Finding incredible plant based food in our city is easier than ever. Over the past six months, I have personally visited dozens of hawker centres and food courts to track down the absolute best vegetarian and vegan options available. While you can easily find vegan burgers, pasta dishes, or even vegan versions of French cuisine at fancy vegan restaurants near Orchard Road, the real soul of food in Singapore lies in our everyday hawker food.
In my experience, eating at these local spots is the best way to dive into Singaporean cuisine and enjoy authentic vegan food in Singapore without spending an extra cost. Before you book an expensive table at a Michelin Guide spot like Whole Earth or The Boneless Kitchen (or grab premium vegan ice cream at Kind Kones), you should explore what our local hawker centres have to offer. From simple steamed rice cakes to a complex bowl of thunder tea rice, vegan hawker food Singapore style is truly unmatched in Southeast Asia. I have tried all of these spots personally to build this vegan guide, taking notes on everything from the crispiness of the spring rolls to the quality of their mock meat dishes.
Quick Summary of Our Top Picks for Vegan Hawker Food Singapore
- Tanglin Halt Ru Yi Yuan Vegetarian – Best for traditional vegetarian bee hoon breakfast.
- Zhen Ji Vegetarian – Best for affordable, simple plant based food.
- San Yuan Vegetarian – Best for lor mee and mixed noodles in the West.
- Healthy Vegetarian Food – Best for CBD office lunch with vegetarian laksa.
- Soon Lee Vegetarian – Best for Chinese-style plant based comfort food.
- Fire Flies by Thunder Tree – Best for vegan thunder tea rice and health-conscious meals.
- Lian Xin Vegetarian Food Court – Best for peaceful Buddhist vegetarian dining.
1. Tanglin Halt Ru Yi Yuan Vegetarian (Margaret Drive) – Classic Vegan Hawker Food Singapore Breakfast
Price: $ to $$
This stall is legendary among locals and a must-visit for anyone seeking authentic vegan hawker food Singapore style. Originally from Tanglin Halt, they have successfully moved to Margaret Drive Hawker Centre. When you order their signature vegetarian bee hoon ($4.00), you immediately notice the distinct smoky wok-hei flavor that makes this dish so delicious.
They serve it with a generous helping of mock duck, crispy spring rolls, and curry vegetables cooked with coconut milk. What really elevates this dish is their pickled green chilli, which cuts perfectly through the rich, savory flavors of the mock meat dishes. The dish is often accompanied by fresh bean sprouts and preserved radish (chai poh) for that delightful crunch.
Best for: Traditional vegetarian bee hoon breakfast and old-school hawker flavor.
Avoid if: You are in a rush or absolutely despise queuing for your morning meal.
Insider tip: Ask the auntie to pack your green chilli separately if you are taking the food away (this ensures your bee hoon stays fresh and does not get soggy).
2. Zhen Ji Vegetarian (Holland Drive) – Affordable Plant Based Hawker Food
Price: $
If you are looking for an everyday meal that is incredibly friendly on your wallet, Zhen Ji Vegetarian at Holland Drive Food Centre is a must-visit. They specialize in simple, no-frills vegetarian food with generous portions of tofu, bean sprouts, and gluten free options like mock meats made from soy and wheat gluten.
While it might not have the complex flavors of Indian food like a masala dosa or a rich coconut chutney, it hits the spot perfectly for those who want straightforward vegan dishes. The main drawback here is the speed of service. Because it is so popular with the elderly residents in the neighborhood, the line moves quite slowly. You will need a bit of patience, but the ultra-low price point makes up for the wait.
Best for: A very cheap breakfast and simple, hearty vegetarian takeaway.
Avoid if: You are extremely hungry and cannot handle a slow-moving queue.
Insider tip: Go as early as possible; traditional vegetarian stalls often sell out of their best fried items by mid-morning.
3. San Yuan Vegetarian (West Coast) – Best for Lor Mee and Mixed Noodles
Price: $ to $$
Finding great vegetarian options in the West can sometimes be a challenge, but San Yuan Vegetarian at West Coast Market Square never disappoints. Their signature order is a beautiful mix of bee hoon and flat kway teow noodles ($3.50), drenched in rich lor mee gravy.
When I first tried this, I was blown away by the thick, braised gravy they pour over the noodles. It coats every single strand perfectly. They top the dish with crispy fried popiah, mock meats, and a spoonful of preserved radish (chai poh) for extra crunch. The combination of textures is brilliant. It is a hearty, messy, and deeply satisfying bowl of food.
Best for: West-side residents craving traditional breakfast and excellent lor mee gravy.
Avoid if: You are visiting on the 1st or 15th of the lunar month (unless you love standing in line).
Insider tip: Always order the bee hoon mixed with kway teow, and ask for extra lor mee gravy.
4. Healthy Vegetarian Food (Amoy Street) – CBD’s Best Vegetarian Laksa and Hor Fun
Price: $ to $$
For those working in the CBD, eating healthy often comes at an extra cost. Thankfully, Healthy Vegetarian Food at Amoy Street Food Centre provides an amazing alternative. They serve a variety of local favorites, but their vegetarian laksa ($3.50) is the absolute standout.
The broth is rich with coconut milk and perfectly spiced, easily rivaling the non-vegan versions you find elsewhere in the city. I also highly recommend their Sin Chew bee hoon and hor fun if you want something less spicy. They do not use garlic or heavy oils, making it a surprisingly light lunch option that will not put you to sleep at your desk.
Best for: Office workers needing a cheap, delicious vegetarian lunch in the CBD.
Avoid if: You get easily overwhelmed by chaotic, shoulder-to-shoulder lunch crowds.
Insider tip: The vegetarian laksa is the perfect pick when you are craving something richer than standard dry noodles.
5. Soon Lee Vegetarian (Amoy Street) – Chinese-Style Plant Based Comfort Food
Price: $$
Amoy Street Food Centre is lucky enough to have two incredible vegetarian stalls. While the previous entry is great for noodle soups, Soon Lee Vegetarian is my go-to for hearty, Chinese-style mixed rice (cai fan) and comfort food.
For about $5.00, you can point to an array of freshly cooked vegetables, braised tofu, and excellent mock meats. Their sweet and sour mock pork is fantastic, and they always serve generous portions. When I am starving after a long morning of meetings, this stall is an absolute lifesaver. It is basic, honest makan vegan fare that genuinely fills you up.
Best for: Filling, meat-free local comfort food during the workweek.
Avoid if: You want a quiet, relaxing environment to slowly enjoy your lunch.
Insider tip: Visit before 11:45 am or after 1:30 pm to experience a much calmer Amoy Street.
6. Fire Flies by Thunder Tree (People’s Park Centre) – Vegan Thunder Tea Rice and Lei Cha
Price: $$
Formerly known as Thunder Tree, this stall has rebranded to Fire Flies, but they still serve some of the best vegan Hakka thunder tea rice (lei cha) in Singapore. Located in the basement food court of People’s Park Centre near the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, this is a haven for health-conscious diners.
Their signature lei cha ($6.00) comes with a beautiful bowl of organic brown rice topped with finely chopped vegetables, tofu, roasted peanuts, and glutinous rice. The accompanying green tea soup is incredibly robust and herbaceous. In my experience, thunder tea rice is definitely an acquired taste (it is very earthy and slightly bitter), but once you develop a love for it, you will crave it constantly. They also serve a fantastic kolo mee if you want noodles instead.
Best for: Strict vegan diners, health enthusiasts, and anyone who loves authentic lei cha.
Avoid if: You prefer heavy, greasy comfort food or strongly dislike herbaceous flavors.
Insider tip: If you are a first-timer, do not pour the green soup directly over your rice right away. Drink it on the side first to get used to the intense flavor.
7. Lian Xin Vegetarian Food Court (Buddha Tooth Relic Temple) – Serene Vegan Dining in Chinatown
Price: $
This final entry is completely unique. It is not a standard hawker centre, but rather a hidden vegetarian food court located in the basement of the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple in Chinatown. If you want a peaceful break from the loud streets of Little India or the bustling tourist traps, this is the place to go.
The food here is prepared according to strict Buddhist vegetarian principles. For around $3.00 to $4.00, you get a simple, humble meal consisting of rice, fresh vegetables, tofu, and gentle soy-based proteins. They also serve traditional steamed rice cakes and desserts made with glutinous rice and pandan leaves for just a dollar. Eating here is a remarkably calming experience. The dining area is air-conditioned (which is a massive relief on a hot day), and the atmosphere is wonderfully quiet.
Best for: Budget dining in a quiet, air-conditioned environment right in the heart of Chinatown.
Avoid if: You want a huge variety of menu choices or plan to eat late in the afternoon.
Insider tip: It is very easy to miss the entrance. Look for the stairs leading down into the basement from inside the temple, and pair this meal with a cultural walking tour of the area.
Exploring More Vegan Food in Singapore: Must-Try Dishes and Areas
Singapore continues to expand its culinary horizons, especially for vegan in Singapore communities. Whether you want to try vegan chicken rice, roti prata, or masala dosa in Little India, or indulge in vegan street food at Makan Vegan hawker centre, the options are plentiful.
Vegan Chicken Rice: Vegan versions of chicken rice are gaining popularity, with mock meats and tofu replacing traditional meat. You can find these at vegetarian restaurants and hawker centres like Yi Xin Vegetarian and Fortune Centre.
Roti Prata and Masala Dosa: These Indian food staples are naturally vegan or easily made vegan by skipping egg and butter. Enjoy them with coconut chutney and sambar for a truly satisfying meal.
Vegan Burgers and French Cuisine: For those craving Western-style vegan dishes, places near Orchard Road offer vegan burgers and even vegan versions of French cuisine, such as those found at Whole Earth and Boneless Kitchen.
Desserts and Ice Cream: Don’t miss Kind Kones, a local favorite for vegan ice cream that is loved both in Singapore and Kuala Lumpur.
Final Thoughts
Singapore continues to be a vibrant and exciting destination for vegan food lovers. The diversity of plant based dishes, from traditional Chinese and Indian food to innovative vegan versions of Western cuisine, makes it a paradise for vegans and vegetarians alike. Whether you visit those hidden gems of hawker centres, food courts, or Michelin Guide stalls, the quality and variety of vegan options in Singapore is impressive. So when you visit Singapore, be sure to explore these vegan hawker food gems and enjoy the rich flavors of Southeast Asia’s culinary scene.
For additional articles like this, and to know more about hawker centres across Singapore, click here to visit Singapore Hawkers.