♥ Pastamania - Vegetarian-Friendly Restaurant in Singapore

 

 

New Menu - Updated April 2015



Why I Love Here:

Pastamania is literally available at most shopping malls in Singapore and super vegetarian-friendly! When there are no vegetarian-friendly eateries or pure vegetarian stalls around, I will go to this Italian cuisine eatery. The food is reasonable priced and the casual dining ambience is pretty good. My omnivore friends can have their feasts while I enjoy mine.

Coming here is like dining at fast food joints where you can have your combined meals, but in Italian style. Their menu is very vegetarian-friendly ranging from soup, bread, pasta to pizza. You can sign up as member at $15 per year, and you will get back $15 cash voucher for dining plus 15% off for ala-carte menu, and on your birthday you get 25% off 6 days before and after your birthday. Great deal, isn't it?

What To Take Note:
All cheese contain rennet. Natural calf rennet is extracted from the inner mucosa of the stomach chamber of slaughtered young, unweaned calves. Read more about rennet. Many vegetarians are concerned about the rennet used in their cheese, whether it is from vegetable or animal rennet. A email-conversation with the Relationship Manager from Pastamania confirmed that anything listed on the vegetarian menu in Pastamania is fully vegetarian including the cheese, which is free from animal rennet.

Take note that when most menus stated "vegetarian", it does not mean it is free from onion and garlic. It simply means it is free from animal meat and parts. Usually it does contains diary or sometimes eggs.

 

The minestrone soup is vegetarian including most tomato based pasta. If you are ordering the fries, wedges or onion rings (at whatever restaurants you are at), always ask this very important question: does the kitchen use the same pot or oil fryer to fry these fries together with other meat stuff like wings and calamari?". If the answer is yes, I will not order any dishes that it is fried together with the animals, and that is a strict no-no for me.

 

If you are a vegan, choose the tomato based pasta and Aglio Olio (garlic & olive oil), you will never go wrong. However, when I'm at dining out, I cannot bring myself to order plain Aglio Olio pasta, firstly it is all carbohydrate and no veggies at all, that doesn't found very healthy to me. Next it is too pricey for a bowl of carbohydrate. Thus I make my own Vegan Mushroom Aglio Olio Spaghetti at home. Pastamania uses the brand Barilla for their pasta which I love, thus I used this brand of pasta at home, it is readily available at supermarkets, or you can buy this online at Amazon.

Cuisine: Italian

Address: Various Outlets in Singapore, click here.

Nearest MRT: Various

Website: Click

Mediterranean Pasta



Pizza - Vegetarian



Pizza - Vegetarian

 

Garlic Bread

Cheddar Cheese Stick

 

Minestrone Soup

 

 

All information are correct as of date of post: April 2015

♥ Do you sometimes wish to go meatless and yet do not want to feel outcast in the social and business context? Fret not, click here for the list of vegetarian-friendly eateries  in Singapore which guarantee your load of vegetarian choices even with all the carnivores around!

Vegan Leek & Potato Soup

 

 

 

 

Leek soup is an important dish in the cuisines of United Kingdom and Romania. It is a soup based on potatoes, leeks, broth (usually chicken) and heavy cream. I veganise this delicious soup and my family loves it! A little oatmeal is used to thicken this dish and also provide the extra protein and fibre to this tasty and nourishing soup, you will not taste the oat so no worries for the oat-heaters. Viola, another recipe to get oats into the stomachs of my family!

Leeks have a gentle sweetness that works anywhere you use onions and garlics. Leeks are also a good source of vitamin C and dietary fibre, the green parts contain beta-carotene too. Though leeks have received less attention than their fellow allium vegetables (e.g. garlic, onions, shallots, and scallions), research has linked it to not only lower risk of cancer but also numerous chronic diseases.

My other soup recipes:
☼ Vegan French Onion Potato Soup
☼ Vegan Curried Cauliflower Soup 
 

Dietary: Vegetarian, Vegan
Serves 2-3

Cooking Time: About 35 minutes

Ingredients
 1 Tbsp vegan butter or oil

 1/2 Tbsp non-gmo canola/coconut oil

 1 white onion, sliced

 3 garlic cloves, sliced

 1/2 tsp dried thyme or 1 small bunch English parsley

 1/2 bay leaf

 250g leeks, thickly sliced

 380g or 3 potatoes, peeled & roughly chopped

 750ml or 3 cups vegetable stock (I made my own)

 2-3 Tbsp rolled oats (optional, for thickening)
 1 tbsp nutritional yeasts (optional)

 

Seasoning

 Sea salt, to taste

 Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

 

Garnish

 Nutritional yeasts

 Leeks, thinly sliced
 Parsley or coriander sprigs

 

Method

1. Heat up butter and oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onions, toss to coat them in oil and cover the pot for 5-10 minutes in medium heat, stirring occasionally until golden brown.

 

2. Stir in garlic and thyme/parsley and bay leaf, sauté for 1 minute. Then add leeks and potatoes, stir to mix for another 3 minutes until aromatic.

 

3. Pour in stock, rolled oats and nutritional yeasts (if using), bring to a boil. Partially covered, simmer for about 20 minutes to allow flavours to combine.

 

4. Remove bay leaf. If you like some chunk in your soup, leave some potato, onion and leek in the pot, transfer the rest of the mixture to a food processor or simply use a handheld/immersion blender. Process until smooth, pausing the machine to scrape down the sides and under the blade, if necessary.

 

5. Return mixture to pot, bring to simmer. Add more broth if necessary for desired consistency. Adjust the salt and pepper to taste. Garnish and serve immediately.

 

Step 2: Add leek & potato. 



Step 2: Stir fry

 

Step 3: Add vegetable stock





 

♥ Vegetarian Food (Johor Bahru) - Beans Talk

This is not exactly a vegetarian restaurant, it is actually a dessert shop originated from Taiwan which started with a humble beginning in the 1940s. This Taiwanese franchise dessert café,  Beans Talk has four branches in Johor Bahru (Malaysia), started in 2006. It is a great vegetarian survival outlet when you are at the shopping malls in Johor Bahru whereby it is almost impossible to find any vegetarian restaurants. 

 

This is not a pure vegetarian outlet, they do sell the Taiwan famous dishes like oyster mee sua and braised meat rice etc. Vegetarian Oyster Mee Sua is only one of the few dishes available here.

 

I love the Vegetarian Oyster Mee Sua here! The shiitake mushroom (sometimes is button mushroom) which is used to resemble oyster is soft, crunchy and juicy, the soup is also thick and flavourful, simply heavenly! It never fails to reminisce me of the holidays in Taiwan. This Eggless Vegetarian Mee Sua is definitely worth going back for. Oh yeah, do not forget to try their Taiwanese famous local desserts. I like the traditional bean curd jelly too.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Name: Beans Talk

Website: click

Open: Shopping mall hours

Air-conditioned: Yes

Address of 4 branches:

☼ 94 Jalan Nakhoda 2, Taman Ungku Tun Aminah, 81300 Skudai, Johor Bahru, Malaysia. 

 

☼ MF-35 Level 3, Innercity City Square. 108 Jalan Wong Ah Fook. 80000 Johor Bahru, Malaysia.

 

☼ L3-637a, Sutera Mall. 1 Jalan Sutera Tanjung 8/4, Taman Sutera Utama, 81300 Skudai, Johor Bahru, Malaysia.

 

☼ G39 Ground Floor, AEON Jusco Bukit Indah. 8 Jalan Indah 15/2, Bukit Indah, Johor Darul Takzim, 81200 Johor Bahru, Malaysia.


Read more about the other vegetarian restaurants in Johor Bahru.

 

 

♥ Vegetarian Food (Taman Molek, Johor Bahru) - HappyLand Cafe

This is another vegetarian restaurant in Johor Bahru that I have visited a couple of times. I like the food here, lots of varieties, it is not too salty. Staff are friendly too, highly recommended eatery for vegetarians.

 

 

 





Entrance View of Café

Name: HappyLand Café (Vegetarian)

Address: Map

No. 47, Jalan Molek 2/1, Taman Molek.

81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia

Contact: +60 7-353 3543

Open: Daily till 10pm

Air-conditioned: Yes

 

Read more about the other vegetarian restaurants in Johor Bahru.



♥ Vegetarian Food (Skudai, Johor Bahru) - 乐天素食 Restoran Sayur-Sayuran Medan Rasa

From time to time, I get readers from Singapore asking me for recommendation on vegetarian eateries at Johor Bahru. Since I know Johor Bahru (Malaysia) pretty well and know where to get my feast for vegetarian food, why not share these information with my readers? Here it goes!

 

This is my first post and also my favourite vegetarian eatery in Johor Bahru. The curry here is simply amazing and heavenly. Not many dishes can make me go back again and again, and this curry happened to be one of the really few.

 

It is managed by a small family of 2 (or rather 3) generations: husband, wife, mother and a small boy who is always there playing or doing his homework. He is a very cute boy, I literally see him grow up over the years, he likes to come to me whenever I use my iphone. So we gave this eatery a nickname, Xiao Di Curry 小弟咖喱, translated into English means Little Boy's Curry. LOL!

 

Although this eatery themed itself as a air-conditioned outlet but the air condition is hardly on and the main door is never closed. But this is not a concern for us because majority of the eateries in Malaysia are not air-conditioned, hello, don't you know? LOL.  

 

Chicken Curry Hot Pot
Taste Rating: 9/10
The gravy is thick, well-spiced and spicy.
Literally the best vegetarian curry I had! 

Stink Beans Fried Rice 臭豆炒饭
Fried rice here is a must-order dish for us, it is not too oily and is perfect.

 

Eggless Tofu Hot Plate
Veggies are crunchy and not over-cooked, gravy is good.
But I think they could go lighter on the salt.



Entrance View of Eatery

 

Name: 乐天素食 Restoran Sayur-Sayuran Medan Rasa (Vegetarian Restaurant)

Address: Map

No. 46 Jalan Nakhoda 2. Taman Ungku Tun Aminah.

81300 Skudai, Johor, Malaysia.

Contact: : +60 7-554 3563

Open: Daily but closed around 2-5pm. Closed on Tues.

Air-conditioned: No

Restaurant's Name card:

 

Read more about the other vegetarian restaurants in Johor Bahru.

♂ Nutritional Yeast - Where To Buy?

Most people who are not vegans have no idea what nutritional yeast is, I was one of them before I am into vegan cooking. Some people thought it is the same kind of yeasts but with additional nutrients and same as the active dry yeast or baking yeast that are used in bread making and brewing, but they are totally different and cannot be used to substitute one another.  

 

What is Nutritional Yeast?

Nutritional yeast is grown on enriched purified cane and beet molasses under carefully controlled conditions and has a cheesy flavour. Where else brewer yeast are from by-products of beer hop and has a bitter taste.

 

How is it manufactured?

Nutritional yeast is produced by culturing a yeast in a nutrient medium for several days. The primary ingredient in the growth medium is glucose, often from either sugarcane or beet molasses. When the yeast is ready, it is killed (i.e. deactivated) with heat and then harvested, washed, dried and packaged. The species of yeast used is often a strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae.  

 

Because it is deactivated yeast, it does not grow like baking yeast. No animals are harmed in this process because yeasts are members of the fungi family. Thus, it is suitable for vegan and vegetarian.  It is sold commercially as a food product in the form of yellow flakes or powder and can be found at most organic and health stores. I used the flakes, and if you are using the powder, you will need only about half as much as the flakes.

 

Why is it so good?

Most people are not getting enough vitamin B12 and that deficiency can cause serious health problems e.g. anaemia, nervous system damage, heart disease or pregnancy complications, because vitamin B12 helps make your DNA and your red blood. Vitamin B12 are usually found in meat, milk, cheese, and eggs which vegans do not eat. Thus, nutritional yeast with the addition of vitamin B12, is an ideal vegetarian and vegan support formula.

 

Nutritional yeast products do not have any added monosodium glutamate and is an excellent source of protein, containing 18 essential amino acid and 15 minerals. It is rich in B-complex vitamins including B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), phosphorus, B9 (folic acid) and naturally occurring B12, not fortified. The rich source of vitamin B complex and particularly chromium is important to regulate blood sugar-beneficial for diabetics. Nutritional yeast helps in managing stress levels, reproduction of red blood cells maintaining a good metabolic rate, prevents cancer of the pancreas and ensures a healthy skin.

 

How to use?

It is popular with vegans and vegetarians as ingredient in recipes or as a condiment. Nutritional yeast has an appealing cheese flavour that make a great cheese replacement in pasta, pizza, popcorn and bread. Sprinkle on cereal, salad, tofu, rice and popcorn. Add to juice, sauce, soup and casserole or use it to make sandwich spreads. I used this to make vegan cheese too. Click here for the recipes that I use nutritional yeast to replace diary cheese, will update more recipes soon, stay tuned! Recently I tried putting 1 tablespoon of this into my Hearty Brown Rice Porridge recipe, I'm totally blown off that this makes it taste like 'chicken' porridge. Try it out and let me how it goes for you! *GRIN*

 

How to store?

Some packaging indicate to store in cool dry place. I prefer to keep it in fridge to maintain freshness. If the nutritional yeast package is stored in fridge at the retail store, then ensure that you keep it in your fridge when you are home.

 

Where to buy (In Singapore, Malaysia and Internationally)?

For international readers,  simply click here for the list of some brands of Nutritional Yeast available at Amazon or iHerb.

TOP's brand in Singapore and Meet Natural brand in Malaysia are my preferred choices, it is organic compared to Bob’s Red Mill Brand which is non-organic, and both are also the cheapest of all.
 



TOP'S Brand - Organic Nutritional Yeast

Product from USA 

100gm
Organic

 

Where to buy?

In Singapore 

SGD3.80  ☆Best Buy!
☼ Yes Natural Organic
Location: Clementi, Tiong Bahru & Geylang, Singapore.

 

☼ Organic Paradise

Location: Cuppage Plaza #01-25 Singapore 228796 

☼ Can also be found at various organic & health stores.

Radiant Brand - Nutritional Yeast

Product from USA

100gm

Organic

Where to buy?

In Singapore 

☼ SGD9.50

Available at Zenxin Agri-Organic Food

Location: Pasir Panjang Wholesale Centre, Singapore 

 

In Malaysia

☼ RM13.90 (Equivalent to SGD5.60)
Available various major supermarkets and organic stores in Malaysia, click here for the list.

☼ RM13.90
Available at Zenxin Agri-Organic Food

Location: Various in Malaysia.

 

In Malaysia & International

☼ RM13.90

Buy this online at Radiant Whole Food

Delivery Location: Malaysia and International, read more.

 



Meet Natural Brand - Nutritional Yeast

Product from: Not specified on packaging
Imported by: Matahari Sdn Bhd, Malaysia

100gm

Organic

In Malaysia

☼ RM9.40 (Equivalent to SGD3.80) ☆Best Buy!

Available at Zenxin Agri-Organic Food

Location: Various in Malaysia.

 


Bob’s Red Mill Brand - Nutritional Yeast

Product from: Not specified on packaging
At 226g
Non-organic

Read more about this product here.  

 

Where to buy?

In Singapore 

☼ SGD10.50 (Equivalent to $4.60 per 100g)

Available at Mustafa Center and organic stores, Singapore.
Exact location: Level 2, Row 9-11.

 

Online 

Buy this at Amazon.

Buy this at iHerb.



♥ Learning a new cuisine is actually not that challenging, it is the process of understanding & finding the ingredients in your area which is tedious and time-consuming. Thus, I am most willing to share with readers (Singapore, Malaysia and international) where I get the most value-for-money ingredients that are slightly uncommon. See more of the great, affordable & healthy stuff I am always get.
 

Vegan Baked Tofu Cheese Finger (Oven & Air Fryer)

 

Looking for nutritious movie treat or appetizer or side? This is a perfect one that is full of protein, Baked tofu Cheese sticks. With only so little oil used, this is super low in fat. This can be eaten by itself by dipping in sauce, or as filing for sandwiches or alongside with salad. The list is endless! I have tried Airfrying potato wedges, so I thought why not try tofu, and here it is!

 

Nutritional yeast which is high in Vitamin B12 is used to replace the diary cheese to give that cheesy taste, this is a ingredient not to be omitted. Once you have tried nutritional yeast, you will fall in love with it! Click here on where to buy.

Dietary: Vegetarian, Vegan.
Allergen Information: Free from dairy, egg, corn, palm oil and nut.

Serve 2-4

 

Ingredients

 400g firm tofu

(A)
 1/2 cup Japanese panko bread crumbs

 2 tsp garlic powder
 2 tsp onion powder

 1 Tbsp dried basil

 1 Tbsp dried oregano

 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper

 1/2 tsp salt

 2 tsp dried parsley flakes (optional)

 1 tsp cayenne/chilli powder (optional)
 2 tsp canola oil, for frying
 

 60ml non-dairy milk (I use soy milk)

 4 Tbsp nutritional yeast

Method

1. Drain firm tofu well and cut into 1.5cm thickness strips.

2. Heat up oil in a sauté pan in low heat. Add all ingredients in (A) until well combined and for about 2 minutes. Remove from heat, keep in the pan and set aside.  

 

3. Place the milk and nutritional yeast into two separate wide shallow bowls.

4. Dip tofu strips into milk bowl then coat lightly in nutritional yeast bowl, and roll into mixture (A).

 

5. Bake it:

☼ Using Oven:

Preheat the oven to 180℃.  Evenly spread tofu strips on a baking tray with parchment paper. Using a oven thermometer, ensure it is at the right temperature 180℃.  Pop the strips into the oven for about 25 minutes, turning once until golden brown.

 

☼ Using Airfryer:
Preheat the Airfryer to 170℃ for 3 minutes. Evenly spread tofu strips in the fryer basket and slide the basket into the Airfryer. Set the timer to 20 minutes, turning once until golden brown.

 

6. Dip in tomato sauce, Asian chilli sauce or vegan cheese dip alongside your favourite salad greens. Or use this as filling for your sandwiches or soft buns. Enjoy!

 

 

☼ Note

After baking, the tofu fingers can be refrigerated or frozen. Simply reheat in an oven or Airfyer for about 5 minutes at 170℃.  Place parchment papers between layers to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Rolling Good Time

Step 4: Before baking in Airfryer