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Seeking light on a rainy afternoon? Or respite from the blazing sun? Head over to swanky South Beach Avenue’s über cool canopy to enjoy an al fresco (either al fresco or indoor, whichever it is) coffee, meal or an after hours drink, while reveling in the architectural splendour of this fresh, new establishment.
The development houses office spaces (Hello Facebook), luxury residences, JW Marriott Hotel and most importantly, some fantastic F&B spots in a nice setting. As you walk along the dining section, you are sure to salivate just checking out the umpteen options available. From a whisky bar to a legendary coffee house, the space has it all and the setting is marvellous!
Several restaurants boast of great ambience with tasteful décor and floor to ceiling windows overlooking the canopy, with alfresco seats as well. Not to forget the delicious eats!
What’s in it for vegetarians, you ask? Lots! Here are my top 5 picks for some Fabulous Vegetarian Dining at South Beach Avenue, Singapore.
Vatos Urban Tacos
Vatos Urban Tacos came to Singapore in 2016 and has since then been dishing out some of the meanest tacos and cocktails. Set in a quaint by-lane, this Ko-Mex restaurant oozes originality and spunk. The fantastic menu merges Kimchi from Korea with a burrito from Mexico to best effect. Suitable for lunch or dinner, drop by and be assured of a large variety of Mexican vegetarian options and an equally great vibe.
My top picks here are:
Nacho Mama’s Nachos (S$25): This is a huge portion of chips with every Mexican ingredient you can imagine (think beans, hot queso, bechamel, jalapeños, pico de gallo and some very fresh guacamole). It is absolutely delicious and one of the best such plates I’ve had in Singapore.
Vegetarian Tamales (S$16): The Tamales have a traditional Mexican ring to them, the way I believe Mexican grandmas would make it, and I loved it. Buttery, with the wholesome taste of maize, the tamale almost reminded me of a quiche. I cranked up the heat level with the spicy Chimichurri sauce served alongside. Add a dash of sour cream, and you’re good to go.
For more on Vatos, check out our review – Vatos Urban Tacos – Glorious Mexican Food, With Love from Korea: Vegetarian Dining Review
Vatos Urban Tacos: 36 Beach Road, Singapore 189766. P: +65 6385 6010
Fynn’s
Fynns is a casual, modern Australian restaurant with an elegant combination of distinctive flavours and comfort food. Australian vegetarian fare does not have its own classification and is a potpourri of flavours from everywhere – and this is exactly what you get at Fynns. The friendly staff are happy to customise most options on the menu. True to its spirit, the coffee here is fantastic and a must try.
My favourites here are:
Gnocchi: While Gnocchi is essentially a staple of Italian origin, this preparation is an out and out modern fusion. The potato Gnocchi itself was just the right combination of soft and chewy. Served on a bed of mushroom veloute (traditional French sauce made with roux and stock) and interspersed with assorted forest mushrooms, this is a light, yet immensely satisfying dish that will have you going back for more.
Cracked Pie: Jump straight to dessert if you must. This is a one of a kind sublime slice of butter and flour pudding on a crust of cracked cookies — sinful and delicious. I lingered over every bite.
For more about the food at Fynn’s, check out our review – Fynn’s Singapore – Vegetarian Australian Food in an Upscale Casual Setting: Dining Review.
Fynns: 26 beach road #b1-21, South Beach Avenue, Singapore 189768. P: +65 6384 1878
Caffè Vergnano 1882
This friendly 42-seater café, is a family run establishment that started in 1882 in Italy, and is passionate about its coffee. The aromas and the visual decor speak volumes about the heritage of the coffee at Caffè Vergnano. Along with coffee, vegetarian and child friendly food options are aplenty here. A good spot to grab a quick breakfast or lunch with the familia, it will be on your list of coffee time favourites in no time.
My picks here include:
Marocchino: My favourite coffee here is the Marocchino (S$6.00), an Italian mocha with chocolate, espresso and steamed milk – one sip of this concoction and I was enveloped in a warm and fuzzy happy haze. The coffee hits just the right notes of sweet and strong.
Smashed Avocado & Eggs / Mushroom Medley on toast (S$14.00): This is the perfect breakfast, lunch, snack or even light dinner to fill your belly. While the avocados are fresh, ripe and nicely mashed, the white button mushrooms are sautéed to perfection. I love how nicely the sourdough was crisped to just the right degree of chewy. Eggs are cooked your way and served on the side but you can ask to omit this.
Cinnamon Chocolate Waffle (S$13.50): What fun it is to have a Waffle for lunch. These are GREAT waffles – Nice and light, with just a hint of cinnamon and a scoop of ice cream on the side. This is going to be a sure hit with the kid tribe, including that picky eater. And the best part is that the waffles are not too sweet, so no guilt there.
Check out also Coffee & Chit-chat at the Child-friendly Caffè Vergnano 1882, Singapore: Vegetarian Dining Review
Caffe Vergnano 1882: 26 Beach Road #B1-17, S189768. P: +65 6385 5579
Akira Back
A delightful Japanese Restaurant, Akira Back serves its dishes in a stylish ambience. After the success of JW Marriott Hotel New Delhi Aerocity’s restaurant launch, it is its second launch and is located on the swanky South Beach, Singapore. The modern cuisine here promises to be an awesome ride helmed by Chef Akira. They have a special all vegetarian menu and most dishes on the menu can be made vegan, albeit with a 2 day notice. Of the dishes available, the following come highly recommended:
Sushi Platter – It comprises of assorted Nigirizushi and Maki Roll. The ingredients used are fresh and the presentation excellent.
Barley Risotto – With Eringi ‘Scallop’, Edamame Pea Foam, this fragrant dish is just the rightly creamy and packs a punch.
Mushroom Taco – It has Roasted Mushroom and Spicy Tomato Aioli, every bit a dish that is high on both imagination and taste.
A.B.C. – A dessert to beat all desserts; it comes with Almond Cake, Berries and Chocolate Ganache. Dig in and enjoy!
Akira Back: 30 Beach Road, Level B1M, JW Marriott Hotel Singapore South Beach, South Tower, Singapore 189763. P:+ 65 6818 1914
Real Food
Run by a passionate team that believes “we are what we eat”, Real Food is a household name amongst vegetarian diners in Singapore. The restaurant has outlets across Singapore. Their food is organic, fresh and affordable and their vegetarian options span cuisines from around the world and includes soups, salads, pizza, pasta, eggs and pan-Asian fare.
Expect to go a little cuckoo just reading through the menu (it’s not too often that we get the whole menu to choose from, after all)! Be prepared for long wait times during lunch hour as the place is always packed.
I would recommend the following here:
The Beet Millet Burger (S$13.80): A wholesome bun enveloping a vegan homemade patty made from beetroot, carrots, onions, millet and potatoes, stacked with onions, tomatoes, avocado and fresh greens. Served with a salad and perfectly crisp onion rings, this plate is original, yet traditional. A must try.
Baked Stuffed Portobello Mushroom with Cheese: A dish from the snack menu, these hearty and juicy portobello mushrooms are stuffed with minced vegetables, covered with cheddar cheese and baked to perfection. Every bite is succulent, juicy and tasty.
Dumpling Noodles (S$10.80): The soft and springy handmade dumplings are flavourful and packed with 13 different ingredients. Served on a bed of flat noodles, these are tossed in a sesame dressing with a side of cherry tomatoes. This is one hearty, feel-good meal.
Real Food: 26 Beach Road #B1-19, South Beach Tower, S189768. P: +65 6384 2206
If you’re still looking for more, some of the other options to check out are Atmastel for an Italian pizza, the famed Lady M for an exquisite confectionery and Harry’s or Quaich Bar for an evening drink. So don’t wait. Pick your favourite from the list, get to South Beach Avenue and dig into delicious vegetarian food!
Related articles:
Vatos Urban Tacos – Glorious Mexican Food, With Love from Korea: Vegetarian Dining Review
Coffee & Chit-chat at the Child-friendly Caffè Vergnano 1882, Singapore: Vegetarian Dining Review
Fynn’s Singapore – Vegetarian Australian Food in an Upscale Casual Setting: Dining Review
Aruna Rao is a nomad at heart, always on the lookout for new adventures, be they related to food, places or experiences. A full-time working mother to 3 gorgeous kids, she’s lived in 4 countries and declares that ‘home is where her kitchen is’.
