New year (not just any new year, but a new decade!), new me! Forget your holiday self, who went overboard with binge eating. That was 2019’s you – 2020 is the time of new beginnings, and you’re finally going to stick to your new year resolution! What better way is there to kick the decade off than with a healthier and trimmer you?
When we talk about health-conscious eating and dieting, the first food item that comes to mind is salad. Especially for those carnivores among us, the thought of eating salads regularly can seem an overly daunting task. It doesn’t help that many might imagine salads as being plain tasting, monotonous to prepare, and more expensive than more substantial food options; it is no wonder that few manage to see this particular resolution through to the year’s end.
Rather than embark on an insurmountable task of breaking your bank (and spirit), join us on a hunt for good, affordable, wholesome foods. We’ve compiled a list of salad bars that serve up fresh, palatable and affordable salads for under, or at, the S$12 mark. You can now have your green(back)s and eat them too!
Photo Credit: https://www.facebook.com/sg.coldstorage/
COLD STORAGE SALAD COUNTER
The next best thing to making salads yourself, Cold Storage’s Salad Counter is heaven-sent for those of us looking for a more affordable option without compromising on portion size and quality.
At older bars, prices start at S$4.99 to takeaway a DIY salad with three toppings and free mixed seeds or dried fruits.
For the newer CREATE salad sections, you can choose either a DIY salad – S$7.90 for two toppings and additional meat – or a premade bowl to go or to have in-house. Besides having more premium items like Black Pepper Ragu, the house bowls are equally satisfying – we suggest the salmon-centric Fresh Off The Hook (S$11.40) and the Thai-inspired Suay Mak Mak! (S$8.90).
252 North Bridge Road
Raffles City Shopping Centre, #B1-01
Singapore 179103
Tel: +65 6336 2676 / 2267
Daily: 8am – 11pm
Nearest Station: City Hall
** Multiple outlets islandwide.
MUNCH SALADSMITH
For those wary about not just price, but also the monotony of a vegetable-based dish, Munch Saladsmitth may just be the place for you.
Boasting a team with over a hundred years of cumulative F&B experience and with the motto of serving only food that the kitchen team is willing to eat too, you can expect even their salads to hold a heartiness and full-bodied flavour profile that is atypical of many of its contemporaries.
Fancy fish? Go for the lighter option of John Dory (S$12). Craving chicken? The Roast Chicken (S$12) is a flavourful take on the classic salad staple without incurring any sinful penalties.
1 Raffles Place
One Raffles Place, #B1-16
Singapore 048616
Tel: +65 6438 1456
Mon to Fri: 8am – 9.30pm
Sat: 10am – 4pm
(Closed on Sundays)
Nearest Station: Raffles Place
** Multiple outlets islandwide.
Photo Credit: https://www.facebook.com/saladcosg/
SALAD CO. SG
Finding economical food in the CBD can be an uphill task, let alone something that is both easy on the calories as well as your wallet. Providing economical salads (from S$5.90) since its inception in 2016, Salad Co. SG provides a gastronomical (and economical) respite for the health-conscious population in the CBD.
Besides the price, Salad Co. SG has another draw: instead of being forced to subsist on a mandatory base, you can choose to go without here. Say goodbye to the days of filling up on undesirable vegetables; now you can eat what you really want to instead!
10 Anson Road
International Plaza, #01-17
Singapore 0799903
Tel: +65 6221 9556
Mon to Fri: 10am – 4pm
(Closed on Saturdays & Sundays)
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar
** Multiple outlets islandwide.
SALADSTOP!
If eating sustainably is as important as eating healthily to you, this brand fulfils that criterion and more.
As one of the pioneers to healthy eating in Singapore, Saladstop spent its years fostering ties to local communities while building on a portfolio of healthy and delicious food.
In its desire to pay homage to nature, the brand ensures that controllable ends of its supply chain comply with its core values to impart an element of sustainability in all its offerings. The next time you head over for a mix and match salad (S$9.90), you can rest assured that every item in the bowl served is honest, sustainable and trustworthy.
168 Robinson Road
Capitol Tower, #01-05
Singapore 068912
Tel: +65 6820 7670
Mon to Fri: 8.30am – 8.30pm
(Closed on Saturdays & Sundays)
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar
** Multiple outlets islandwide.
Photo Credit: https://www.saladsnwraps.com.sg/
SALADS & WRAPS
As per its namesake, Salads & Wraps specialises in precisely those items. Its salads are as hefty as its wraps; their junior salad contains six toppings for S$7, while the regular with all throw-ins is at the wallet-friendly S$10. If you’ve a bigger appetite, the latter is the ideal option for you!
To start the new decade, why not venture out of your culinary comfort zone with something more interesting from the Speciality Junior Salads menu? For example, the Avocado Shrimp (S$8.50) is a wonderful alternative to more common protein bases and holds a hint of sweetness courtesy of its raisin addition.
12 Gopeng Street
Icon Village, #01-86/87
Singapore 078877
Tel: +65 9433 3860
Mon to Fri: 11am – 8pm
Sun: 11am – 3.30pm
(Closed on Saturdays)
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar
Most of us love salmon. Lusciously succulent with a wonderful brine-touched sweetness, for many of us, it is a perennial fish of choice for our salads. The next time you’re looking to scratch that salmon itch without jeopardising your diet or bank account, drop by Salmon Samurai for salmon, salmon, and more salmon.
The new concept of the Shinkansen team, Salmon Samurai has streamlined its salad bar into a DIY donburi place focusing on salmon instead. Before any weight-watchers turn away in disappointment at the inclusion of carbs, and single protein present, you can still craft a mixed greens salad (S$9.90) from this new menu that is just as substantial.
100 Tras Street
100AM, #01-11
Singapore 079027
Tel: +65 6543 6823
Daily: 11am – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar
** Multiple outlets islandwide.
Photo Credit: https://www.facebook.com/SimplyWrapps/
SIMPLY WRAPPS
Those who pick Simply Wrapps over its competitors do so for a very simple reason: there’s nowhere else in Singapore that serves up palatable salads with such an extensive list of nutritious ingredients – a whopping fifty toppings – and vibrant dressings – eighteen house specials – to pick from.
Worried about choice paralysis? Feel free to consult any of the friendly staff available, or try one of the fifteen chef creations instead. Ranging from S$9.90 to S$11.90, you can take a globetrotting taste adventure by sampling the range of country-themed bowls – if you’re cutting calories, try Amazing Thailand; for those with more leeway, Arabian Paradise is fantastically flavoured.
2 Orchard Turn
Ion Orchard, #B4-30
Singapore 238801
Tel: +65 6509 6008
Daily: 8am – 9.30pm
Nearest Station: Orchard
** Multiple outlets islandwide.
Photo Credit: https://sumosalad.com/
SUMO SALAD
An Australian brand, Sumo Salad’s sole outlet in Singapore is in a rather unexpected location. Found inside Holland Village MRT Station – yes, we mean the actual station, not next to it – this kiosk capitalises on the busy footfall, and the working population and the residents in the vicinity.
Unlike the usual mix and match concept, customers get to choose from a set collection of salads (S$9.50 for small; S$10.50 for large): the Warm Moroccan Lamb is especially delightful with its blend of lemon acidity and spiced protein, while the Pumpkin & Pinenut is a sweet vegetarian alternative that’s light in flavour yet substantial in portion.
200 Holland Avenue
Holland Village MRT Station, #B1-11
Singapore 278995
Tel: +65 9088 4580
Daily: 9am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Holland Village
Photo Credit: https://www.instagram.com/iceaxe/
SUNMOON FRESH
Predominantly a purveyor of fruits, the uninitiated will likely be oblivious that this is one of the most budget-friendly salads you can find in the CBD. Beginning at just S$5.80 – with additional S$1.50 top-ups for premium meats – you can get a lettuce base alongside five non-meat sides in a takeaway box.
What Sunmoon Fresh lacks in variety – they do have some interesting choices like pomegranate and guava – it makes up for in portion sizes. Deconstructing the salad during eating unveils a plentiful serving that will placate even the most voracious eaters. With unparalleled value like this, go early, or risk the daily meandering lunch queue!
114 Telok Ayer Street
Singapore 068583
Tel: +65 6634 3575
Mon to Fri: 8am – 7pm
Sat: 10am – 4pm
(Closed on Sundays)
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer
** Multiple outlets islandwide.
Photo Credit: https://www.instagram.com/thedailycut.sg/?hl=en
THE DAILY CUT
Tired of boring, healthy meals? This 2020, there’s no need to test your will by eating bland and uninspired salads. The Daily Cut hopes to subvert that trend by plating up fresh, wholesome, nutritious food to show Singaporeans that eating healthy can be a delectable affair too.
While the menu is seasonal, the prices are not: bowls are S$9 for petite, S$12 for regular and S$15 for large.
Unsure of what to pick? This winter, go for the piquant halloumi or the alluring sweetness of the passion fruit vinaigrette to finish your salad. For the truly health-conscious, hop on their website for a detailed breakdown of your bowl’s nutritional information.
1 Raffles Place
One Raffles Place, #B1-31
Singapore 048616
Tel: +65 6443 3391
Mon to Fri: 11am – 9pm
Sat & Sun: 11am – 4pm
Nearest Station: Raffles Place
** Multiple outlets islandwide.
THE GREEN BAR
The Green Bar seeks to elevate the experience into a more gourmet one. How does it do that?
Firstly, it offers a curated array of freshly prepared house salads with an equally colourful mix and match selection. To really up the ante on luxury, house dressings here can contain up to thirteen ingredients!
Next, it provides cosy seating that’s comparable to any other respected establishment. Bathed in warm hues of brown, it’s comfortable and bright, making it a conducive place for the working crowd to convene during lunch hours.
The kicker? You can experience all that for between a very reasonable S$8.90 to S$13.90. What a steal!
9 Raffles Boulevard
Millenia Walk, #01-91
Singapore 039596
Tel: +65 6336 0780
Mon to Fri: 8am – 9pm
Sat & Sun: 11am – 5.30pm
Nearest Station: Promenade
** Multiple outlets islandwide.
Photo Credit: https://www.thelawn.com.sg/
THE LAWN
Packed neatly inside bento boxes, The Lawn’s salads are a captivating kaleidoscope of technicolour, enticing in their vividness and brimming with freshness. By marrying style and flavours, the brand hopes to excite by moving salads from a boring, single-person dish into a viable sharing option between friends and colleagues.
While the premade bowls tend towards a pricier end of the spectrum, their Create Your Own bowls start are at a friendlier range of S$10.30 to S$10.90. Touting its tagline of “meat your greens”, you have a choice of either a traditional salad bowl with five toppings or a heavier carb-based bowl featuring your preferred grill(s) instead.
31 Biopolis Way
Nanos, #01-07
Singapore 138669
Tel: +65 6478 9739 / Whatsapp: +65 8403 3426
Mon to Fri: 10.30am – 9pm
Sat & Sun: 10.30am – 4pm
Nearest Station: Buona Vista
Photo Credit: https://www.thesaladbox.com.sg/
THE SALADBOX
Another salad bar furnished with a huge assortment of toppings and equally large portions, The Saladbox offers over forty ingredients – including more unorthodox items like shimeji mushrooms and red brown rice – and thirteen dressings for customers to customise to their hearts’ content.
With that vast a selection, you’d expect the luxury of choice to be translated into some form of price increment; on the contrary, the brand offers pick-your-own salads with complimentary dressing from just S$6.95. If the sheer variety is daunting, why not decide from the slew of all-day-favourites (from S$7.50) – get the timeless Crispy Caesar Salad at only S$8! – available instead?
11 Tanjong Katong Road
KINEX Shopping Mall, #B1-36
Singapore 437157
Tel: +65 6336 6265
Daily: 10am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Paya Lebar
Photo Credit: https://www.thesaladcorner.com.sg/
THE SALAD CORNER
Yet another popular salad bar residing in the CBD, The Salad Corner has garnered a healthy crowd willing to brave the outlets’ enduring queues to get their fix of greens.
Given the intense competition in the area, The Salad Corner manages to stay afloat through the following combination: a robust serving, a broad range of toppings and an economical price tag.
While inflation has siphoned away its once extraordinarily suppressed prices, the brand keeps its regular salads under S$10, large salads around S$10, and extra-large ones around S$12 (all prices vary depending on outlet).
Here’s a hack for newcomers: send an SMS preorder to beat the queue instead!
7 Maxwell Road
Amoy Street Food Centre, #B1-41
Singapore 069111
Tel: +65 9853 4093 (SMS only)
Mon to Fri: 10am – 2.30pm
(Closed on Saturdays & Sundays)
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar / Telok Ayer
** Multiple outlets islandwide.
Photo Credit: https://www.facebook.com/thesaladshopsg/
THE SALAD SHOP
A persistent quandary faced by establishments is finding balance between convenience and convictions.
For homegrown brand, The Salad Shop, this manifests through offering authentic, inventive meals that promote sustainability, while keeping prices reasonable. Additional initiatives include encouraging customers to reduce waste by bringing their own containers for a S$0.50 discount on any salad.
Keeping to its belief, its toppings and feeds are mostly common items, but with special flourishes. Whether you’re enjoying the refreshing flavours of the chilli lime cucumber or the spicy tang from the cauliflower curry turmeric, you will be promised a wholesome salad (S$9 and up) with a taste profile unlike others.
80 Raffles Place
UOB Plaza 2, #01-20
Singapore 048624
Tel: +65 6536 3686
Mon to Fri: 11am – 8pm
(Closed on Saturdays & Sundays)
Nearest Station: Raffles Place
** Multiple outlets islandwide.
TOSS & TURN
Set up by the Cedele group, Toss & Turn is the chain’s answer to its customers’ demand for healthier and more customisable fare. Located mainly in the city centre, the brand serves the health-conscious population by giving them an easily accessible and affordable healthy alternative.
While most of the menu is slightly over the S$12 mark, Toss & Turn’s appeal lies in its seriously sizable salads and the fantastically full-bodied flavours contained within. To illustrate, their signature salads contain a staggering eight toppings – inclusive of protein! – a carb base, and a deliciously wicked dressing (the plum sesame is absolutely divine). Now that is a hefty meal!
290 Orchard Road
Paragon, #B1-09
Singapore 238859
Tel: +65 6974 2128
Mon to Fri: 9am – 10pm
Sat & Sun: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Orchard
** Multiple outlets islandwide.
Photo Credit: https://www.facebook.com/WafukenSG/
WAFUKEN
One of the forerunners in the local sous vide trend, Wafuken is proud to plate up food with an innate complexity of flavours without the need for excessive touch-ups, and dishes that retain the ingredients’ nutritional benefits courtesy of careful preparation.
Specialising in bowls, Wafuken’s menu is built similar to salad bars: mixing and matching protein and sides, then paying only for the items you’d chosen.
Need a protein on protein meal for gains? Sure, do you want duck, chicken, saba, or all three? Need a salad but can’t give up carbs? Why not add konnyaku and soba with your greens?
At Wafuken, the gastronomical creations are yours.
12 Marina View
Asia Square Tower 2, #02-05
Singapore 018961
Tel: +65 9459 6073
Mon to Fri: 11am – 8pm
(Closed on Saturdays & Sundays)
Nearest Station: Downtown
** Multiple outlets islandwide.
Photo Credit: https://www.facebook.com/pg/WellDressedSaladBarSg/
WELL DRESSED SALAD BAR & CAFÉ
Would you believe us if we told you one of the most long-lived and popular salad bars in Singapore is vegetarian? Created by the Eight Treasures Vegetarian Restaurant group, Well Dressed Salad Bar has been quietly showing the health-conscious crowd that salads do not need a meat supplement to give it flavour and depth.
The secret to the magnetism of the brand – besides its humble from S$5.50 price range – lies not in offering extraordinary ingredients. Instead, it excels by providing toppings of an exceptional level of freshness, and by infusing extra dimensions to their bowls through dressings made by melding usually disparate flavours into a refreshing, cohesive new whole.
282A South Bridge Road
Singapore 058831
Tel: +65 6534 7787
Daily: 12pm – 9.30pm
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer
Photo Credit: https://www.facebook.com/wheatbaum/
WHEAT BAUMKUCHEN
Rounding off the list is another Japanese-styled establishment that provides DIY bowls (from S$10). While their other outlets predominantly serve premade creations, WHEAT Design Your Own Bowl kiosks hand customers the ability to enjoy the brand’s healthy, tantalising fare – salmon sashimi in your salad, yum! – with the luxury of customisation.
Alternatively, if there isn’t a DYOB kiosk in accessible proximity, you can still opt for a premade salad at WHEAT’s other branches. Indulge in a full salmon slab atop a copious bed of greens for just S$12, or get the Penguin salad – no penguins here, just chicken and eggs – which features a soba base for only S$10.
313 Somerset Road
313@Somerset, #B3-46
Singapore 238895
Tel: +65 9012 3037
Daily: 11am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Somerset
** Multiple outlets islandwide.