The Best Vegan and Vegetarian Restaurants in Chinatown

The smell of wok-fried noodles, the chatter of food stalls, and the sight of red lanterns swaying above the street. This is pretty much par for the course when it comes to the Chinatown Singapore food experience. 

However, here’s something many people new to the area don’t know: Chinatown Singapore restaurants go far beyond roast meats and similar goodies. This culinary hotspot also boasts vegetarian and vegan offerings.

The district is home to a growing number of plant-based eateries, ranging from traditional Buddhist-style vegetarian restaurants to modern vegan cafes. Vegetarian food options in Chinatown Singapore are redefining Asian comfort food while staying true to cultural roots.

If you want to discover the top vegetarian and vegan food in Chinatown Singapore yourself, read on. This guide takes you through the options you should try first.

Jacked Birria Tacos, Ahimsa Sanctuary Singapore — Image from Hungry Go Where

Ahimsa Sanctuary - A Vegan Oasis in the City

Where: 76 Neil Rd, Singapore 088840

Ahimsa means non-violence in Sanskrit. That already tells you what to expect from this vegan cafe that's also a wellness and yoga space!

The menu features vegan dishes made with fresh and organic produce. Cold-pressed juices and herbal teas are also popular. 

The space also promotes a serene, peaceful theme. You can enjoy your food in calm and airy interiors that may be just what you need to recharge after a long day of exploring Chinatown.

Nyonya Rendang Nasi Lemak, YiSuPin Vegan Singapore — Image from Low Tom

YiSuPin (一素品) Vegan - Modern Asian Comfort Food

Where: 101 Upper Cross Street, #01-04 People’s Park Centre, Singapore 058357

If you’re craving familiar local flavours with a plant-based twist, YiSuPin (一素品) Vegan delivers. This is a bright and minimalist eatery that does vegan versions of local favourites.

Expect vegan variants of laksa, dumplings, and nasi lemak. Traditional meats are replaced with alternatives such as soy, tempeh, mushrooms, and mock meats.

It's a perfect spot for those asking what to eat in Chinatown Singapore when they want something innovative yet culturally grounded.

Olive Vegetables Knife-Cut Noodles, Yi Xin Vegetarian Singapore — Image from HappyCow

Yi Xin Vegetarian - Homestyle Comfort and Heritage

Where: 43 Temple Street, Singapore 058584

Want to dig into some home-style Chinese vegetarian fare? Come to Yi Xin Vegetarian. Their menu includes the types of dishes that have been passed down through generations: mock char siew rice, stir-fried noodles, and crispy bean curd rolls.

These are the sorts of flavours that bring nostalgia to many locals who grew up in traditional Chinese households. Add the fact that they price very affordably for generous portions, and you have a winner for daily dining!

Eight Treasures Vegetarian Singapore — Image from HappyCow

Eight Treasures Vegetarian Restaurant - Modern Chinese Vegetarian Cuisine

Where: 282A South Bridge Road, Sago Ln, Singapore 058831 (Near the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple)

Eight Treasures Restaurant (八宝素食馆) offers a refined dining experience. Expect luxurious traditional Chinese classics turned vegetarian: mock roast duck, herbal soup, and mock abalone.

This family-run restaurant has served both locals and international tourists for years. Note that the name itself is taken from Buddhist philosophy, evoking prosperity, peace, and harmony – all key values for Buddhists.

Thunder Tree Rice, Fire Flies by Thunder Tree Singapore — Image from HappyCow

Fire Flies (formally known as Thunder Tree) - The Heritage Gem

Where: 101 Upper Cross Street, B1-06 Stall 10 People’s Park Centre, Singapore 058357

This is a long-standing favourite among locals, even those who aren’t vegan or vegetarian. They closed temporarily a few years back but relaunched in 2024 in their current location.

They’re known for their signature Lei Cha Fan (擂茶饭) or Thunder Tea Rice. This is an earthy and nutritious Hakka vegetarian classic with rice, herbs, tofu, and tea-based broth. 

Lei Cha (擂茶) is a dish that ties back to the history of Singapore’s Hakka migrants, so it’s a dish worth trying if you want something with real cultural value for the area. It’s delicious, yes, but it’s also a link to the district’s culinary past!

Lian Xin Vegetarian, Singapore — Image from TimeOut

Su Man Yuan & Lian Xin Vegetarian Food Court

Where: Su Man Yuan: 101 Upper Cross Street, People’s Park Centre, Singapore 058357

Lian Xin: 288 South Bridge Road, Singapore 058840 (below Buddha Tooth Relic Temple)

Not every meal has to be fancy, and these two eateries prove it. Su Man Yuan (素满园) and Lian Xin (莲芯) Vegetarian Food Court are humble yet iconic spots for quick and affordable vegetarian food in the area.

Su Man Yuan is located at the People’s Park Centre, and Lian Xin is located at the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple. They serve daily staples such as fried bee hoon, tofu stir-fried, mock meat curries, and vegetable soups.

Simplicity and affordability are the big draws here. They’re easy to get, uncomplicated, and authentically Chinatown. It’s like dining in a local home: wholesome and hearty.

Explore More of Chinatown Today

Whether it’s modern vegan dining or traditional Chinese vegetarian cuisine, Chinatown offers a wide range of plant-based options. These reflect the area’s evolving culinary culture, where heritage and innovation thrive side by side. 

For those exploring what to eat in Chinatown Singapore, the vegetarian and vegan gems we’ve listed above prove that delicious food doesn’t have to come at the cost of sustainability or health! It can be consciously sustainable and affordable as well.

If you want to learn more about what to do or where to go in Chinatown Singapore, take a look at our other articles and guides. We provide insider tips and insights on what you can do to make the most of a trip to this historic part of Singapore!