The world, battered by the effects of rapidly depleting natural resources, pollution and factory farming, isn’t doing so well.

As a result, more people are joining the ranks of Team Earth. With demand comes opportunity and those who make informed decisions on how their diet affects the grander scheme of things are outrunning those who scorn the decision to live a bland, meatless life.

Options of where to enjoy a vegan or vegetarian meal aren’t hard to find these days. The following trailblazers are leading the way for the skyrocketing industry of food for friends of the earth. These recommendations are not to be missed, regardless of one’s dietary inclinations.

Post-Museum/ Food #03 

Chef Ben's signature dish (Picture courtesy of Food#03)

Alternative both in cuisine and culture, Post-Museum offers art junkies, vegans and carnivores alike a taste of the independent, the authentic and of course, the really scrumptious. Food #03 (see main picture)-, a deli-café with a passion for sharing and experimenting, features signature dishes like the Dugu Burger (a must-try) and Laksa Pesto Pasta. Better still, no MSG, GST or service charge.

The concept of reusability extends to everything from lampshades to the tip box, made up from recycled bottles, plastic, or a collection of used goods crafted to serve a greater good.

While waiting for your meal, the neighbouring Post-Museum awaits: an art gallery that regularly features exhibitions from local and guest artists.

Dedicated to pro-activity and the greater good of our earth and everyone in it, Post-Museum is closed on Mondays, when a soup kitchen takes place; meals are cooked and distributed by volunteers to the disadvantaged residents in the area.

Venue: 107+109 Rowell Road S209033

Open:
Tue−Thu: 5−10pm
Fri: 5−12am
Sat: 2pm−12am
Sun: 2pm−10pm

Meals start from 5.30pm, Tue−Sun.

Writer’s note: Visit Post-Museum for a meal amidst artists, poets, tarot card readers and some of the most interesting people you could meet.

 

Veganburg

Vergan Burg at 44 Jalan Eunos (Picture courtesy of VeganBurg) 

The first of its kind in Singapore, Veganburg began on 101010 and has been growing in fans and menu since. A perfect option for animal lovers with a passion for burgers, Veganburg serves a variety of burgers, sides, salads and desserts, with no animal products and with a lot of attention to making it taste really, really good.

A walk into the store any day will reveal a healthy flow of patrons – many of whom aren’t vegan, but who are sold on the delicious Tangy Tartar burger or Vegan Franks (don’t be confused when you try this – they really ARE vegan). Veganburg has hit the nail on the head for the environmentally-friendly diet plan. If it tastes this good and feels good, what else do you need?

Venue: 44 Jalan Eunos Singapore 419502
Tel: 6844 6868    Fax: 6844 1021

Open: Opens Daily from 11am to 10pm

Writer’s note: Veganburg now delivers! Check out www.veganburg.com for details. 

Naive

Located in the nationally acclaimed food district of Katong, Naive is a welcoming retreat for those seeking a healthy, plant-based dinner option amidst chicken rice stalls and various other meaty meals.

Specialising in mushrooms - try the Monkeyhead Mushrooms when you're there - Naive also cooks up a mean Penang Rendang. Neither compromising in taste nor quality, Naive offers all the glory of Katong cuisine, both in variety and excellence, while passing on the cholesterol-fest.

The warm, chic setting and extremely personable staff complete the equation: some classic Katong food and atmosphere, minus the guilt.

Venue: 99 East Coast Road (Opp. Holy Family Church)

Tel: +65 6348 0668

Open: Daily: 11.30am – 3pm, 5.30pm– 10pm

Writer’s Note: Partake in the Japanese 'Bloss' ceremony before your meal begins for lots of blessings!

 

Original Sin

 

Original Sin (picture courtesy of  Original Sin)

For a more upmarket vegetarian-friendly dining option, Original Sin in Holland Village offers a rich, candlelit dining experience. The conceptual restaurant offers each diner an in-house twist on Mediterranean and Italian cuisines. Their self-confessed love for freshness and passion for all things culinary keeps Original Sin always unique and consistently excellent.

Besides the location (Chip Bee Gardens is known for her quiet, away-from-the-city-charm) Original Sin keeps it warm with a menu catered to various dietary needs or preferences. From low fat dishes for the health-conscious, egg and dairy-free deserts for vegans or octo-lavo vegetarian mains for vegetarians,  no one, meat-eater or otherwise, is left feeling like a minority.

Original Sin successfully combines delicious food, an arty outlook, warm vibes and an all-encompassing atmosphere for every diner.

Venue: Blk 43, #01-62, Jalan Merah Saga, Holland Village, Chip Bee Gardens (Editor's note: We have said earlier that the address was 99 East Coast Road, which was wrong)

Tel: +65 6475 5605

Open: Mon: 6pm – 10.30pm
Tue–Sun: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm

Writer’s note: To really enjoy your meal, treat yourself to some wine - you'll be spoilt for choice with the extensive, affordable wine list!

 

Soyato

 

A variety of flavours at Soyato (Picture courtesy of Soyato)

Ironically located just opposite a fast food restaurant, Soyato introduces a new, healthy range of frozen desserts - a guilt-free meal in terms of calorie counts and earth-saving plans.

Dedicated to making the world a better place with health tips and dietary options, Soyato breaks boundaries – vegan or otherwise – to offer Frozen Soy. This Japanese introduction is the first of its kind in Singapore.  From the usual favourites Chocolate and Mango to the more adventurous Peanut Butter and Apple Cinnamon, bland preconceptions about all things non-dairy are made as passé as calorie-filled deserts are. Soyato is an exciting, affordable indulgence you don’t ever have to feel guilty about.

Venue: Bugis Junction #B1-K5

Open: Daily, 11.00am – 10.30pm

Writer’s note: Soyato is really good for you − the soya bean is also the only plant, which has all 20 essential amino acids, which are building blocks of protein.

The veg revolution is up and coming in Singapore, a fact this quickly growing market is testament to. Try out a healthier lifestyle option – you can get started with the outlets above – and discover how easy and satisfying a vegetarian lifestyle can be; for the earth and for yourself.

Earth Hour Singapore 2011 - Official celebration party
Venue: The Promontory @ Marina Bay
MRT: Raffles Place exit J
Date: Saturday, 26 March 2011
Time: 5.30 – 10.00 pm

Click here for more info