1. Elemen (元素) – Modern Vegetarian Excellence
Overview
Elemen represents a new wave of vegetarian dining in Singapore, with multiple outlets across the island including Millenia Walk, Paya Lebar Quarter, Great World City, and Woodlands. Established by the Koufu Group in 2015, this restaurant has successfully redefined what vegetarian food can be.
Ambience Analysis
Rating: 4.5/5
The ambience varies by location but maintains a consistent modern, comfortable aesthetic. The Paya Lebar Quarter outlet offers excellent family-friendly vibes with spacious seating, while the Millenia Walk location provides a more intimate dining experience. Great World City’s outlet features upscale decor with contemporary lighting and clean lines, creating a relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere. The restaurants are well-lit with pleasant background music that allows for conversation without being intrusive.
Highlights:
- Clean, modern interior design
- Comfortable seating arrangements
- Family-friendly atmosphere
- Some outlets offer views of shopping mall activities
- Pleasant lighting that enhances food presentation
Areas for Improvement:
- Some outlets can feel cramped during peak hours
- Service inconsistency noted across different branches
Dish Analysis
8-Course Set Menu ($33.80++ to $43.80++)
Rating: 4.5/5
This is Elemen’s signature offering and represents exceptional value. The menu showcases culinary creativity without relying on mock meats.
Course Breakdown:
- Trio Appetizer – A visually stunning start featuring sesame shroom aspic with vegetarian oyster sauce and ginger, smoked seaweed sausage wrapped in beancurd skin with smoky cheese sauce, and a crispy purple roll on edible flowers. This demonstrates Elemen’s commitment to presentation and flavor complexity.
- Bread Sticks with Raspberry Sauce – Simple yet effective palate opener. The truffle blueberry dip variation is particularly memorable.
- Chilled Tofu Salad – Features sesame sauce, a touch of century egg, and tobiko. Refreshing and light, with good textural contrast.
- Cream Mushroom Soup – Hearty and filling with visible mushroom pieces. Rich umami flavor without being heavy.
- Main Course Options – Varies by season. The brown rice with red quinoa cooked in teriyaki sauce is outstanding, offering nutty flavors and satisfying texture. The fried egg tofu with broccoli provides protein and vegetables in perfect harmony.
- Beverage – Options include Lychee Rose, grape kombucha, or coconut mint with butterfly pea flower. The drinks are aesthetically pleasing and refreshing.
- Palate Cleanser – Apple cider shot effectively prepares the palate for dessert.
- Dessert – Tiramisu or other seasonal options. Well-executed and not overly sweet.
À La Carte Highlights
Sizzling Quinoa Brown Rice ★★★★★ The wok hei (breath of wok) flavor is remarkable for vegetarian cuisine. The quinoa adds nutritional value and textural interest. Highly recommended by regular customers.
Spicy Oyster Mushroom Omelette Pasta ($12.80) ★★★★☆ Elemen’s take on aglio olio features generous chili oil, egg omelette chunks, and stir-fried oyster mushrooms. Despite appearing fiery, it balances heat with subtle sweetness and rich egg flavors. Addictive.
Wild Mushroom & White Truffle Pizza ($17.80) ★★★★★ Thin-crusted cream-based pizza with portobello and shiitake mushrooms. The truffle flavor is authentic and not overwhelming. Light enough to finish solo despite generous portions.
Avocado Sushi ★★★★☆ Frequently mentioned in positive reviews. Fresh ingredients with good rice-to-filling ratio.
Mala Spice Noodles ★★★★☆ For those who crave heat, this dish delivers authentic mala flavor without meat.
Asian Curry with Crispy Roti ★★★★☆ Vegetarian interpretation of a classic. The curry has proper depth and spice levels. Best enjoyed hot.
Service Quality
Rating: 3.5/5
Service is the restaurant’s most inconsistent aspect. While many diners praise attentive, professional staff who remember regular customers and accommodate dietary preferences, recent reviews note declining service standards at some outlets.
Positives:
- Staff willing to customize dishes for vegan requirements
- Menu clearly labels egg/dairy/vegan options
- Knowledgeable about ingredients
- Efficient order taking at most locations
Issues Reported:
- Food served too quickly, leading to courses arriving before previous ones are finished
- Some dishes arriving cold
- Occasional slow service despite fewer customers
- Inconsistent water service and table maintenance
Value Proposition
Rating: 4.5/5
The 8-course menu at approximately $35-45 per person represents excellent value, especially given the portion sizes and ingredient quality. À la carte prices are reasonable for the quality delivered. This is affordable fine-dining vegetarian food.
Overall Verdict
Rating: 4.3/5
Elemen successfully proves that vegetarian food can be innovative, delicious, and satisfying without relying on mock meats. The restaurant excels in flavor development, presentation, and creativity. Even meat lovers consistently report satisfaction with their meals. The main weakness is service inconsistency across outlets, which management should address to maintain their growing reputation.
Best For:
- Families seeking healthy dining options
- Vegetarians wanting variety beyond mock meats
- Special occasions requiring set menus
- First-time vegetarian diners
Recommended Outlets: Millenia Walk (original), Paya Lebar Quarter (spacious)
2. Original Sin – Mediterranean Vegetarian Pioneer
Overview
Since 1997, Original Sin has been Singapore’s first and only Mediterranean vegetarian restaurant. Located in the charming Chip Bee Gardens at Holland Village, this award-winning establishment has stood the test of time, maintaining relevance for over 27 years.
Ambience Analysis
Rating: 4.5/5
Original Sin offers two distinct dining experiences under one roof, both evoking Mediterranean charm.
Al Fresco Area: The outdoor seating features beautiful mosaic-tiled tables set against lush garden foliage. This area is perfect for groups and creates a relaxed, European café atmosphere. The ambient lighting at night transforms the space into a romantic setting. Being just 2 minutes from Holland Village MRT makes it accessible while feeling tucked away.
Indoor Dining: The candlelit interior features plush red chairs and creates an intimate, date-worthy environment. The décor successfully captures Mediterranean warmth and familiarity. Some reviewers note that certain furnishings show age (stains on benches), but this adds to the established, comfortable character rather than detracting from it.
Highlights:
- Exceptional outdoor dining experience
- Romantic ambience ideal for dates
- Calming, tranquil setting
- Suitable for both intimate dinners and larger groups
- Free-flowing water service (increasingly rare)
Dish Analysis
Starters
Mezze Platter ($18-20) ★★★★★ The must-order item at Original Sin. This Middle Eastern platter includes four distinct dips: hummus (nutty), aromatic pumpkin and carrot (sweet), baba ganoush/eggplant (earthy), and tzatziki (sourish). Served with falafel balls and warm Middle Eastern bread. The variety of depths and textures makes this perfect for sharing. Each dip brings something different to the table.
Falafel Salad ($16-18) ★★★☆☆ Crumbled falafel over mesclun and vegetables in citrus lemon dressing with tzatziki. While fresh and healthy, some find it less exciting than other starters. The falafel can be on the dry side. Good for those seeking lighter options.
Basilico ($13) ★★★★☆ Homemade herb bread topped with creamy goat cheese, char-grilled eggplant, roasted capsicum, and rocket leaves. Well-balanced flavors that effectively whet the appetite without being heavy.
Principessa ($18) ★★★½☆ Colorful salad featuring roasted pumpkin, avocado, asparagus, tomato, French beans, and bocconcini over mixed lettuces. Light balsamic vinaigrette is subtle and unassuming. Fresh but not groundbreaking.
Main Courses
Risotto ($26) ★★★★★ Allow 20 minutes for preparation—it’s worth every second. Consistently praised as “one of the best risottos” diners have tried, vegetarian or otherwise. Creamy, perfectly cooked rice with depth of flavor that showcases proper technique. This is a must-order dish.
Bosco Misto ($26) ★★★★★ Another signature dish. Two spinach, feta, and tofu patties coated with crushed almonds and sesame seeds, served with asparagus and button mushroom plum sauce. Even dedicated meat lovers report feeling satisfied and content. The nutty coating provides excellent texture contrast against the soft patty interior.
Vegetable Tandoori ($26) ★★★★½ A pleasant surprise for those skeptical of “Western” restaurants doing Indian food. The curry has authentic kick without being overwhelming. Char-grilled button mushrooms, brinjal (eggplant), capsicum, onion, and tofu are evenly coated with tandoori spices. The accompanying mango chutney adds sweetness. Served with rice and yogurt. The only complaint: portions could be more generous.
Lasagna ($26) ★★★★☆ Baked layers of pasta with button mushrooms, spinach, onion, zucchini, capsicum, tomato, mozzarella, and fresh basil, topped with shaved parmesan. Properly executed comfort food. However, some diners seeking rich, cheese-heavy lasagna may find it lighter than expected.
Portobello Mushroom Steak ★★★★☆ A face-sized portobello mushroom topped with ricotta cheese, tomato basil sauce, and mozzarella, then baked. Remains moist without the typical fungi taste. Well-executed.
Absolute Pasta ★★★★★ Multiple reviewers cite this as their favorite dish, with one noting they “literally scraped the plate clean.” While specific details vary, the consistent praise suggests exceptional flavor and execution.
Kashmir Pizza ★★★☆☆ Results are mixed. Some find it satisfactory; others report it as bland and dry. May depend on topping choices and personal expectations.
Gnocchi ★★★★☆ Highlighted as a favorite by multiple diners. Pillowy potato dumplings that demonstrate proper Italian technique.
King Oyster Mushroom ★★★★☆ Praised for meaty texture and satisfying flavor. Good substitute for those missing meat textures.
Desserts (All $10)
Tiramisu ★★★★☆ Most frequently mentioned dessert favorite. Classic preparation that doesn’t disappoint.
Hazelnut Chocolate Cake ★★★★☆ Equally loved alongside the tiramisu. Rich without being overly heavy.
Chocolate Brownie ★★★☆☆ Solid but not standout.
Apple Crumble ★★★☆☆ Comfort dessert, well-executed.
Service Quality
Rating: 4.5/5
Service at Original Sin consistently receives high marks and is often cited as a highlight of the dining experience.
Positives:
- Extremely attentive and professional staff
- Servers remember regular customers
- Helpful in explaining menu items and ingredients
- Accommodates special requests (splitting milkshakes, dietary modifications)
- Staff notice small details (dropped forks) and proactively address them
- Manager takes photos for guests
- Named staff members (Zul, Zack) specifically praised for exceptional service
- Free water service provided
Consistency: Unlike many restaurants, service quality appears consistent across visits and time periods, which is remarkable for a 27-year-old establishment.
Wine Program
Rating: 5/5
Original Sin boasts an award-winning wine list with over 1,500 labels, recognized by Wine Spectator Magazine. This extensive selection elevates the dining experience and accommodates serious wine enthusiasts alongside casual diners.
Food Quality & Complexity
Rating: 4.5/5
A recurring comment from diners: “This isn’t what we expected of vegetarian food.” Original Sin succeeds in creating complex, delicious dishes where ingredients combine in original and unexpected ways. The kitchen demonstrates skill in preparation techniques (grilling, baking, slow-cooking risotto) rather than simply tossing salads together.
Strengths:
- Ingredients prepared with precision
- Complex flavor development
- Proper cooking techniques
- Dishes served piping hot and fresh
- Authentic Mediterranean flavor profiles
Divisive Aspects: Some diners find certain dishes bland or under-seasoned, while others praise the same dishes enthusiastically. This may reflect personal preferences for flavor intensity. The restaurant appears to aim for letting quality ingredients shine rather than overwhelming them with seasoning.
Value Proposition
Rating: 3.5/5
Pricing is at the higher end for vegetarian dining in Singapore. Main courses average $26, starters $13-20, and desserts $10. Total meal costs can reach $40-60+ per person.
Perspective:
- Some consider prices steep for the location and vegetarian cuisine
- Others feel quality justifies the cost
- Set lunches offer better value
- The longevity (27 years) suggests enough people find value here
The restaurant is paying for location (Chip Bee Gardens), ambience, extensive wine list, and consistent quality. Budget-conscious diners should be aware of pricing upfront.
Overall Verdict
Rating: 4.4/5
Original Sin deserves its reputation as a vegetarian dining pioneer. The restaurant successfully elevated vegetarian cuisine to fine-dining standards long before plant-based eating became trendy. Its 27-year track record speaks to quality consistency that few restaurants achieve.
The Mediterranean focus provides unique offerings in Singapore’s vegetarian scene, avoiding the common pitfall of relying on Asian mock meats. Even self-described meat lovers and “inveterate carnivores” consistently express surprise at how satisfying and impressive the food is.
The main consideration is pricing—this is special-occasion vegetarian dining rather than casual weeknight meals. However, the ambience, service, and food quality create an experience rather than just a meal.
Best For:
- Mediterranean food lovers
- Romantic dates (indoor seating)
- Group celebrations (al fresco area)
- Wine enthusiasts
- Vegetarians seeking familiar Mediterranean flavors
- Impressing skeptical meat-eating friends
Not Ideal For:
- Budget-conscious diners
- Those seeking Asian vegetarian cuisine
- Diners wanting bold, heavily seasoned food
- Quick, casual meals
Recommendations:
- Book ahead (restaurant is popular)
- Order the Mezze Platter and Risotto (nearly mandatory)
- Consider Bosco Misto for a substantial main
- Request outdoor seating if weather permits
- Ask for wine pairing recommendations
- Go with an appetite—portions are satisfying
Comparison: Elemen vs. Original Sin
Cuisine Style
- Elemen: Pan-Asian fusion with modern interpretations
- Original Sin: Mediterranean (Greek, Italian, Middle Eastern)
Price Point
- Elemen: More affordable ($30-45 for set menu)
- Original Sin: Higher-end ($40-60+ per person)
Ambience
- Elemen: Modern, family-friendly, mall setting
- Original Sin: Romantic, European, garden setting
Best For Mock Meat Avoidance
- Both excel: Neither relies heavily on mock meats
Service Consistency
- Elemen: Variable across outlets
- Original Sin: Consistently excellent
Innovation
- Elemen: More experimental and contemporary
- Original Sin: Classic Mediterranean executed well
Accessibility
- Elemen: Multiple locations, easier to visit
- Original Sin: Single location, requires intentional visit
Food Highlight
- Elemen: 8-course menu offers variety and value
- Original Sin: Individual dishes showcase mastery
Both restaurants prove vegetarian cuisine can be sophisticated, satisfying, and delicious. Choose Elemen for modern Asian fusion and value; choose Original Sin for Mediterranean classics and ambience.
Quick Reference Guide
Best for First-Time Vegetarian Diners
Elemen – Less intimidating, familiar Asian flavors, excellent value
Best for Special Occasions
Original Sin – Romantic ambience, wine program, established reputation
Best Value
Elemen – 8-course menu provides excellent bang for buck
Best Service
Original Sin – Consistently attentive and professional
Best for Families
Elemen – Multiple locations, kid-friendly atmosphere
Best for Dates
Original Sin – Candlelit interiors and al fresco garden dining
Most Innovative
Elemen – Constantly updating menu with creative interpretations
Most Established
Original Sin – 27 years of vegetarian excellence
Best Set Menu
Elemen – Comprehensive 8-course experience
Best À La Carte
Original Sin – Individual dishes showcase culinary skill
Reviews compiled from multiple sources and customer feedback, December 2024. Prices and menu items subject to change.