When a hip and happening date night spot like Open Door Policy goes dairy- and gluten-free, you know that wholesome eating is no longer a niche thing just for dieters and vegetarians. Sexy salad options, grain bowl purveyors and the now-ubiquitous poke bowls are everywhere. These are the ones to try.
A Poke Theory
There are tons of poke places now, but we are in love with the perky and balanced bowls here. Choose a base like sushi rice and lemon herb quinoa, pile it with raw fish like shoyu tuna and jazz up your bowl with nori flakes, tobiko and other touches. 27 Boon Tat St.
Grain Traders
Now with two branches, this grain bowls place serves signature bowls alongside a mix and match option, with a variety of proteins and veggies. Try the El Hibaro (striploin, salsa verde, wafu tomato). #01-01/02/03 CapitaGreen, 138 Market St.
Jamie’s Italian
Eating healthy doesn’t have to mean eating like an ascetic. Celeb chef Jamie Oliver has been famous for his simple, honest, unadulterated cooking and the new dishes at the two Singapore branches promise wholesome big flavors: Paris mushroom fritti with homemade garlic mayo, ethically sourced baked salmon with lemony ricotta and roasted veggies, to name a couple. #01-01/04 Forum Shopping Mall, 583 Orchard Rd. Make a reservation via Chope.
Kitchen by Food Rebel
This organic CBD spot offers lots of gluten- and dairy-free options among internationally influenced dishes like barramundi with Asian greens and the chili padi chicken sandwich. They do an organic French wine happy hour, too. 28 Stanley St.
The Marmalade Pantry
With branches in the CBD, Orchard and Novena, this is a great spot for a bistro-style lunch. Try their hearty, healthy salads, like the spinach and kale with red pepper pesto, and the baked snapper. For a cheat day, don’t miss the minute steak sandwich and their exotic cupcakes such as chocolate cake with William pear. #03-22 ION Orchard, 2 Orchard Turn
Plentyfull
Dishes here are prepared from scratch, using preservative-free ingredients, many sourced directly from local producers. It’s a point-and-order system at lunch, and a la carte at dinner. The menu changes, but expect Thai-roasted chicken with red cabbage salad and vegetable dips. 9 Raffles Blvd. Make a reservation via Chope.
Real Food South Beach
The vegan cafe at The Central now has an upscale outlet in Beach Road’s new hotel complex. Try the rosemary and garlic hash brown; pasta with oil of oregano, veggie balls made out of beet and chickpea, and the barley mushroom burger. #B1-19 South Beach Tower, 26 Beach Rd.
Sprout Salad Bar
They serve droolsome salads and grain bowls with your choice of quinoa, mixed brown rice or soba noodles. Try the Moroccan chicken bowl with spinach, toasted almonds and more. Save room for the strawberry Earl Grey egglet waffle. 41 Duxton Rd.
