Fortune Centre guide
Whether you’re on the hunt for yummy restaurants with meat-free options or looking for hidden gems to explore, Fortune Centre is a place to check out. Situated just a stone’s throw away from Bencoolen MRT and about a 10-minute walk from Bugis, this unassuming mall is brimming with restaurants that are full of vegetarian and vegan options – and we’re not just talking about salads.
From vegan sushi rolls and customisable artisanal pasta to Buddhist artefact shops, here’s what you can expect to find at Fortune Centre:
For other noteworthy malls to explore in Singapore, check out:
– Meat-free options –
1. Herbivore – Vegetarian and vegan Japanese food
If you think vegetarian and vegan food’s limited to salads and raw vegetables, think again. Specialising in meat-free cuisine with Japanese options, Herbivore proves that going green doesn’t have to be miso-rable.
The Unagi Maki ($15) is amongst the various creative sushi rolls offered on their menu
Image credit: @yewbutnotminli
Looking at pictures of the extensive range of delectable Japanese and Western dishes they serve, you’ll be hard-pressed to believe they’re entirely meat-free.
The “fish” in platters such as the 5-Kind Sashimi ($35) is made from ingredients such as konjac jelly and tofu
Image credit: @aaronchuabh
Not only do the “fish” resemble the original dishes looks-wise, but they also taste pretty close to the real deal too. And even if you think they don’t, these yummy dishes don’t compromise on taste and texture either. So if you wanna bluff someone into trying more plant-based foods, perhaps Herbivore is a great place to bring them to.
P.S. All dishes can be made vegan upon request if they’re not already.
Unit: #01-13/14
Opening hours: Mon – Fri 11.30AM-2.30PM & 5PM-9PM | Sat, Sun & P.H. 11.30AM-9PM
2. Tracy Juice Culture – Fruit smoothies and vegetarian udon
We don’t normally associate juice bars with udon noodles, but that’s the exact food and beverage combination you’ll find at Tracy Juice Culture.
Aside from several main squeezes such as their Avo Smoothie ($7), Tracy Juice Culture also offers dishes such as Tracy’s Special Udon ($8.80) – noodles served in a flavourful mushroom broth.
Image credit: @ramenking2018
Those feeling a little more adventurous can opt to try their signature Fruit Juice Curry Udon ($8.80) instead. After all, u-don know what you’re missing out on till you try it. Its broth is made from a blend of curry and fruits so it’s tangy, spicy and creamy all at the same time. Not to mention, it’s generously topped with ingredients such as dragon fruit slices, tau pok and tofu.
Unit: #01-34
Opening hours: 9AM-6PM, Daily
3. Pine Tree Cafe – Vegetarian local dishes like nasi lemak
Image credit: @juveeats
Those who love their local fare can indulge in vegetarian versions of them at Pine Tree Cafe. Using mock meat and other yummy ingredients, this eatery dishes out delectable nosh such as Nasi Lemak ($6), Bak Kut Teh ($7) and Laksa ($6) amongst others.
The best part is that everything here costs $10 or less, so whoever said going meat-free is expensive and boring can eat their words.
Unit: #02-13/09
Opening hours: 10AM-7PM, Daily
4. Mama Patisserie – All-vegetarian Japanese Bakery
Image credit: @Cqveggiefinds
Although Mama Patisserie’s other outlet in Square 2 is now permanently closed, bread lovers can still get their hands on a wide range of freshly baked goods at its Fortune centre branch. Apart from cakes and cookies, this bakery serves up stuffed buns with a Japanese-flavoured twist.
Image credit: @ykei_3489
With a pleasantly sweet red bean and chestnut filling nestled within a fluffy matcha bread, the Matcha Chestnut Red Bean Bun ($1.80) is a must-try if you’re at Mama Patisserie. The slight bitterness from the bread contrasts well with the sweetness of the filling, making it a satisfying tea time snack.
Likewise, the Black Sesame Yam Bun ($1.70) is also worth having as the sesame seeds give the carby treat a nice nutty taste, pairing well with the yam filling in the centre.
No worries if you don’t have a sweet tooth because this bakehouse also has a bunch of vegan and vegetarian savoury bakes like their Vegan Sausage Bun ($1.50).
Unit: #01-34
Opening hours: 9AM-9.30PM, Daily
– Non-vegetarian eateries –
5. Pasta & Co. – Customisable freshly-made pasta
Image credit: Pasta & Co.
Whether you’re vegetarian or not, Pasta & Co. has options for everyone. The cherry on top is that you’ll get to customise your pasta dish according to the way you like it. There are five types of handmade pasta for you to choose from, ranging from Squid Ink Tagliatelle to Beetroot Fusilli.
Image credit: Pasta & Co.
Mix and match the pasta type to the sauce or leave it up to the service crew to recommend something to you. No doubt you’ll be able to get your fill of im-pasta-bly authentic Italian dishes here.
Unit: #02-17
Opening hours: Tue – Sun 12PM-2.30PM & 5.30PM-10.30PM (Closed on Mondays)
6. WaWa Lala Bee Hoon – Lala clams speciality restaurant
Image credit: @hungryybearr
Founded by a bunch of seafood lovers, WaWa Lala Bee Hoon serves up a smorgasbord of dishes featuring venus clams – a.k.a. lala. Its menu features signature items such as the Signature Power Drunken Lala Bee Hoon Soup ($8.90) and Power Sambal Lala ($8.90) and other western grub such as Fusilli Vongole ($10.90).
With a seawater tank housing live clams onsite, you can bet that the seafood here is about as fresh as it can get.
Unit: #01-11/12
Opening hours: Tue – Sun 11.30AM-9.30PM (Closed on Mondays)
7. Izakaya Hikari – Affordable grilled meats
Image credit: Izakaya Hikari
Tucked away in a cosy corner on the third floor is Izakaya Hikari. With a modern interior and shelves lined with Japanese wine bottles, this bar is something most would not expect to find in an older mall like Fortune Centre.
Image credit: @wchujiak
Even better, Izakaya Hikari’s menu includes a plethora of affordable grilled meats (from $3.90) for you to tuck into. If you feel like having something more classic, they also offer other familiar Japanese dishes such as Sashimi Donburi (from $16.90) and Gyoza ($6.90).
Either way, this quaint Izakaya is a great place for you to fill your belly, chillax and unwind.
Unit: #03-01
Opening hours: Mon – Fri 12PM-2.30PM & 5PM-10.30PM | Sat 5PM-10.30PM (Closed on Sundays)
8. Hangawi Korean Food – Authentic Korean nosh
Image credit: @thisisjeffrey
We all know never to judge a book by its cover, so it’s unsurprising to see Hangawi Korean Food filled with diners despite its hole in the wall appearance.
Image credit: @xewan9
Owned by Koreans, this family-run eatery is the go-to place for authentic Korean dishes that are also value-for-money. Expect to find generous servings of classic items like Kimchi Soup ($6) and Bibimbap ($6.50).
Better yet, you’ll get a free serving of banchan (Korean side dishes) alongside each main you order.
Unit: #02-18
Opening hours: 10AM-8PM, Daily
– Other shops –
9. Shop for vegetarian groceries and snacks
Image credit: @duckchocolate
Forget the time-consuming hunt for meat-free groceries within regular supermarket aisles because Xin Yuan Vegetarian Food Trading is your one-stop-shop for everything vegetarian.
Conveniently located on the first floor, this store sells a variety of vegan and vegetarian products at reasonable prices – some even cost less than what you’ll find in your local grocery store. At the same time, they also bring in seasonal treats such as bak kwa so it’s worth a visit if you’re looking for vegetarian versions of your fave festive snacks.
Unit: #01-25
Opening hours: 10AM-5.30PM, Daily
10. Browse through various stores with Buddhist artefacts
Image credit: De Lin Buddhist Artifacts Center
Besides food, Fortune Centre houses a couple of religious goods and occult stores. They are mostly Buddhist ones, which is unsurprising considering how Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple is right next door. It’s also easy to spot these stores as most of them are brightly lit with religious talismans and statues on display.
Some of them even provide Feng Shui consultations and readings. If you’re keen to bring in the fortune this coming CNY, perhaps it’s worth checking out these shops at Fortune Centre.
Visiting Fortune Centre
Contrary to its “vintage” exterior, Fortune Centre is a gem many of us have not fully explored. Don’t write it off as an ancient relic – rather, visit the mall in person and you’ll find yourself rewarded with some of the tastiest and most creative vegetarian and vegan food in Singapore.
Fortune Centre
Address: 190 Middle Road, Singapore 188979
Opening hours: 11AM-9PM, Daily
Getting there:
By car: Fortune Centre has a carpark. Though, do note that parking charges vary depending on day and timing.
By MRT: It is just a two-minute and ten-minute walk away from Bencoolen and Bugis MRT stations respectively.
By bus: Accessible via bus 56, 131, 147, 166, 640, 857 and 980. All of these buses will stop a few minutes walk away from Fortune Centre.
Check out these other eateries in Singapore:
Cover image adapted from (L-R): @juveeats, @aaronchuabh
