Who knew delighting in feasts could be so meaningful? The Choose Good with Mandai food trail has eateries in Singapore coming up with all sorts of creative and delicious sustainable food!
As far as sustainable food goes, Singapore doesn’t present us with too tough a search! This is especially so from October to December 2022 – in line with the Choose Good with Mandai initiative by Mandai Wildlife Group (the people who brought to you our amazing Singapore Zoo!) 20 of Singapore’s most famous eateries will be serving up sustainable foods for the nature-loving foodie in you.
And to make things extra exciting, all the dishes will be inspired by the diets of regional wildlife! An ode to the importance of animal species in our ecosystem, what could be a tastier way to spread the word than by going for a makan fest with your buddies?
Besides, we’re making things easy for you. We’ve discovered all 17 spots along the Choose Good with Mandai food trail! Now, you can easily pick the best sustainable food spot for you and your friends.
1. Afterglow.
We’re starting off sweet with a dish best served cold! Afterglow brings to the table a special, Raw Mixed Berries Cheesecake inspired by the diet of the Lesser Bird of Paradise. The best part of this? Beyond the sweet, irresistible goodness of berries and cake, of course, is that Afterglow’s products are all completely plant-based and free from allergens! We’re talking gluten-free, preservatives-free, and away from any refined sugar or artificial flavouring. Talk about eating clean and tasty. This sustainable cheesecake will leave you with the perfect afterglow of satisfaction.
Vegan, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free.
2. Bamboo Bowls
Here in Singapore, there’s no doubt about one thing: we love Asian food! Whether it’s savouring local cuisines or diving into regional favourites, Singaporeans are all about that Asian foodie experience. So if you’re looking to bring your palate on a journey through Asia while still staying sustainable, Bamboo Bowls is the eatery for you.
Healthy and sugar-free, Bamboo Bowls’ Seoul Japchae Noodles takes you to South Korea on your culinary feast. A unique rendition of the festive Korean dish, this fiery, sustainable dish is inspired by the Sumatran Orangutan’s diet. Head over to have a taste of japchae noodles, coconut & lime gochujang tofu, bb’s vegan housemade kimchi and peanut-nori crumb. It’ll have you absolutely in love.
Sugar-Free.
3. Birds of Paradise.
If you love all things dessert, Birds of Paradise needs no introduction. An homage to the South East Asian palate, the creators behind the premium gelato brand gently infuse unique, botanical flavours into their gelato, creating a refreshing journey with every spoonful.
In line with their tropical theme and the Choose Good with Mandai initiative, Birds of Paradise has created a Cucumber & Double Mint Sorbet that finely balances the flavours and aromas of the Sumatran Orangutan’s diet!
4. Chye Seng Huat Hardware.
If you’re a fan of Gilmore Girls, the concept of a hardware store turned cafe might just sound ever so romantic to you. And you’ll be pleased to discover that Singapore has its very own version! The more locally named Chye Seng Huat Hardware, or CSHH, was once home to several metal and hardware companies. Now however, it houses PPP Coffee (who kept the name of the building as a tribute to the vicinity’s heritage!).
And if you’re already in love with the idea of a hardware coffee shop, hear this: CSHH has joined the Choose Good with Mandai food trail! Their colourful Quinoa Salad was inspired by the diet of the Sun Bear. Made of quinoa, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, roasted cauliflower, pomegranate, baby corn and fresh, seasonal greens, this refreshing salad is vegan-friendly too!
Vegan-Friendly, Allergen-Friendly (menu indicates possible allergens and meats).
5. Dearborn.
Despite shifting from a supper club concept to making quality granola, Dearborn’s focus has always remained the same. Their ingredients are sourced sustainably – so it’s no surprise that Dearborn has eagerly decided to take part in the Choose Good with Mandai initiative!
Their wildlife-inspired dish, Strawberries and Blueberries, was inspired by the Pancake Tortoise’s diet. Made of plump strawberries and blueberries accompanied by Dearborn’s signature maple base, this sweet yet healthy meal comes with a healthy crunch of almond.
Vegan-Friendly.
6. GoodFoodPeople.
Vegan food made tasty! GoodFoodPeople (GFP) is an eatery that believes in creating plant-based meals that are delicious, nutritious AND sustainable. From locally sourced ingredients to upcycling initiatives, it’s no wonder GFP has decided to take part in the Choose Good with Mandai initiative. GFP didn’t just come up with one dish though, they’ve got three! Talk about being spoiled for choice.
If you love Korean food, be sure to have a taste of their Plant-based Korean Chicken. Inspired by the Asiatic Black Bear’s diet, the chicken is topped with mixed grains, with sweet potato, haricot beans, spring onions, and Korean chilli vinaigrette. Who says you have to miss out on all your Asian favourites just because you’re on a vegan diet?
While you’re here, be sure to check out the Jackfruit Meatballs Grain Bowl and Garlic Seafood with Pesto Pasta. They’re both dishes created just for the Choose Good with Mandai initiative, and are inspired by the Sumatran orangutan and Asian Small-Clawed Otter’s diets respectively. They’re good food, people! 😉
Vegan.
7. Grain Traders.
Grain Traders believe that nourishment comes in many forms, which is why their eatery is surrounded by not just inspired and consciously-prepared meals, but also environments where food meets design, music and art! So if you’re looking for a place to chill and relax with good, sustainable meals, Grain Traders might just be your next hangout spot.
For the Choose Good with Mandai initiative, Grain Traders has created two special bowls inspired by the diets of the Asiatic Black Bear and Sumatran Orangutan! Perfect for breakfast, brunch, and even lunch, the Mandai Hero Bowl and Mandai Breakfast Bowl are healthy meals that still pack a punch in nutrition. They might all fit in one bowl, but they’ll fill your tummy – we promise.
Vegan-Friendly, Allergen-Friendly (menu indicates possible allergens and meats).
8. Huggs Coffee.
With over 20 outlets around central Singapore, Huggs Coffee is no stranger to the average Singaporean! Their people-first strategy makes them an undoubtedly friendly face. And with their Heart to Huggs initiative to boot, Huggs Coffee truly lives up to its name – it’s like they’re giving everyone hugs!
With EcoHuggs being one of Heart to Huggs’ 3 key pillars, Huggs Coffee is also taking part in the Choose Good with Mandai initiative this year. Their Pesto Chicken Wrap, Banana Walnut Muffin, and Honey Lemon drink are inspired by the Sun Bear, which also serves as a shoutout to Huggs Coffee’s mascot – a bear!
9. Kind Kones.
Indulging in healthy sweet treats comes easy with Kind Kones! Who knew dessert could be oh-so guilt-free? Starting out in 2017 as a way to prove that ice cream can be better for both us and the planet, Kind Kones has since delivered delicious ice creams that are healthier than your average cone of cream to the table. Without compromising on taste, no less!
So for anyone who’s craving dessert but would like to indulge guilt-free, now you know where to head to! The best part? Kind Kones has come up with a new flavour for the Choose Good with Mandai initiative, inspired by the Sun Bear’s diet: the Banana & Coconut Ice Cream with Fig Jam!
Vegan, Dairy-Free, (Refined) Sugar-Free, Gluten-Free Friendly.
10. Little Farms.
Now, what could be more comforting than a warm plate of Fish and Chips? Not much, if you ask us! And that’s what Little Farms’ is serving us this year, in line with the Choose Good with Mandai initiative.
This specialty grocery store and cafe in Singapore is serving up more than just Fish and Chips, for the initiative, though. Enjoy Caesar Salad (inspired by the Celebes Crested Macaque’s diet), Bostock Organic Chicken Breast (inspired by the Clouded Leopard’s diet), Avocado, Quinoa & Feta Bowl (inspired by the Asiatic Black Bear’s diet), Vitamin C Juice (inspired by the Indian Rhino’s diet) and of course, the Sustainably Farmed Fish & Chips (inspired by the Asian Small-clawed Otter).
11. Love Handle.
Eating healthy, clean, and sustainable definitely comes with its sacrifices. Sometimes keeping on the ethical side of the fence means letting go of the food you love most – like fast food! Nothing beats biting into a warm, juicy cheeseburger, and getting that clean can feel almost impossible.
Thanks to Love Handle though, you don’t have to worry. They’ve handled that love for you! For the Choose Good with Mandai food trail, Love Handle has whipped up 3 succulent new dishes for you to try out – including their Smashed Cheeseburger inspired by the diet of the Clouded Leopard!
If you’re hanging out at Love Handle with friends, they might want to get the Grilled Corn (inspired by the Sun Bear) and Egg Mayo Focaccia (inspired by the Straw-headed Bulbul), too!
Vegan (plant-based meats).
12. Open Farm Community.
Talk about sustainability! Singapore’s Open Farm Community works to ensure not only limited waste but also maximises the use of all their food (which is locally and regionally sourced!). They place heavy focus into respecting their ingredients, control water and electricity usage and even recycle vigorously.
For Choose Good with Mandai’s food trail, the team at Open Farm Community has taken inspiration from the Rothschild Giraffe and crafted unique dessert Tall Order. Made out of Sweet Potato Sticky Toffee Pudding, Orange, and Dates, Tall Order’s flavours blend surprisingly well together to create a dessert deserving of its name.
Vegan-friendly, allergen-friendly (menu indicates possible allergens and meats).
13. Raw Kitchen Bar.
Started as a passion project in a backroom of the old Bukit Timah fire station, Raw Kitchen Bar’s wholesome view on food translates beautifully to your plate – and this includes the dishes they’ve crafted specially for Choose Good with Mandai’s food trail!
Their Pulled “Beef” Toast (inspired by the Malayan Tiger’s diet) comprises coffee-spiced pulled Fable “beef” toast, pepper jack cheese, chipotle aioli, and an onsen egg. Sounds like the perfect meal for brunch to us! P.S. While you’re here, be sure to also have a taste of the Ile Flottante, inspired by the Sumatran Orangutan’s diet!
14. Starter Lab.
It’s monsoon season in Singapore, which means: sweater weather for days! Just imagine relaxing in a warm bakery on a rainy morning, with brunch and tea – doesn’t that sound amazing? It does to us! And Starter Lab’s fresh bakes and chill ambience provides you with just that.
So be sure to head on down and have a taste of their three delicious bakes created specially for the Choose Good with Mandai food trail! From Smokey Roast Tomatoes inspired by the Sun Bear’s diet to Bella’s Breakie inspired by the Celebes Crested Macaque, brunch meetups are going to get a gastronomic upgrade.
Vegetarian-Friendly, Dairy-Free friendly (menu indicates possible allergens and meats).
15. The Coconut Club.
The Coconut Club celebrates an underrated but highly essential Singaporean ingredient – lemak! So if you’re a big fan of dishes like Nasi Lemak, Rendang and Malay or Peranakan Kueh, The Coconut Club might just be for you. Inspired by the Giant Panda’s diet, The Coconut Club has whipped up a unique rendition of the Sayur Lodeh, called the Sayur Lodeh Rebung, or Sayur Lodeh Bamboo!
Vegetarian-Friendly.
16. The Social Space.
Get mischievous at The Social Space this weekend as you indulge in a bowl of Monkey Business! You heard that right – The Social Space, a café, fair trade retail area, and even a nail salon, has hopped on the Choose Good with Mandai bandwagon too. This multi-concept space aims to inspire social-impact champions in all that they do, so it seems fitting that they’ve joined the food trail!
Their smoothie bowl, Monkey Business, is inspired by the Celebes Crested Macaque’s diet. Healthy and packing a punch in fruity flavours, savour red dragon fruit, papaya, banana, soy milk and honey blended together for a tasty treat that’s hard to resist!
17. Three Buns.
A gastronomic feast just wouldn’t be the same without gourmet burgers! Burger joint Three Buns is the last on today’s list of wildlife-inspired sustainable foods and it’s definitely a must-visit. Not only does it serve amazing food, the eatery is also a hub for the local creative community. The cafe works closely with like-minded international talent from the fields of Art, Music and Fashion!
If you’re heading over here to get your dose of culture and food, be sure to have a bite of the Bear Necessities, a burger inspired by the Asiatic Black Bear. And while you’re at it, don’t forget to wash it down with a Brass Macaque (inspired by the Celebes Crested Macaque’s diet) or a Happy Horton (inspired by the Asian Elephant).
And hey, don’t worry! That’s not the end of the list. If you’re looking to enjoy sustainable groceries, head over to FoodXervices! Their groceries, inspired by the Sumatran Orangutan and Asiatic Black Bear, are perfect for DIY meals. If you’re looking to enjoy a delicious cup of coffee, head to Foreword Coffee Roasters – for cookies and latte inspired by the Sun Bear’s diet. And if you’re a big fan of chocolate, Mr. Bucket Chocolaterie’s Bear Grub is a must try. Made of dark chocolate and a refreshing blend of orange, coconut and fig inspired by the Sun Bear’s diet, you’ll never have anything else like it.
The best part of this tantalising feast, though? Proceeds from the food go into animal conservation! Who knew delighting in feasts could be so meaningful? Check out Choose Good with Mandai to find out more about the Choose Good with Mandai food trail’s contest, games and more!
Enjoyed this article? Check out these 9 therapeutic gardens in Singapore, or meet the duo protesting fast fashion waste with sustainable, bespoke kimonos!
