors that appeal to both vegans and meat eaters alike.

International Connections and Vegan Burgers

Outdoor view of a vegan restaurant with "Veganburg" signage, featuring a bicycle on the wall and seating areas. Inside, patrons enjoy meals in a casual setting.

Singapore’s vegan scene also connects globally; for example, Veganburg, the world’s first vegan burger joint established in 2010, originated here and now has locations in San Francisco. Their menu features a variety of vegan burgers paired with seaweed fries, offering a satisfying fast-food experience for vegan travelers.

Cultural and Culinary Highlights

Grand, multi-tiered Buddhist temple with ornate red and white architecture and layered roofs, evoking an atmosphere of serenity and reverence.

When visiting cultural landmarks like the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple or exploring neighborhoods such as Little India, you’ll find vegan-friendly eateries offering traditional dishes adapted for plant-based diets. These areas provide a deeper insight into Singaporean cuisine and culture through the lens of vegan food.

Navigating Vegan Dining in Southeast Asia

Singapore stands out in Southeast Asia for its growing number of vegan restaurants and plant-based dishes. Whether you are dining at upscale venues or hawker stalls, you can enjoy a wide range of vegan options, from pasta dishes with teriyaki sauce to rice bowls and vegan cheese platters, making it a top destination for vegan travelers in the region.

By exploring these diverse vegan food spots, you’ll experience the full spectrum of Singapore’s culinary offerings, ensuring that eating vegan food here is both exciting and accessible.

Vegan Desserts in Singapore

Singapore offers a delightful array of vegan desserts that cater to every sweet tooth. Many traditional sweets in Singapore are accidentally vegan, often made with coconut milk, a staple ingredient in local desserts. Popular options include kuih, a variety of colorful steamed cakes and pastries, as well as pulut hitam, a sweet black glutinous rice pudding. For those craving something creamy and indulgent, vegan ice cream parlors like Kind Kones serve dairy-free gelato with unique flavors such as pandan gula melaka and dark chocolate, often accompanied by gluten free options.

Other must-try vegan treats include red bean desserts and cendol, a refreshing shaved ice dish topped with pandan jelly, sweetened red beans, and coconut milk. Many cafes and restaurants also offer vegan cakes, brownies, and pastries, ensuring that plant based diners can enjoy an array of à la carte menu options. Whether you prefer traditional Southeast Asian sweets or modern dairy-free creations, Singapore’s vegan dessert scene is vibrant and satisfying.

Final Thoughts on Upscale Plant Based Dining in Singapore

A vibrant flat lay of diverse gourmet dishes on white plates, surrounded by fresh greenery. Includes colorful salads, skewers, soups, desserts, and sauces.

Exploring the expensive vegan restaurants in Singapore has been an incredibly rewarding culinary journey for me. We are well past the days of viewing plant based meals as a sacrifice or an afterthought. From the Michelin-recognized Peranakan curries at Whole Earth to the elegant Japanese-fusion plates at Genesis, these venues are pushing the boundaries of what vegetables and plant based dishes can do.

If you have been holding off on trying luxury vegan dining because you are worried about leaving hungry or disappointed, I highly encourage you to book a table at any of these five spots. They deliver fantastic service, beautiful atmospheres, and flavors that rival any conventional fine-dining establishment. Treat yourself to a reservation this weekend—your palate will thank you. For more articles like this, be sure to visit Luxury Dining.

Other Articles