Travel

Being Vegetarian in Singapore & Malaysia

Published

8 months ago

January 22, 2025

Let’s get right down to it: if you’re here, you’re probably a vegetarian wondering what the food scene will be like in Singapore or Malaysia (or both). In Singapore, finding veggie-friendly choices was not too difficult. Outside of the larger cities in Malaysia, however, being a vegetarian can be a bit challenging. This post is a summary of the vegetarian food I encountered in each country, as well as a guide to what’s available to eat in meat-heavy Malaysia.

Singapore

Letting Waitstaff Know You’re a Vegetarian:

English is the most widely spoken language in Singapore and also the first language of 32% of the population. Difficulty requesting a meal with “no meat” is basically zero. (Yay!)

Types of Food to Expect:

Emmett and I admittedly only spent a few days in Singapore, but we tried our best to have a variety of affordable vegetarian food during our visit. Here’s what we ate and enjoyed. (Spolier alert: everywhere we ate was worth a recommendation).

The Classic Singapore Brekkie

The classic Singapore breakfast consists of kaya toast with tea and soft-boiled eggs. We had two variations of the breakfast, one from Ya Kun Kaya Toast seen on the left (a Singaporean breakfast institution since the 1940s) and another from Koufu Food Court. At this point, you’re probably thinking ‘what the heck is kaya toast??’ Kaya toast is, well, toast featuring butter and kaya, a jam made from coconut. Kaya is quite sugary but is usually spread thin enough not to cause a toothache.

The Ya Kun kaya toast was on very thin slices of toast and the kaya toast at Koufu was on a toasted french bread. At Ya Kun, we paired it with their heavily promoted little breaded “cheese balls” which were more sweet than savory. (Like a danish pastry type of cream cheese). At Koufu, we had it with it’s more traditional accompaniment: runny soft-boiled eggs. The eggs were unsettling to eat alone, but pretty tasty when treated as a dip for the french toast.

Cheap Eats in Little India

Little India has a plethora of options for vegetarian travelers. There are numerous Indian restaurants with vegetarian meals available as well as restaurants whose menus are entirely vegetarian. After eating some samosas & sweets picked up from a tiny stall (lower left photo), we were hungry enough to decide to patronize one of these enticing all-veg restaurants. We spotted Ananda Bhavan, which was full of locals (always a good sign) and turned out to be the oldest Indian vegetarian restaurant in all of Singapore!

Once inside, there were almost too many options to choose from. Eventually, we figured why not go with the Special of the Day (as seen in the first photo). It was a roti (flatbread) and rice with six very zesty dipping sauces and one gulab jamun (donut in syrup). It was a bit too spicy by my very sensitive standards but very filling. We began to regret the fact that we also ordered a HUGE South Indian Cheese Pratha which arrived soon after the Special. It was delicious – India’s answer to a cheese quesadilla. But too much food, so we bagged it for later.

Street Sweets

Singapore technically doesn’t have street food. All of it’s would-be street vendors have been relocated to it’s famous Hawker Centers. That being said, there are still nameless hole-in-the-wall places on occasion as well as the odd street vendor. For instance, we bought those literal ice cream sandwiches from a man with an actual wheeled cart just near the Helix Bridge in bayfront Singapore (see above). We decided to get durian ice cream blocks in our white-bread sandwiches. I was somewhat hesitant about anything durian flavored. I’d tried the “King of Fruits” in China back in 2014 and the smell/taste/texture combo made me gag and spit it out. However, durian ice cream has a custardy, floral taste that did not make me gag at all. I would have it again.

The photo on the top right is of a few rice dumplings we picked up at an aforementioned nameless hole-in-the-wall. They were very sticky and very sweet, filled with a sugared red bean paste.

Veggie-Friendly Chains

According to Happy Cow’s Singapore page, there are tons of veg-friendly chains around the city. We were delighted to find that one such chain had a location just around the corner from our hotel in Novena. The restaurant was called Real Food, and had a mostly-vegetarian menu of Southeast Asian and Western cuisine. Emmett and I decided to get takeout to enjoy the great views from our hotel room: I got Thai-inspired tom yam noodles and he got a cheesy rice bake. Each delicious but a tad overpriced as whole food, organic types of places can be.

Malaysia

Letting Waitstaff Know You’re a Vegetarian:

The majority of places we visited had either a server who spoke English or a menu with English translations. That being said, it’s handy to know how to express your meat-free lifestyle choice to waitstaff in Malay. The best way to do so, according to Wikivoyage, is to say “Saya tidak makan daging” (SAH-yuh TEE-dah’ MAH-kahn DAH-gin) which literally translates to “I don’t eat meat.” It may also help to be more explicit, as definitions of what qualifies as “meat” can vary on a personal basis. You can expand upon it with “I don’t eat meat, chicken, or seafood” or “Saya tidak makan daging, ayam atau makanan laut” (SAH-yuh TEE-dah’ MAH-kahn DAH-ging, AH-yahm ah-tahw mah-KAH-nahn LOUT).

Types of Food to Expect:

We had a lot of repeats of the same types of food while in Malaysia, so I’ll include a few categories with photo-examples of each, so you guys get an idea of the options.

Indian Cuisine

Like Singapore, Malaysia has a large Indian immigrant population. Therefore, it seems like some towns have an Indian restaurant on every corner or Indian-inspired menus at every eatery. No complaints here, as Indian cuisine is one of our favorite types of food to grab while dining out back home. We helped ourselves to old familiar friends like veggie curries, spinach paneer, and naan. We also discovered the thosai (also spelled dosai or dosa), which is a huge flatbread made from pounded lentils either served as a side to curry or filled with curried rice and veg. It is very hearty and filling and always an enormous portion.

Roti Canai

The “number one roti” creator of Fatima Chalet on Perhentian Kecil, Malaysia! Indeed, I think his were the best we had on-island.

Roti canai is the quintessential Malaysian snack/dessert/appetizer. Thanks again to the Indian diaspora, you can’t go anywhere in Malaysia without encountering this flatbread pocket and it’s array of potential fillings. We had so many versions of roti canai in Malaysia: cheese, banana, fried egg, garlic, tomato and onion, fried egg & cheese, pineapple & cheese, cheese & onion, cheese & banana… It doesn’t always come with cheese but we may or may not be cheeseacholics. It does however, always come with a dipping sauce. Whether you got a savory or sweet filling, your roti will be plated with either a curry dip or a dal (lentil soup) dip. I preferred dal of the two dips.

Don’t miss out on roti canai while you’re in Malaysia. It’s a very cheap, (and generally tasty) quick eat.

Traditional Malaysian Food Without Meat (Rare!)

We did our fair share of eating over our 2 week trip to Malaysia, but one of the rarest items to find was a traditional Malaysian dish that did not include pork fat, or meat of any kind. Once at the food court at the top of Penang Hill, we grabbed a vegetarian mee goreng which was just… some tasty, well-fried-in-soy-sauce noodles and veg. Then in Kuala Lumpur, we visited a Malaysian restaurant with no English translations and pointed at a picture of something that looked innocent enough. It turned out to be nasi lemak telur mata. Nasi lemak is considered the national dish of Malaysia. It’s pretty simple: cocount milk and pandan boiled rice, served with curry paste and, in our case, telur mata or with egg. Oh yeah, and tiny anchovies. We picked those off and left them for some cats near the closest metro stop.

Chinese Buddhist Vegetarian Food

On the plate to the left are an assortment of mock meats: liver, pomfret, chicken nugget, duck… You name it! There is a cornucopia of mock meat textures and flavors awaiting you at Buddhist Vegetarian restaurants.

Nearly 25% of the Malaysian population is Chinese or of Chinese descent. Chinese Buddhists living in Malaysia have established all-vegetarian restaurants that are host to extensive menus featuring mock meats made from soy. This is where you can really go nuts with the variety. We tried the best (and most affordable) array of mock meats at Ee Beng Vegetarian Buffet in Georgetown, Penang – see large photo above. Equally tasty but a bit more pricey was Nature’s Vegetarian Restaurant in the Bangsar neighborhood of Kuala Lumpur.

Desserts & Sweet Drinks

Malaysians seem to LOVE sweet food – but perhaps not as much as they love sweet drinks. Whether it’s a coconut shake, bandung, or teh tarik, Malaysians must be rotting their teeth out. I know that’s how we felt by the end of our trip! Here’s a summary of popular sweet dishes and drinks to be found in Malaysia:

Ais kacang. Also known as “ABC,” ais kacang literally translates to “bean ice.” It’s a strange sundae of sorts featuring sweetly flavored shaved ice garnished with syrup-soaked corn, red beans, fresh cut fruit, and jelly noodles all topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It’s very yum. All of it, that is, except for the syrupy corn. I don’t like that.
Coconut shakes. Just coconut milkshakes, plain and simple. They taste less like artificial coconut and more like coconut water straight from the nut. Pefect hot afternoon refreshment.
Bandung. Bandung is a thick milkshake made with sweetened condensed milk and a rose-flavored cordial.
Kaya. See my section on Classic Singapore Brekkie. Kaya can be found for cheap in every supermarket or 7-11.
Teh Tarik / Kopi Tarik. Tea tarik and coffee tarik are simply tea and coffee Malaysian-style: sugared up by sweetened condensed milk. The teh tarik I tried at a few locations was always too sickly sweet for me. Emmett enjoyed the kopi tarik, which he said tasted like hot melted coffee ice cream.

Aaaand that’s a wrap! Have you visited either of these countries as a vegetarian? Did I miss out on anything? Let me know your experiences and ask any questions you may have in the comments below!

Travel

Gap year ahead? 5 crucial tips every parent must know before their child jets off

Published

9 hours ago

September 25, 2025

Mark Rober

A gap year is a fantastic opportunity for young travellers to experience other cultures and gain new experiences and independence. But for parents, it often brings a wave of worry alongside the excitement.

To help families prepare for this big step, Sarah Rodrigues, a travel expert working with Avanti Travel Insurance, shares her top tips for supporting young adults as they head off on their travels.

Sort Travel Insurance First

Before anything else, Sarah advises getting comprehensive travel insurance tailored to your child’s destination and length of stay:

“Start with travel insurance: be sure to take out a comprehensive policy that caters for the countries they’re visiting and length of trip. It should cover things like their belongings, emergency medical expenses, repatriation, trip cancellation, curtailment and any adventurous activities, such as hiking or scuba diving, that they might want to try. If they have any pre-existing medical conditions, including food allergies, asthma, or diabetes, declare them on the policy. It’s worth keeping a copy of the policy yourself and making sure you both know how to access the emergency contact numbers if needed.”

Travel insurance policies can only be purchased by individuals aged 18 or older. For travellers under 18, a parent or guardian must purchase the policy on their behalf. However, if the traveller is 18 or older, they will need the traveller’s consent to access any details related to the policy.

And don’t forget the health essentials. Make sure they’re up to date on recommended vaccinations for their destination, and pack enough prescription medication to last the trip, along with a basic first aid kit.

Create Copies of Important Documents

Losing a passport or other important documents can be distressing, especially when abroad.

Sarah suggests: “It’s a good idea for both of you to have digital and printed copies of all their important documents like their passport, visa, insurance, driving licence and emergency contact details. If something gets lost or stolen, having quick access to that information can make a big difference.”

Make sure they’ve saved these securely, and that you have copies too in case of emergency.

Discuss Money Management

Managing money abroad is another learning curve. Sarah suggests using prepaid travel cards for safety and ease.

“Discuss how they’ll manage money abroad. Prepaid travel cards can be a safe and convenient option: not only do they help with budgeting, but they are also easier to replace than bank cards if they get lost.”

If they plan to use online banking, remind them to stick to secure networks and avoid logging in on public Wi-Fi.

Have Tough Conversations

Some topics can feel awkward to bring up but they’re just as important as flights and packing lists.

“Talking about safe sex may not be the most comfortable conversation to have, but it’s a necessary one. Not only do adolescents need to be fully aware of issues of consent, but they should also know where and how they can access items such as condoms on their travels, as well as how to get sexual health advice at a clinic, if necessary.”

Alcohol can also pose unexpected risks abroad, particularly with reports of counterfeit or unregulated drinks circulating in some regions.

“Given recent reports of home brewed alcohol with dangerous substances such as methanol laced drinks in hostels can pose a serious risk. Educating them about the dangers of accepting unbranded or unregulated drinks is important and doing their research of the local area before they go is crucial. While backpacking and drinking may go hand in hand for some, they should be aware that consuming too much alcohol could not only put them in dangerous situations but also lead to serious health issues. They should also know that accidents and injuries abroad that occur from over excessive drinking may invalidate their travel insurance if they’re found to be intoxicated.”

If you make a claim for an unexpected incident that happened while you were under the influence, your provider may not cover it. So, it’s important to remember that and urge them to stay safe.

And while tattoos and piercings can feel like part of the gap year adventure, they come with health warnings too.

“Additionally, no matter what your personal feelings are about body art, tattoos and piercings are often gap year rites of passage. Talk to your children about hygiene and safety tips to reduce the risk of infection. Keeping a tattoo covered, clean and out of water and sunlight help the healing process. It’s also worth mentioning that their travel insurance is unlikely to cover them if they need medical treatment which has been caused by a tattoo or piercing so it may be best to wait till they get home.”

Research Local Customs and Laws

Finally, she says:

“Research the countries they’re visiting. Understanding local customs, basic laws and safety tips can help them avoid issues allowing them to get more out of their travels. A little preparation goes a long way and will help them feel more confident navigating new places.”

This includes respecting dress codes and religious practices, which can vary widely between countries.

Letting your child head off on a gap year is a big milestone for them and for you. By taking time to prepare together, you can help make their trip as safe and rewarding as possible.

Travel

Weekend Warrior Strategy – Upgrade to Business Class for Short Trips

Published

1 day ago

September 24, 2025

Mark Rober

Warrior Strategy - Upgrade to Business Class for Short Trips

Your weekend can feel epic even if the calendar barely budges. The secret is squeezing every ounce of comfort and time out of a short hop, then arriving ready to play tour guide, foodie, and nap connoisseur without ever yawning through dinner. Upgrading your seat is a power move. It changes the whole vibe. Suddenly the airport soundtrack softens, queues seem kinder, and your weekend brain snaps into vacation mode before wheels lift. You step off energized, not scrambled.

If you want the smoothest path from idea to aisle, check this website and compare the smartest fares through Business-Tickets. You will see cabins, aircraft, and timing lined up clearly, so you can pounce on value without juggling twelve tabs and a growing headache.

Build Upgrade Momentum Before Your Weekend Even Begins

Think like a sprinter, not a marathoner. Short trips reward quick decisions and flexible thinking. Keep your options open, and let your itinerary bend a little so your seat can treat you a lot.

Pick flights with historically lighter loads.
Watch price drops during midweek afternoons.
Choose fare classes upgrade eligible.
Track aircraft with better business cabins.
Hold seats, then recheck award space.

These tiny nudges add up fast. Suddenly your quick getaway looks like a mini retreat with a welcome drink and a proper blanket.

Turn Short Flights Into Big Comfort Without Big Prices

The magic of upgrading a short trip is that the cost often stays friendly while the comfort leaps skyward. Think priority lanes, peaceful lounges, and that glorious moment when your seat reclines and your shoulders unclench. Even a short hop becomes a calm pocket where emails wait, shoulders loosen, and you remember travel can feel simple, human, and oddly joyful again.

Use miles to top up.
Mix cash with miles wisely.
Compare nearby airport options.

Be flexible by a few hours and you might snag a cabin that feels custom built. The difference between a cramped commute and a relaxing glide is often one smart search using Business-Tickets.

Play The Gate Game With Polite Confidence

Upgrades are part strategy and part theater. You prepare well, then deliver your best smile at the right moment. Gate agents juggle a thousand moving pieces; kindness travels far.

Frequent weekend flyers often score last-minute paid upgrades; Travel + Leisure notes that asking again at the gate can still secure a lie-flat seat, while savvy travelers check this website first to benchmark real-time fare floors.

A few etiquette wins help enormously. Dress like you belong, arrive early, and have a clear ask. If there is space, you will hear angels sing. If not, you still board first in spirit.

Lock The Win And Maximize Every Precious Hour

The point of your weekend upgrade is not just comfort. It is time. You want more of it for brunch, galleries, soccer, or blissful nothing. Treat your booking like a game plan and make each minute count.

Preselect seats near faster exits.
Choose terminals with better lounges.
Pack light to avoid carousels.
Set alerts for return upgrades.
Schedule arrivals outside rush windows.
Keep backup rideshare or train plans.

Now your Friday evening starts at takeoff instead of after baggage claim. And your Sunday night ends with you feeling smugly human, not travel-wrecked. Business-Tickets keeps the comparisons honest, the choices simple, and the deals within reach, so your short trip acts like a long vacation. Next thing you know, you are back home telling friends you blinked and somehow fit an entire adventure between breakfast and Monday.

Food

Air Fryer Inspiration: A Complete Recipe Roundup for Healthier Cooking

Published

2 days ago

September 23, 2025

Mark Rober

Air fryers have quickly become one of the most beloved kitchen appliances, offering a healthier way to enjoy comfort foods without sacrificing flavor or crunch. From perfectly crisp fries to tender proteins and even surprising desserts, air fryer recipes have revolutionized home cooking. If you’re searching for inspiration, this recipe roundup brings together some of the best air fryer dishes to try. Each one showcases how versatile and time-saving this small but powerful appliance truly is.

Why Air Fryer Recipes Are So Popular

The air fryer works by circulating hot air around food, creating a crispy exterior similar to deep frying but with little to no oil. This not only makes meals lighter and healthier but also cuts down on cooking time. The result? Crunchy textures, juicy interiors, and fewer calories—all from one compact device.

Whether you’re cooking for family, meal prepping, or simply looking for quick snacks, air fryer recipes can fit seamlessly into your lifestyle. Best of all, they’re easy to experiment with, allowing both beginners and seasoned cooks to explore new dishes.

Classic Comfort Foods in the Air Fryer

1. Air Fryer French Fries

No air fryer roundup is complete without mentioning fries. Homemade air fryer French fries are crisp on the outside and fluffy on the inside without the greasy heaviness of deep frying. All you need are potatoes, a drizzle of oil, and your favorite seasonings.

2. Crispy Chicken Wings

Game nights or casual get-togethers call for air fryer chicken wings. They cook up golden and crunchy in under 25 minutes. Toss them in buffalo sauce, garlic parmesan, or a honey barbecue glaze for an irresistible snack.

3. Onion Rings

Love the crunch of onion rings? The air fryer delivers perfectly coated, crunchy bites without the mess of a deep fryer. A panko breadcrumb coating ensures extra crispiness while keeping them light.

Lean Proteins Made Easy

4. Salmon Fillets

Air-fried salmon is quick, healthy, and packed with flavor. A simple seasoning of lemon, garlic, and herbs makes the fish flaky inside with a seared exterior. Pair it with vegetables for a wholesome dinner.

5. Chicken Breasts

Perfectly juicy air fryer chicken breasts are a lifesaver for meal prep. Marinate them ahead of time or use a dry rub. Cooking them in the air fryer prevents over-drying and locks in flavor.

6. Steak Bites

Want restaurant-quality steak without firing up the grill? Air fryer steak bites cook in minutes and taste incredible with garlic butter or chimichurri sauce. They’re perfect for dinner or as a protein-packed snack.

Healthy and Creative Veggie Dishes

7. Roasted Brussels Sprouts

These caramelized little gems come out tender with crispy edges. Add balsamic glaze or Parmesan cheese for an elevated touch.

8. Zucchini Chips

A healthier alternative to potato chips, zucchini chips are crunchy, savory, and addictive. Just slice thin, season, and air fry until crisp.

9. Stuffed Peppers

Bell peppers stuffed with quinoa, black beans, and spices cook evenly in the air fryer, making them a hearty vegetarian meal option.

Unexpected Air Fryer Recipes

10. Air Fryer Donuts

Yes, you can make donuts in an air fryer! Using biscuit dough or homemade batter, these donuts come out light and fluffy without deep frying. A quick glaze or cinnamon sugar topping makes them irresistible.

11. Apple Chips

For a guilt-free snack, try air-fried apple chips. Thinly sliced apples sprinkled with cinnamon transform into crunchy, sweet bites that both kids and adults love.

12. Hard-Boiled Eggs

One of the most surprising uses of an air fryer is making boiled eggs. Many people ask, “can you air fry eggs?” The answer is yes! Simply place eggs in the air fryer basket and cook them for about 15 minutes, depending on your desired doneness. Once done, place them in an ice bath for easy peeling.

Tips for Mastering Air Fryer Recipes

Don’t overcrowd the basket: Leave space for hot air to circulate for even crisping.
Shake halfway through: For items like fries or nuggets, shaking the basket ensures even browning.
Light oil spritz: While most foods don’t need much oil, a quick spray can help with crispiness.
Use parchment paper liners: They make cleanup easier and prevent food from sticking.
Experiment with seasonings: The air fryer enhances flavors, so don’t be afraid to try spices, marinades, or coatings.

The Beauty of Air Fryer Cooking

The best part of air fryer cooking is how versatile it is. Whether you’re craving savory snacks, hearty meals, or light desserts, your air fryer can handle it all. It allows you to create restaurant-quality food at home while keeping things healthier and more convenient.

This recipe roundup is just the beginning. From simple weeknight dinners to indulgent weekend treats, air fryer recipes open up endless possibilities in the kitchen. If you haven’t yet embraced the magic of this appliance, now’s the perfect time to experiment with these ideas and make your meals faster, healthier, and more exciting.