There is certainly an increase in demand in vegan cafes and plant-based food, and I went in search for one that serves up both savoury items and desserts.
Lilac Oak Café is an extension of home-based business Lilac Oak, and has the simple objective of introducing the wonders of plant-based foods to customers.
While it is located near the heart of town at Oxley Rise, walking here from either Somerset or Dhoby Ghaut MRT stations would require some navigation.
This is a quaint, cosy, small and undiscovered space that looks like it is full of heart – with food cooked with a fresh warm taste of home.
No alliums are used as well.
On the savoury menu available from 12 noon onwards are rice bowls and sandwiches.
These include rotational items such as Baked Maple Miso Vegetables on Sesame Rice ($14.90), Grilled Teriyaki Eggplant Donburi ($12.90), Simple Tofu Sandwich ($6.90), Peanut Tempeh Sandwich ($8.90), Mushroom Tofu Ciabatta ($8.90), and Kimchi Portobello Sandwich ($9.90).
I had the House-special Bibimbap with Sweet Potato Rice ($14.90) which came with a colourful spread of seasonal vegetables, grilled tofu, housemate sautéed kimchi.
The ingredients came on a house-special sweet potato brown rice, served with house-made gochujang (Korean chilli paste).
This was quite a wholesome, tasty bowl which wasn’t too spicy at all. Even though I am a typical meat eater, I found this rather satisfying and still filling.
During another occasion, I had the other recommended item of Peanut Tempeh Sandwich ($8.90).
This came with marinated tempeh patty with a house-made peanut sauce, lettuce, tomato slices, wilted baby spinach, all within a nine-grain toast.
Because I am so accustomed to peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, I felt that this sandwich could be elevated with a fruity sauce or jam of some kind, also to reduce the ‘dryness’ overall.
Do not miss out on their house specialties of Taro Tart ($4.50) and Pulut Hitam Taro Tart ($4).
The Tart Tart ($4.50) is inspired by the old-fashioned luscious Teochew Orh Nee, made using 100% fresh taro paste and gingko.
Totally vegan, not too sweet, still delightful and without the huge guilt.
Also available are Very Fudgy Raw Brownies ($5), Oat Crunch Cookies ($18 for 180g) and soon to be launched is Vegan Gelato.
All of their sweets are currently dairy free, egg free, refined sugar free, all-natural and organic where economically and practically possible.
Lilac Oak
71 Oxley Rise, #01-01, Singapore 238698
Tel: +65 8222 0018
Opening Hours: 8:30am – 4pm (Mon, Tues, Thurs), 11am – 6pm (Fri, Sun), 8:30am – 6pm (Sat), Closed Wed
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