Ci Yan Organic Vegetarian Restaurant

If you’ve ever wondered what a monk has for lunch, check out this Buddhist vegetarian restaurant beside the Tooth Relic Temple.

Inside, Ci Yan is practically a shrine to the Dali Lama and the healthy food — braised tofu, steamed veggies, herbal soups, brown rice — is cooked with love.

The menu changes daily and there’s often veg-friendly versions of local favourites like fish-head curry and fried noodles. Prices are very reasonable and even with a glass of pure fruit juice and dessert meals cost around S$10.

If you have an interest in vegetarianism, Buddhism, or local history expect to stay a while — the older couple who run Ci Yan are worth a chat.