Review Ci Yan Organic Vegetarian Health Food - Singapore

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.

Quaint place run by a lovely uncle and auntie who were so hospitable and chatted with their customers. The food is excellent, simple and tasty. The vegetarian take on pork trotter in vinegar was so good, I'd come back for more again. Come here for a respite from crowds and the hustle.

Wonderful tasty organic vegetarian foods! Awesome! Menu varies daily and the owners lovingly select the best produce of the day and painstakingly cook with organic seasoning to bring out the best wholesome goodness to nourish our bodies. #Vegetarian #Vegan #Organic #CookedWithLove

Nice and quick, if uninspiring, vegetarian food in the heart of Chinatown. Food was served in about five minutes and was tasty. Not the best vegetarian food I had in Singapore, but the staff were friendly and explained their whole menu. This was only four items when we went, as it changes every day.

Love the ambience and how chill the place is. Feels like home with the statues around, TV, and all the books you can take. Foods are delicious!

Pure vegetarian food. Claiming to be healthy and herbal. Food is optimally cooked, less spices, good service, silent and peaceful ambience. Can definitely try once at least.

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.

After looking and asking for vegan food in some food courts (unsuccessfully), I found this little place. The food was so delicious and healthy as well. I'm so happy that I found Ci Yan Organic Health Food Restaurant. If I'm in Singapore next time, I definitely will visit your lovely, cozy restaurant again!

What a delightful find. Organic, clean, healthy food in a charming restaurant with superb host. I need gluten free food and was so happy to find someone who could advise and provide a lovely meal.

the place is amazing we really like the place the lady and the husband are very very nice with real passion for food as a chef that has been eating in many south east Asian countries, i can tell you if you are a real foodie person even if you are not vegetarian you will find this vegetarian place amazing the food there its better then many non vegetarian places .

Superb food!! The owner is a wealth of knowledge. Careful he will talk you into dessert!!! Will def be back!!

Yummy and healthy food! With no msg nor preservatives! Healthy soup with herbs which can't be found outside! 1st time trying such vegetarian cuisine! Simply awesome! Would definitely drop by again!

We visited the restaurant on monday. Wanted to order the rice set and was asked by the host whether we want spicy or non spicy. As we are not a regular there, we are not sure the difference and when we tried to ask him what is served for spicy, he answered loudly and rudely by saying "curry lah!". As much as we like the food, we will not go again as we do not want to be humiliated a second time. There are also other vegetarian restaurant which are as nice or even better. Noticed that the host seems to speak to "angmoh" customers very politely and patiently, what a double standard service.

After eating at Ci Yan, i turned vegetarian.

Today's menu 1) Brown rice set meal - $6.50 2) Veg spaghetti - $6.00 3) Pumpkin Soup - $3.00 4) Dessert - Ginko barley - $2.50

Vegetarian confinement food from Ci Yan is amazing! Didn't realize confinement food can taste THIS GOOD! Great variety and ingredients, thanks Ci Yan!

I love the signature of organic brown rice (nasi lemak).. SUPERB !!

Awesome wholesome food

LOVE you guys! Many Blessings..☮ ❤ ☼ ॐ

One of the best place I ve ever been!!