I still remember the first time I walked into Fortune Centre, located on Middle Road in Singapore’s vibrant Red Dot district. From the outside, this building, sitting at the intersection of Middle Road and Bencoolen Street, looked like just another aging commercial complex from the 1980s. Known as a rare find for vegetarian and vegan food, especially among vegetarian restaurants, I had been told it was a “vegetarian paradise.“
I’ve eaten my way through almost every floor, sampling dishes from fried rice to udon noodles, and in my experience, there is nowhere else in the city quite like it. If you’ve ever felt intimidated by this aging culinary vault or simply don’t know where to begin, I wrote this guide for you. Here is everything you need to know to dive into the rich history and vibrant flavors of Fortune Centre.
Fortune Centre: The Heart of Vegetarian Restaurants and Vegan Food in Singapore
When I first started exploring Fortune Centre, I kept asking myself: Why here? How did an unassuming, older commercial building become the undisputed epicenter of vegetarian food and vegan options in Singapore?
The answer lies in its geography and cultural history. Fortune Centre is located just a short walk from the famous Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple on Waterloo Street. For decades, Buddhist devotees have flocked to this area, many practicing vegetarianism on the first and fifteenth days of the lunar month, or as a full-time lifestyle. Naturally, food vendors specializing in vegetarian and vegan dishes set up shop nearby to cater to this steady stream of temple-goers.
Opening hours and additional tips: Most stalls operate with varying opening hours, typically from morning until evening. Be sure to check individual vendor times, especially for spots like Tracy Juice Culture and New Station Rice Bar, to plan your visit accordingly.
Local Dishes and Vegetarian Food: Navigating Fortune Centre for First-Timers
I know exactly how intimidating it can be for a first-timer. The layout is essentially a square with a hollow center, but the sheer number of stalls packed into the first three floors can cause instant decision fatigue. Here is my step-by-step approach to surviving, and thriving, during your first visit.
Step 1: Time your visit right
Expect to spend about 1.5 to 2 hours here if you really want to explore. However, do not arrive at 12:30 PM on a weekday. The building is surrounded by offices, and the lunch crush is intense. I prefer arriving around 11:15 AM or waiting until a quieter dinner window around 6:30 PM.
Step 2: Do a scouting lap
Don’t just sit down at the very first stall you see on the ground floor. Take the escalator up to the second and third floors. Look at what people are eating. The best stalls are often the ones tucked away in the back corners serving dishes like lor mee, fried rice, and spring rolls.
Step 3: Bring cash and an open mind
While many stalls now accept PayNow or cards, several of the older, budget-friendly vendors are still cash-only. Have some small bills ready.
Addressing the anxiety: “What if I don’t know what to order?”
This is a fear I hear all the time. My advice? Just ask. The vendors here are incredibly proud of what they do. I’ve found that simply saying, “It’s my first time here, what is your signature dish?” yields fantastic results. Alternatively, look at the tables around you. If everyone is slurping a specific bowl of noodles or enjoying a stone bowl dish, just point and say, “I’ll have that.“
For more insider recommendations beyond Fortune Centre, explore the rich variety of Japanese curry spots here on Singapore Best Restaurants.
New Station Rice Bar: Affordable and Delicious Plant-Based Comfort Food
One of the best places to experience comforting bowls of local food is the Station Rice Bar and its sibling, New Station Rice Bar. These eateries serve up affordable, hearty meals with an extensive menu featuring fried chicken made from mock meat, brown rice options, and miso soup to warm your soul.
- Must-Try: The Salted Egg Fried Chicken Rice and the comforting bowl of Black and White Garlic Chicken Soup.
- My Experience: These stalls are perfect for a quick lunch or casual dinner. The fried rice here is pretty good, with just the right balance of spices and veggies. The use of organic ingredients and vegan versions of local dishes make it a favorite among vegetarians and vegans alike.
Tracy Juice Culture: A Hidden Gem for Vegan Food and Nourishing Bowls
Located on the first floor, Tracy Juice Culture is a cozy spot known for its wholesome, dairy-free dishes and fresh juices. Their menu features vegan options like udon noodles in a thick, mushroom-rich broth and sweet potato-based dishes that are both nutritious and delicious.
- Must-Try: Tracy’s Special Mushroom Udon and their freshly blended fruit juices.
- My Experience: I stumbled in here on a rainy Tuesday, and this comforting bowl felt like a warm hug. The broth’s depth of flavor, packed with king oyster mushrooms and spices, makes it a rare find in the bustling food scene of Singapore.
Yat Ka Yan: Sweet Treats and Traditional Desserts at Fortune Centre
Yat Ka Yan is a must-visit for dessert lovers. Known for traditional sweets like durian chendol and yammy chendol, this spot offers a sweet finish to any meal. Their ice cream and dairy-free treats are a popular draw.
- Must-Try: Durian Chendol and yammy chendol.
- My Experience: After a filling meal of local dishes, Yat Ka Yan’s desserts provide the perfect balance of sweet and refreshing flavors.
Explore Vegetarian Diets Beyond Fortune Centre
Din Tai Fung: Vegetarian Dumplings and Vegan Options at Multiple Locations
Though Din Tai Fung is famous for its seafood and meat dumplings, it also offers a selection of vegetarian and vegan dishes that are a must-try for plant-based eaters.
- Must-Try: Steamed vegetable dumplings and hand rolls.
- My Experience: Din Tai Fung’s extensive menu and multiple locations make it a convenient choice for vegetarians seeking high-quality, delicious food in Singapore.
Whole Earth: Celebrated Plant-Based Peranakan and Thai Cuisine
Whole Earth is a Michelin Bib Gourmand winner known for its creative fusion of Peranakan and Thai vegetarian dishes.
- Must-Try: The spicy Penang Rendang made with shiitake m ushrooms and the harvest mushroom soup.
- My Experience: This restaurant has been serving delicious plant-based food for seven years and continues to impress with its balance of spices and fresh vegetables.
Boneless Kitchen: Korean Cuisine in Vegetarian and Vegan Style
For fans of Korean cuisine, Boneless Kitchen offers a fully plant-based menu with vegan dishes like japchae sweet potato noodles, kimchi pancakes, and tteokbokki spicy rice cakes.
- Must-Try: Japchae noodles and doenjang jeongol stew.
- My Experience: The bold spices and comforting dishes here make it a favorite among those craving Korean cuisine without meat.
Lotus Kitchen: Contemporary Vegan Chinese Cuisine
Lotus Kitchen at Fortune Centre offers a modern take on vegan Chinese food with an extensive menu featuring dim sum, fried rice, noodle dishes, and herbal soups.
- Must-Try: Steamed beancurd rolls, vegetable abalone dumplings, and claypot three cups tofu.
- My Experience: The dishes here are beautifully served and full of flavor, showcasing the versatility of vegetarian food.
Plant-Based Dining at Fortune Centre: A Culinary Adventure
Diving into Fortune Centre is like embarking on a culinary adventure through Singapore’s best vegetarian and vegan food. From hand rolls and banh mi to stone bowls and lor mee, the variety is staggering. Whether you crave fried rice, pasta, or local food specialties, this building offers something for every palate.
If you’re looking to eat well with a focus on organic ingredients, dairy-free options, and plant-based dishes, Fortune Centre is the place to visit. It’s a rare find in the Little Red Dot, offering authentic tastes from Kuala Lumpur to Little India, all under one roof.
A Final Note
Diving into Fortune Centre for the first time might feel a bit like stepping into an alternate, slightly chaotic universe. The lighting is dim, the layout is confusing, and the sheer volume of options can make your head spin. But I urge you to push past that initial hesitation.
Enjoy your plant-based journey at Fortune Centre, a true culinary gem in the heart of Singapore’s food scene.
