Just a few weeks ago I published a review on a new and exciting vegan eatery in ang mo kio called Vegetarian Era. As I eluded to in this review, a new outlet in Hougang was planned, and sure enough, here it is! The banner looks identical to the ang mo kio outlet, however, what has changed is there are eight brand spanking new dishes to choose from. What is so superb is these eight dishes are unique, and not what one would typically expect from a vegetarian stall - Focusing mainly on Penang and Hainan specialties.
Vegetarian Era
Location: Blk 805, Yong Soon Coffee Shop
Contact: 96109123
Opening Hours: Daily 7.00am - 9.00pm
When I heard about the eight new dishes, certainly the one that got me most excited was the Hainanese Noodle. As chef Henry is a Hainanese himself, I had high expectations from this dish, and overall it delivered. In all honesty, it is difficult to find a flaw with this dish - The radish was beautifully stewed and bursting with flavour, the noodles had ideal texture, the mock meat (both monkey head and mushroom stem) matched with the soup, the raw coriander added superb freshness and aroma - All in all, delicious!
Price: $3.50. 9/10
Pumpkin Mee Java is a dish introduced to Malaysia by South Indian migrant workers many decades ago, it also goes by the name mee masak. This version has a perfect pumpkin sauce, it is not too rich and has a lovely natural sweetness from the pumpkin. The yellow noodles were cooked well. Another unique dish, which was pleasing on the taste buds.
Price: $3.00. 8/10
The next unique dish is Famous Assam Laksa, which is the first vegan assam (Penang) laksa that exists in Singapore. Having tried the original Penang version of the dish, I do notice the flavours in this version have been tweaked slightly. It is less sour, and has a stronger ginger flower (bungah kantan) aroma. The mock fish is soaked in the soup and has a somewhat powdery texture, which personally I enjoyed. The traditionalist may prefer more sourness, but I reckon most will appreciate and enjoy this dish just how it is.
Price: $3.50. 9/10
The only rice dish available at the Hougang outlet is the Iron Rice Bowl, which is also incidentally the most expensive dish available. The praise worthy aspects of this dish are the salted fish pieces, which had authentic fish flavour. Additionally, the vegetables and mushrooms were all cooked well. Being someone who prefers harder rice, I found that the rice was a little soft and mushy. Nevertheless, a satisfying dish overall.
Price: $4.00. 7/10
Conclusion - Henrys (the owner of Vegetarian Era) vision of transforming the vegetarian scene in Singapore is truly inspirational to me. Readers should be happy to know that his vision does not end with just two outlets. He is planning a third outlet (located in Eunos) by the end of the year, which will be serving eight peranakan/nonya dishes to the public - I can't wait for that!
Overall Rating
Food - 8/10
Ambiance- 7/10
Service - 9/10
Value - 9/10
Vegetarian Era
Location: Blk 805, Yong Soon Coffee Shop
Contact: 96109123
Opening Hours: Daily 7.00am - 9.00pm
When I heard about the eight new dishes, certainly the one that got me most excited was the Hainanese Noodle. As chef Henry is a Hainanese himself, I had high expectations from this dish, and overall it delivered. In all honesty, it is difficult to find a flaw with this dish - The radish was beautifully stewed and bursting with flavour, the noodles had ideal texture, the mock meat (both monkey head and mushroom stem) matched with the soup, the raw coriander added superb freshness and aroma - All in all, delicious!
Price: $3.50. 9/10
Pumpkin Mee Java is a dish introduced to Malaysia by South Indian migrant workers many decades ago, it also goes by the name mee masak. This version has a perfect pumpkin sauce, it is not too rich and has a lovely natural sweetness from the pumpkin. The yellow noodles were cooked well. Another unique dish, which was pleasing on the taste buds.
Price: $3.00. 8/10
The next unique dish is Famous Assam Laksa, which is the first vegan assam (Penang) laksa that exists in Singapore. Having tried the original Penang version of the dish, I do notice the flavours in this version have been tweaked slightly. It is less sour, and has a stronger ginger flower (bungah kantan) aroma. The mock fish is soaked in the soup and has a somewhat powdery texture, which personally I enjoyed. The traditionalist may prefer more sourness, but I reckon most will appreciate and enjoy this dish just how it is.
Price: $3.50. 9/10
The only rice dish available at the Hougang outlet is the Iron Rice Bowl, which is also incidentally the most expensive dish available. The praise worthy aspects of this dish are the salted fish pieces, which had authentic fish flavour. Additionally, the vegetables and mushrooms were all cooked well. Being someone who prefers harder rice, I found that the rice was a little soft and mushy. Nevertheless, a satisfying dish overall.
Price: $4.00. 7/10
Conclusion - Henrys (the owner of Vegetarian Era) vision of transforming the vegetarian scene in Singapore is truly inspirational to me. Readers should be happy to know that his vision does not end with just two outlets. He is planning a third outlet (located in Eunos) by the end of the year, which will be serving eight peranakan/nonya dishes to the public - I can't wait for that!
Overall Rating
Food - 8/10
Ambiance- 7/10
Service - 9/10
Value - 9/10