Ci Yan Organic Vegetarian Health Food

Singapore is intense. As a citizen, I'm only all too familiar with the intense pace, crowds racing helter-skelter to the next appointment. That intensity can only be matched by the variety of culinary delights offered on this small island. Just check out 12pm on any given weekday: hungry Singaporeans in staggering formations, lining up for literally anything the heart desires. And as with most Singaporeans, it's all too easy to over indulge, spiralling into debauchery. Restaurants like Ci Yan are essential to balance the nom nom debauchery, with healthy and equally tasty vegetarian fare. Many typical vegetarian restaurants serve mock meats that are akin to masticating a lump of gluten. Many too are bland, if not MSG laden. This is NOT the case with Ci Yan. For more than two decades, Ci Yan has been using the best organic ingredients to create daily menus based on seasonal availability, or sometimes even thoughtful menus to combat the weather (e.g. cooling herbal soups during hotter months). Sheltered in a heritage shophouse away from the noisy, touristy hawkers in Chinatown, this unassuming family-owned establishment may throw you off at first with its candid decor and hospitality. The interior decor features no-frills seating that tends to fill up quickly especially during lunch time. Yet the atmosphere is always calm and serene thanks to the many religious statues and images displayed. What I meant by hospitality, the owners are a lovable, quirky elderly couple who WILL talk to you. They may seem too blunt at first but you will really enjoy conversations with them when you let go of your own ego and really communicate. For first time visitors, there is only ONE menu that is displayed both at the entrance before you enter, and at the counter inside. I am a regular customer, and have tried almost all of their dishes. The daily menu will always feature their signature Brown Rice Set. It's a must-try. The side dishes change regularly, yet delivering the tenets of a good healthy meals (carbs, protein, fiber.. etc). The second must-try, and for me an absolute favorite, is the Herbal Soup (Dun Tang). This is the real deal, just the best ingredients doubled-boiled overnight for the heartiest broth you will ever taste. Because of the preparation, there are only a limited number of bowls per day. After these two menu essentials, the other items vary I personally suspect based on the whims of Aunty, who is a lauded chef and the head of the Ci Yan kitchen. This is another aspect of what keeps me returning: the surprise of the menu. For this review, I've posted the photos of their Five Elements Noodle Soup, which is really full of healthy and hearty roots such as turnips, burdocks and carrots. For the more "umami" palate, I love their Mala noodles, Nasi Lemak, Yong Tau Foo and Chicken Rice dishes. The testament to her skills as a chef really shines in these vegetarian takes on local favorites, Aunty is able to maintain the authentic flavors without the use of garlic and onions. How she got the Chicken Rice chilli down to taste is beyond me. Desserts are incredible as well, never ever too sweet. Ci Yan is a national treasure that seriously deserves all the attention and support. Fun fact: call the restaurant and listen to Uncle's inimitable daily narration of the menu. It's precious.

An interesting cafe that serves a small selection of vegetarian dishes. Menu changes daily and is reflected on the poster board located at the entrance. The vegetarian roll comes highly recommended with a generous amount of finely shredded carrot cucumber mang kuang and greens with roasted mock char siew wrapped tightly into a super thick roll. Every bite is a delight with a freshness of the crisp vegetables and the smoky char siew in harmonious marriage.

the menu changes so it is displayed on a board. there were about six options. the guy was really pushing us to get certain items. they use organic ingredients and no garlic & onion. we ended up going for mushroom ho fun noodles which were yum. they don't have a massive selection of drinks, just some soft drinks and ice teas.