“Eat Green, Feel Good!”
And I’m not talking about those oily and greasy vegetarian bee hoon with crispy vegetarian goose. These days, vegetarian fare is a notch better than what it used to be in terms of variety.
Bento. Sushi. Sashimi. Rendang. Fish Soup. Braised Duck Rice. Burgers. Sandwiches. And so much more. Everything comes in vegetarian versions now which makes eating green a tad more exciting. Who says we need meat to enjoy our usual favourite fare?
Founded in 2011, Green Dot had started this Green Fast Food movement in schools to change young people’s perception of vegetarian food that was often labelled as ‘boring’ or ‘unappealing’. I was one of them then but as I discovered more about (delicious) plant-based diets, I find the occasional vegetarian dining to be quite an enjoyable and wholesome experience that brings eating to a whole new level.
The foodie duo came across this modern-looking, casual vegetarian bistro at Paya Lebar Square and decided to have a quick lunch here.
The menu selection was rather small with a mix of rice, noodles, burgers, salad and soup.
Alternatively, you can also customise your bento like how you’d pick dishes at a mixed rice stall.
When seated, you’d be given the hardcopy menu and once you’re ready to order, you can do so via the tablet on your table. Then head to the counter and make payment and your order will be delivered to where you’re seated.
The Mushroom Bowl (S$8.90) with choice of 1 soup base (Herbal, Tom Yum or Laksa) came in a hearty portion with a serving of brown rice. The laksa broth was really robust and flavoursome and I really liked that there wasn’t any sight of floating oil on top like the regular laksa elsewhere. It didn’t taste greasy or too salty either. There were loads of ingredients in the bowl – shiitake mushrooms, enoki mushrooms, shimeiji mushrooms, tomato, fried beancurd skin, konnyaku prawns, baby nai bai and chinese cabbage – which made this a really filling meal. A great combination of textures from the various elements which somewhat gave the laksa bowl a natural sweetness and taste of freshness too. Highly recommended!
The Minced Soya Noodles (S$5.90) reminded me of a vegetarian version of zhajiangmian (炸酱面). The dark sauce was right at the bottom so it would need a good mix to combine everything together. Boy, this was a tasty bowl of noodles. The minced soya gave the right bite (just like real meat) and I could taste a subtle herby flavour in the sauce too which was quite uplifting without being overpowering. I loved the crispy fried tofu puffs and the crunch of the julienned vegetables. Even the side bowl of vegetable soup was light and homely.
As mentioned earlier, you can also customise your bento by choosing your rice from 5 options and then 1 main and 2 greens from what’s available at the counter here. Some of the mains looked good. Wouldn’t mind coming back for this next time.
Simple, honest vegetarian fare that’s big on flavours. What I love most is that freshness of ingredients that makes the meal seem so much more healthy and nutritious. No worries about feeling thirsty after the meal too.
Prices shown on menu were inclusive of GST. There is no additional service charge.
Green Dot
60 Paya Lebar Road
#02-15/16/17 Paya Lebar Square
Singapore 409051
Tel: +65 6702 2221
Website: http://www.greendot.sg/
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/greendotsg