It looks like meat, tastes like meat, and even sizzles like meat. It’s meat! Or is it not?

The global plant-based scene is exploding with options, and Singapore’s appetite for it is growing too – with not just meat and seafood alternatives readily available, but homegrown brands launching their own versions here.

So, what exactly is plant-based food? Simply put, it refers to food made entirely from plants, including vegetables, fruits, grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds – and excludes all animal-derived ingredients. Plant-based food includes popular alternatives that mimic the taste and texture of meat, seafood, dairy, and eggs.

Singapore’s growing appetite for plant-based food can be attributed to a mix of health consciousness, environmental awareness, and evolving dietary preferences. As more people seek sustainable, ethical, or allergy-friendly choices, plant-based options are becoming a staple in supermarkets, restaurants, and even local hawker stalls.

Whether you’re opting for meat-free alternatives for religious, ethical, health, or sustainability reasons, here are 8 meat and seafood alternatives you can sink your teeth into – giving you more options than stodgy, gluten-heavy stuff from local vegetarian hawker stalls!

HAPPIEE!

Homegrown and proud of it, HAPPIEE! offers plant-based seafood like squid rings and fish fillets, made from soy and konjac, ingredients known for their firm, chewy texture. Ideal for Asian dishes or deep-frying, they’re also low in calories and free from cholesterol.

Available at supermarkets such as Cold Storage

TiNDLE

Developed by Singapore’s own Next Gen Foods, TiNDLE is a plant-based chicken that’s juicy, tender, and versatile. Made with a blend of plant proteins, it can be grilled, fried, or tossed into local dishes like chicken rice or curry.

Available at restaurants including The Goodburger

OmniMeat

Missing your spam fries or crispy luncheon meat in nasi lemak? OmniMeat Luncheon is a healthier, plant-based version made with soy, pea, and rice protein, and it works beautifully in fried rice, stir-fries, or sliced into sandwiches.

Available at supermarkets such as Cold Storage

Green Rebel

Hailing from Indonesia, Green Rebel brings bold regional flavours to the plant-based world with dishes like Beefless Rendang and Chick’n Satay. Using ingredients like mushrooms, soy, and spices such as turmeric and galangal, they also offer vegan cheese and meat alternatives suited for Asian cooking.

Available at online retailers such as Shopee

Karana

Karana transforms humble jackfruit into a deliciously meaty substitute that’s perfect for pulled “pork” tacos, curry, or stir-fries. Grown sustainably by smallholder farmers in Sri Lanka, their high-fibre, non-GMO products come with no artificial additives and a strong focus on eco-friendliness.

Available at restaurants including Restaurant 95  

Impossible Foods

It’s impossible to well, not mention Impossible Foods, when talking about plant-based substitutes. Their repertoire includes minced beef and pork alternatives that are so convincing, even meat lovers might do a double-take, thanks to the soy-based protein that replicates the flavour, texture, and even sizzle of real meat.

Available at supermarkets such as Cold Storage, and restaurants including Swensen’s

Beyond Meat

One of the pioneers in the meat-free space, Beyond Meat has become a global staple with its juicy, flavourful Beyond Burger made from pea and lentil protein. Their Beyond Chicken Nuggets are perfect for guilt-free snacking, with a crisp bite that tastes just like the real deal when air-fried or oven-baked.

Available at supermarkets such as Cold Storage 

Quorn Meat-Free Nuggets & Mince

Quorn products are made from mycoprotein, a fungus-derived protein that’s high in fibre and has a satisfying meat-like consistency. Quorn has a wide range which spans from chicken-style nuggets to sausages, something that vegans and vegetarians will appreciate when food shopping!

Available at supermarkets such as Cold Storage, and restaurants such as VeganBurg

Final Bite

Whether you’re trying to cut down on meat, explore flexitarian eating, or go fully plant-based, Singapore’s growing variety of meat and seafood alternatives makes the transition easy and delicious. From innovative local brands to trusted global players, these options prove you don’t have to sacrifice flavour for sustainability.