Artisan Boulangerie @ Killiney Road (Veg Options Available)

This week I was asked this question:- how do we really access "healthy" vegetarian eating? Do we really know what we are eating? Where do our real "proteins, nutrients, Vitamins"  come from? Do "Healthy Vegetarian" signs from veg stalls really signify "Healthy"? Well, my answer is, the choice is always ours to make and determine what we think "Healthy" is. Of course, being a vegetarian, we are always spoilt for choices and at times it is good to go really healthy and green for a good cleanse of our body.
I am really glad to have the opportunity to attend a dinner session at Artisan Boulangerie (a.k.a. ABC).
Note that ABC is not a "Pure" vegetarian/vegan place, but they have recently re-invented their menu to include quite a number of Vegetarian/Vegan options in their menu.

ABC Restaurant

I understand that ABC started at Killiney and now has 10 stores countrywide. Some stores do not have the full menu as per my understanding.

Launch of new menu ~

Nice Ambience

The New Menu

The new menu has indication of "vegetarian" dishes. However, I have noted that most contain cheese which may have "rennet" in them, so do read through the ingredients if you are a strict vegan/vegetarian! Also, some may have Onion/garlic in their sauce, so the safest to eat would be the salads, juices, smoothies and breads.

Fresh Juices ($6.40 - $8.50)

We had the ABC (Apple, Beetroot & Carrot) juice and a Kale Cucumber Apple Juice. I have never had kale before so it was a surprise as the blend was great! The taste wasn't "raw" as I've expected it to be. Instead it was fresh, and blended well with apple. Moreover, i felt full after this juice!

I have to admit that I was rather ignorant on the knowledge of kale though I have heard about it before.

According to reports, "Kale" is well known as a "healthiest" food in the world, and was supposed to be number 1 with multiple benefits. I think if we have been eating a lot of mock meats or processed foods, its good for a cleansing session at times.

Olive Bread

 Famous French Baguette

All of ABC's pastries and breads are baked freshly daily and contains no preservatives, additives and enhancers. In addition, they are handmade with imported french flour and premium European Butter. Again, because butter is used, the breads are not vegan-friendly. 

I think they would go well with soups or even coffee. Personally I prefer the Olive bread but it was a little oily. Then again, olive oil is supposed to be a healthier oil? 

Power Kale with Pecans Salad $10

 Organic Quinoa & Fennel Salad $12

Again, the skeptical me thought that the kale salad wouldn't be good, but the blend with lemon vinaigrette was awesome. 

Quinoa is also another superfood that some people eat this as a replacement to rice, and it is filling as well.

Avocado Wrap

Loads of greens and yummy avocado. Would be better if served warmed.

It is heartening to know that ABC has a "foodbank" donation program everyday for their unsold breads which are donated to the needy families as part of its corporate social responsibility. 

I do hope to see more veg items on its menu to promote a healthier choice for their patrons.

Personally, not your normal $3 economical place to go on a daily basis, but its an alternative and choice for us to go at times to have a cleanse. I will definitely keep in mind of including "kale" in my homemade salads.

Locations: http://artisanbakery.com.sg/contact/

Killiney Road, Great World City, The metropolis, i12 Katong, Asia Sq Tower 2, VivoCity, Chevron House, Suntec City Tower 2, Changi Airport T2, Robertson Quay

Su Man Yuan Vegetarian Stall @ Plaza Singapura

Finally a post on Su Man Yuan @ PS! The stall is located in the Kopitiam food court. I'm really happy that there is this stall for vegetarians now. In the past i used to think that orchard road is the most vegetarian unfriendly place. These days, its good to see certain changes and with the long queues during lunchtime, I really hope Su Man Yuan can stay for as long as possible.

What I've always like about su man yuan is the quality assurance they've got. So far my favourite is their stall at Suntec which even has Brown Rice Porridge!

The food at Marine Parade is not bad as well.

At PS, there is also quite a selection of the dishes daily as well as tze char dishes.

I ate laksa on this day as I wanted something really spicy.

Laksa $3.30

In comparison with other stalls, the ingredients here are lesser. Some places do have Beancurd and Char Siew included. Here they only gave me a few slices of Tao Pok and Fish balls. The soup is good but fattening as lots of coconut milk is added.

Do note that during their busy lunch hour, they would not be able to cook the tze char dishes for you, hence you can only choose to eat the mixed veg rice. I didn't mind that since there is free soup!

Diet: No Eggs, but some dishes do serve with mayo on top.

Other dishes which I like: Lor Mee

Location: 68, Orchard Road, Plaza Singapura, Level 6

Nutrihub the organic fusion cafe

This cafe has been operating quite some time back. Went with my parents as I was not able to find Jia Ming Vegetarian anymore! It is quite upsetting that the vegetarian places available at our famous Orchard Road is so limited. Note: Sunflower vegetarian and Grand Court Vegetarian have both closed down.
As for Jia Ming Vegetarian, not sure where it has moved to. Hence if you are looking for vegetarian places in Orchard, there is 1 stall in the Takashimaya Food Court, where the prices are really steep. Other than this stall, you may opt for this healthy cafe.

Fruity Salad

Picture from Nutri Web

Ordered this for my parents as I like the one from Green Pasture. This version is much healthier as it comprises of beetroot. Ingredients are fresh and does make a good appetizer.

Dry Mushroom Udon

Picture from Nutri Web

Basically a simple dish comprises of capsicums and mushrooms. Quite tasty, but I thought that it was not worth the price.

All in all, this is an organic place for healthy eating. If you have a picky tastebud, you may find most of the dishes bland. To try a taste of pure nature, you may want to visit this place!

Location: Cuppage Plaza (Basement 2) - You will see a lot of Big Umbrella seats.

Opening Hours: 10am to 7pm daily; Sunday till 4pm

Tel: 67382746

Lingzhi Vegetarian Restaurant (灵芝素食)

Went there on a Saturday afternoon with my parents after knowing that they have moved and the High tea which we used to adore came back in action.

In this restaurant newly located at Novena Square, there is no steamboat buffet available. However, on weekends and public holidays, you may go for the High Tea Buffet, which in the past they used to serve when they were still located in orchard towers (ages ago).

It costs $15++ per person. The usuals like my favourite 粉包 and carrot cake are available. However, we were kind of upset when there isn't any Char Siew Bun.

Dim Sum

Other than the usual dim sum, there are also a total of 4 dishes available for numerous orders. The Rock and Roll Salad is one of the recommended dish. Only in a serving size, there is a generous serving of vegetables mixed with a special sauce, comprising of Wasabe Sauce, Vinegar and Soy Sauce. Tastes really special and it works wonders as an appetiser.

Rock and Roll Salad

The other dishes include the treasures beancurd skin (法海金盏), straw mushrooms beancurd as well as Luo han veg.

Treasures Beancurd Skin

The overall experience was good as the setting of the restaurant is modern, not your typical chinese restaurant. Im not able to comment on services as this is self-service buffet. However, the waiters are still ok, as we are regular customers.

Locations:
1. 541 Orchard Road
Liat Towers, #05-01
Opening Hours: 11:30am - 3:00pm; 6:00pm - 10:00pm
Tel: 6734 3788

2. 238 Thomson Road
Velocity @ Novena Square, #03-09/10 (Beside Fish&Co)
Opening Hours: 11:30am - 3:00pm; 6:00pm - 10:00pm
High Tea Hours: 3:00pm - 5:00pm (Only Sat/Sun/Pub Hols)
Tel:6538 2992

Website: http://www.tunglok.com/index1.html

It is recommended that you make a reservation before going.

QQ Rice (台湾饭团)

A new Rice franchise from taiwan has just arrived in Singapore. Nonetheless, since my sister loonie tart has introduced this new snack, I have completely fallen prey to it.

Step 1: Choose Your Rice (Be it Wheat Rice, Brown Rice or Purple Rice)

Step 2: Choose 5 Ingredients

(Thanks Loonie tart for helping me scan the order form)

Step 3: Pay the $$ and Collect your rice roll Example Vegetarian Combo: Sliced Burdock, Vege Pork Floss, Mushrooms, Vege Ham, Pickled Veg.. SEDAP!

Its simple and easy, and it is not very expensive, at only $3.20 per roll. Most Importantly, the RICE is healthy!

Do not fret that the utensils used are unclean, as the vegetarian section is using different tongs. Also, if you do take eggs, please do not choose the egg fill, as it is used together with the 'meats' tongs.

Taiwan Web: http://www.qq-rice.com/

QQ's Flyer:

Locations:

1. Plaza Singapura Shopping Centre (Basement 2)

2. Novena Square