Coffee does make everything better, doesn’t it? Pair up a nice cup of brew with a healthy plant-based breakfast, and you’ve got the perfect start to your day. We, being complete coffee fanatics, are always on the lookout for cafés that serve quality brew. Of course, non-dairy milks and vegan & vegetarian fare that goes beyond croissants and pancakes, have to be part of the equation.
So here are some of our favourite cafés around Singapore, that not only serve a mean cup of Joe but also deliver on the veg-vegan front. Hit these wonderful places for a cuppa or even for a hearty breakfast or brunch.
Carrotsticks & Cravings
The chic Australian café offers freshly prepared dishes that are absolutely instaworthy. Vegetarian, vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free, raw and refined sugar-free options are available everyday. Carrotsticks & Cravings is a kid-friendly eatery with kid menus, a colouring station, trampolines (at the Dempsey outlet), and a side of popcorn with kids’ meals. Score! There are a great many food options for vegetarians to enjoy alongside their cuppas, and vegans aren’t forgotten either. Try the Vegan Tempeh Bowl (S$24), the Superfood Salad (S$22) or the Green Falafel Bowl that is also Gluten-Free. Of course, vegetarians get even more menu options to choose from, with the Big Veggie Breakfast Bowl (quinoa, mushrooms, tomato, spinach, avocado, poached egg) being a popular choice.
The good folks at Carrotsticks will happily make your favourite coffee vegan, with a choice of soy milk, almond milk and coconut milk available at both outlets. In the mood for a smoothie? Choose from a variety of Smoothie Bowls and Smoothies. You can opt to have the milk switched to a non-dairy alternative (for an extra S$1).
Carrotsticks & Cravings @ Dempsey: 75E Loewen Road, DempseySingapore 248845. | Carrotsticks & Cravings @ Robertson Quay: 7 Rodyk St #01-34, Singapore 238215. P: +65 6219 3710 | Website
Tiong Bahru Bakery @ Raffles City Shopping Centre
A Range of Freshly Baked Breads (Image credit: Tiong Bahru Bakery’s FB page)This French Bakery now has 6 outlets islandwide but our favourite haunt is their outlet at Raffles City Shopping Centre. Hit Tiong Bahru Bakery not just for the great coffee they serve, but also for their freshly baked breads, viennoiseries, tarts and desserts. All outlets offer these besides a great range of artisan teas, coffees and fresh juices. The outlet at Raffles City has a wider menu with exclusives like the vegan Quinoa Farmer’s Plate (S$16) or the Smoked Coco Club Sandwich (think coconut ‘bacon’). Vegetarian dishes include Rainbow Rice Bowl (S$18) and Corny Chilli Fritters. Of course, you can veganise your coffee with soy milk, almond milk or coconut milk.
Tiong Bahru Bakery: 252 North Bridge Road, #B1-11 Raffles City Shopping Centre, Singapore 179103. P: +65 63334160. Website
The Living Café
Delicious Middle Eastern inspired roasted cauliflower salad with mint, dates, toasted almonds and a pomegranate dressing. An explosion of flavours! (Image credit: The Living Café’s Facebook page)The Living Café offers food sans red meat, dairy, refined sugar, preservatives and additives. A good chunk of their menu is raw food. There is much to choose from for both vegetarians and vegans. Some of the guilt-free vegan dishes include Avocado Cucumber Soup, Raw Roasted Broccoli Mushroom Pizza (S$20.50) and Grilled Tofu & Guacamole Wrap (S$17). Vegetarians can try gems like Veggie Nori Roll (S$13.50), Cauliflower, Almond & Mint Salad or Pad Thai Noodles (S$16.50). They also have a dedicated Kids Menu with vegetarian options. As the cafe doesn’t use animal/dairy milk, their smoothies are made from coconut, cashew, hazelnut or rice milk. You can opt for your coffee to be done with soy, rice or hazelnut milk.
The Living Café: 779 Bukit Timah Road, Singapore 269758. P: +65 6468 4482. Website
Real Food
Real Food’s Vegan Gateau Chocolat; a moist cake with the texture of walnut and a drizzle of homemade chocolate sauce (Image credit: Real Food’s Facebook page)A chic café, Real Food is a meat-free eatery with vegan options galore. Get a taste of local starters done the veg way, with Steamed or Fried Dumplings, Fruit Rojak or Balsamic Beancurd. Real Food’s menu can vary quite a bit across outlets; some favourites from the different outlets include Beet Millet Burger, Stuffed Veggie, Coconut Curry Pumpkin Soup, Mushroom and Turmeric ‘Risotto’, Vegetable Caponata pasta and more. The café doesn’t lack in drinks either – expect everything from Cold Pressed Juices to Dairy-free Probiotic Drinks to Organic (soy milk) Coffees. In the mood for something sweet? Try the Vegan Chocolate Donut!
Real Food: Several locations, check at Website
Forty Hands
Forty Hands offers you the choice of soy or oat milk to make your coffees vegan-friendly! (Image credit: Forty Hand’s Facebook page)With outlets at Tiong Bahru and EastCoast, Forty Hands is your neighbourhood barista serving fab coffee and great Australian-style food. The café is quite vegetarian-friendly but lacks on the vegan front with only two dishes that can be made vegan – Banh Mi Bowl and Broccolini Quinoa Salad – besides the fries. The café does offer options of oat milk and soy milk if you’re off dairy, they serve Oatly Oat Milk and Bonsoy Soy Milk at all outlets. Vegetarians can dig into Homemade Granola, Chilli Scram (contains egg) and the 40 Hands Falafel, among other dishes.
40HandsCoffee @ East Coast: 226 East Coast Road, Singapore 428923. P: +65 6877 4860 | 40HandsCoffee @ Tiong Bahru: 78 Yong Siak Street, #01-12, Singapore 163078. P: +65 6225 8545. Website
Well Dressed Salad Bar & Café
A hearty veg lunch at Well Dressed Salad Bar & CafeIf you want a change from the western cafés, head over to Well Dressed Salad Bar & Café for a more local experience. This cosy little place in Chinatown has a dedicated fan base in the veg community. Try their Vegan Waffles and you’ll know why! They are best known for their fab vegan bakes – you absolutely must try their Chocolate Brownie, which is vegan and gluten-free – but they also serve a range of wonderful plant-based dishes. One of their most popular dishes is the Pow Wow Bao (pulled Jackfruit Burger with veggies and a home-made vegan cheese sauce). Another must-try dish is the Olive Buddha Bowl (3 Bean Patty, Fresh Corn, Carrot, Purple Cabbage, Smoked Mushrooms, Tofu, Scramble and Creamy Guac on a bed of fragrant warm olive rice). You can also get your beverage done with Almond or Soy milk at no extra cost.
Well Dressed Salad Bar & Café: 282 South Bridge Road, Singapore 058831. P: +65 6534 7787. Website
At EatRoamLive, we promote and facilitate a healthier, ethical and environmentally friendly veg way of life. ERL is a Media & Events platform connecting veg-friendly restaurants and brands with vegetarian and vegan consumers or those who are consciously looking to make their plates greener. Be it food, travel fashion or skincare, we help you discover brands and experiences that are ethical, sustainable, cruelty-free and simply fabulous.