If 2020 has taught us something, it’s the importance of health. As we welcome the Year of the 'Ox', extravagant reunion meals are hard to miss. With plenty of vegan options out there, you don’t need to pass on those dumplings. Although Chinese New Year food is traditionally meat-driven, this year you can enjoy some healthy vegan versions of your classic Chinese dishes.
Here’s our round-up of the best vegan-friendly restaurants in Singapore to head to for your CNY reunion dinner.
1. Miao Yi
Review by @goodvibesonly of the Mock Suckling Pig.
Miao Yi has been serving traditional vegetarian Chinese food since 1991. But for this CNY, they take it up a notch. They're serving a real feast for the eye and the belly. Don’t forget to try their fortune Mock Suckling Pig, that made it to our top 50 dishes in Singapore and the Black Truffle Braised EE Fu Main. Their ala-carte menu will set the new year on the right food track! Make advance reservations through abillion app for Chinese New Year if you don’t want to miss this food train. Check out their elaborate CNY menu here.
2. EMPRESS
Review by @cocothekoala of Pan-Fried Impossible Gyoza
If you want to enjoy traditional Chinese food in a contemporary dining room with an iconic setting by the Singapore River, EMPRESS is the place to go! EMPRESS offers not only a fine-dining experience but also delicious vegan food to go with the mood. Enjoy delicious a la carte specials and Chinese New Year set menus at EMPRESS.
Usher in luck and wealth with their elaborate 5, 6 or 8-course sets ranging from a very affordable $88 to $128 per person. Don’t forget to save space for their popular Pan-Fried Impossible Gyoza, crispy sesame ‘nian gao’ roll(a traditional New Year Cake), and a sesame seed crumble with Goji Berry ice cream. Some of their meat dishes can be made vegan, don’t forget to try them all. Make an advance booking through abillion app to reserve your spot. For a detailed CNY menu, click here.
3. Eight Treasures
Review by @opheeeliaaa of Sharks Fin Soup.
Eight Treasures has hidden treasures to unveil all your senses. They've a 5 to 8 set CNY ala-carte menu, consisting of mini pot Sharks Fin Soup, Pork Ribs, Lucky Yee Fu Noodles, Happy Pumpkin Yam Rings and delicious Omnimeat Superior Sauce Beancurd. They even have a Vegan Yu Sheng so you don't miss out on any customs. Eight Treasures ensures an authentic experience of CNY reunion dinners. Go through their CNY menu here.. Their set menus $398 for 8 people.
4. LingZhi Vegetarian restaurant
Review by @kelvin of Braised Lion's Head Mushroom Ball.
If you think vegan Chinese food is all about mock meats, tofu, and fried rice, then this will surprise you with its variety and taste. Fresh flavors take center stage at LingZhi vegetarian restaurant. Try their Oat Dumpling, it exhibits gorgeous bits of oats, Chinese yam and chestnut; giving a satisfying crunch with each and every bite. Another classic is the Braised Lion’s Head Mushroom Ball with Seasonal Vegetables. Perfect amount of juiciness and flavors that remind you of every CNY reunion dinner with your family.
5. Chengdu
Review by @morethanveggies of Mapo Tofu.