Cholesterol-Friendly Restaurants in Singapore

Managing high cholesterol doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice great food. In fact, Singapore is home to an impressive range of restaurants that cater to those watching their lipid levels. With heart disease remaining a leading cause of death in Singapore, health-conscious dining is more relevant than ever. This article explores cholesterol-friendly restaurants in Singapore—places that balance flavour and health, without relying on saturated fats or cholesterol-heavy ingredients.

What Makes a Restaurant Cholesterol-Friendly?

Before diving into the list, it’s important to define what qualifies as cholesterol-friendly:

• Low in saturated fats: Found in fatty meats, full-fat dairy, butter, and palm oil.

• Zero trans fats: Common in deep-fried foods and baked goods.

• Rich in fibre: Whole grains, legumes, fruits, and vegetables help lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol.

• Plant-based or lean proteins: Think tofu, legumes, fish, and skinless poultry.

• Minimal processed sugar and salt: Both indirectly impact cardiovascular health.

All restaurants listed below follow these principles to varying degrees—some are fully plant-based, while others offer balanced, customisable options.

1. The Living Café – Bukit Timah

Established in 2011, The Living Café has been serving health-conscious diners for over 13 years. It boasts a Google review rating of 4.3 stars. The Living Café’s entire menu is built on principles of clean, functional eating. All dishes are free of red meat, dairy, white sugar, preservatives, and artificial additives—making it one of the best places for individuals managing cholesterol levels. Their raw and vegan options contain no dietary cholesterol at all.

A standout dish is the Raw Zucchini Pasta, made with spiralised zucchini noodles and a cashew nut-based pesto. Cashew nuts contain heart-healthy monounsaturated fats that can help reduce LDL (bad cholesterol). The absence of cream and cheese removes the common sources of saturated fat found in traditional pesto pastas.

Another option is their Superfood Salad, packed with kale, avocado, goji berries, and chia seeds—all of which are associated with lipid-lowering benefits. The use of extra virgin olive oil in dressings further adds a dose of polyphenols known to support heart function.

2. Real Food – Orchard Central, South Beach, Yishun

Since its inception in 2010, Real Food has expanded to multiple locations, operating for 14 years with a Google review rating of 4.0 stars. Real Food positions itself as a haven for organic, minimally processed meals that are both vegetarian and cholesterol-friendly. They avoid using artificial preservatives, canned foods, or MSG. Instead, their focus is on whole grains, legumes, nuts, and fresh vegetables.

The Organic Baked Tofu Salad is rich in soy protein and fibre. Soy isoflavones are clinically shown to reduce LDL cholesterol while maintaining or raising HDL (good cholesterol). Their tofu is baked, not fried, minimising the use of oxidised oils that can damage endothelial cells in the arteries.

The Brown Rice Noodle Soup features a light miso broth, organic leafy greens, and mushrooms, providing a low-fat, plant-based meal with anti-inflammatory compounds. High-fibre brown rice noodles also aid in reducing cholesterol absorption in the gut.

3. Grain Traders – Telok Ayer, Guoco Tower

Founded in 2015, Grain Traders has been offering customizable grain bowls for 9 years and holds a Google review rating of 4.2 stars. Grain Traders offers hearty grain bowls that allow full control over ingredients—ideal for those watching their lipid profile. Their menu includes slow carbohydrates like quinoa, brown rice, and barley, which help regulate blood sugar and cholesterol.

A popular combo includes Sous Vide Salmon, Roasted Pumpkin, Charred Broccoli, and Quinoa. Salmon is high in EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids, which lower triglyceride levels and may slightly raise HDL cholesterol. Roasted pumpkin provides soluble fibre that binds with cholesterol in the intestines, reducing its absorption.

What sets Grain Traders apart is its avoidance of heavy sauces and fried toppings. Sauces like miso and tomato-basil are used in moderation, ensuring sodium levels stay manageable—another important factor in cardiovascular health.

4. VeganBurg – Eunos

Operating since 2010, VeganBurg has been serving plant-based fast food for 14 years and has a Google review rating of 4.4 stars. VeganBurg is Singapore’s only fully plant-based burger joint, which means its entire menu contains zero dietary cholesterol—a huge plus for individuals needing strict lipid control. All burgers use wholegrain buns and vegan patties made from soy, chickpeas, and mushrooms.

The Smoky BBQ Burger contains a protein-rich soy patty with lettuce, tomato, and a vegan BBQ sauce. The soy base provides complete amino acids and the kind of phytosterols that block cholesterol absorption. Pair it with Broccoli and Mushrooms or Air-Baked Fries to keep things fibre-rich and low in saturated fat.

Because all cooking oils used are non-hydrogenated, there are no trans fats, making this a rare “fast food” option that genuinely supports heart health.

5. Haakon Superfoods and Juice – Somerset, Kinex

Established in 2016, Haakon has been promoting clean eating for 8 years and holds a Google review rating of 4.1 stars. Haakon’s approach is rooted in Nordic superfoods and clean eating. The menu includes açai bowls, poke bowls, cold-pressed juices, and salads designed to maximise nutritional density while minimising cholesterol and unhealthy fats.

The Salmon Superfood Bowl features wild-caught salmon, brown rice, avocado, cherry tomatoes, and edamame. The combination of fibre, omega-3s, and monounsaturated fats makes this bowl an effective tool for managing LDL and triglyceride levels.

Their Green Smoothie with spinach, banana, avocado, flaxseed, and almond milk provides a cholesterol-free, high-fibre snack that supports cholesterol excretion and bile acid metabolism.

6. The Daily Cut – Raffles Place, Tanjong Pagar

Since 2014, The Daily Cut has been providing customizable protein bowls for 10 years, with a Google review rating of 4.3 stars. The Daily Cut is built for nutritional transparency. It offers bowl-building options with control over portion sizes, cooking methods, and macros—ideal for anyone following dietary interventions for dyslipidaemia or metabolic syndrome.

One of the best combos is Grilled Chicken Breast, Sweet Potato Mash, Charred Brussels Sprouts, and Lentils. Chicken breast is a lean protein, free of skin and excess fat. Lentils provide soluble fibre and plant-based protein, while sweet potatoes are rich in beta-carotene and vitamin C—important for reducing vascular inflammation.

All proteins are grilled or sous-vide, never fried. Sauces are served on the side to prevent accidental intake of saturated fats or sodium.

7. Afterglow – Keong Saik Road

Founded in 2013, Afterglow has been a pioneer in plant-based cuisine for 11 years, boasting a Google review rating of 4.0 stars. Afterglow is known for its innovative use of raw and fermented ingredients. This is a rare restaurant where most dishes require no heat, which helps retain the natural enzymes and antioxidants that benefit vascular function.

The Walnut Meatballs are a protein-packed, plant-based dish featuring crushed walnuts, flaxseeds, and tempeh. Walnuts are rich in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a plant-derived omega-3 that supports arterial flexibility and lipid metabolism. Flaxseeds also provide lignans, compounds that modulate blood lipids.

Their Raw Lasagne uses zucchini sheets, cashew cheese, and a tomato basil purée—completely free of cholesterol yet dense in unsaturated fats and phytochemicals.

8. The Kind Bowl – Killiney Road, Marina One

Established in 2019, The Kind Bowl has been offering vegan Vietnamese cuisine for 5 years and holds a Google review rating of 4.5 stars. This Vietnamese-inspired vegan restaurant proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be bad for your heart. The Kind Pho is the star item—made with a slow-simmered mushroom and lemongrass broth, tofu slices, rice noodles, and fresh herbs.

Unlike traditional pho, which often includes fatty beef brisket, this plant-based alternative eliminates dietary cholesterol while maintaining high satiety. The herbs used—especially Thai basil and coriander—have known vasodilatory and anti-inflammatory effects.

Another highlight is their Banh Mi Sandwich, served on wholegrain baguette with marinated tofu and pickled radish—delivering complex carbs and gut-friendly fibre.

9. Soul Alife – Changi City Point

Operating since 2018, Soul Alife has been serving plant-based meals for 6 years, with a Google review rating of 4.2 stars. Established in 2019, The Kind Bowl has been offering vegan Vietnamese cuisine for 5 years and holds a Google review rating of 4.5 stars. Soul Alife’s entire menu is crafted for plant-based, nutrient-dense dining. Their signature Tempeh Grain Bowl features grilled tempeh, quinoa, chickpeas, corn, and steamed broccoli. This combination ensures high fibre, plant-based protein, and essential micronutrients like magnesium and potassium—both important in maintaining cardiovascular function.

Tempeh is a fermented soy product that not only contains complete protein but also probiotics that may improve lipid profiles. Paired with quinoa, which contains all nine essential amino acids, this dish meets both protein and cholesterol-lowering dietary needs.

They also avoid processed oils, refined sugar, and white carbs, making the entire menu heart-healthy by default.

10. The Social Space – Chinatown, Marina One

Established in 2018, The Social Space has been promoting sustainable dining for 6 years and has a Google review rating of 4.6 stars. Beyond its eco-conscious mission, The Social Space offers several cholesterol-friendly options ideal for breakfast or light lunch. The Tropical Açai Bowl includes açai purée, granola, chia seeds, banana, and coconut flakes. Açai berries are high in anthocyanins, a type of antioxidant shown to reduce oxidative LDL damage.

Another strong choice is their Avocado Sourdough Toast, where the avocado provides oleic acid—a monounsaturated fat that lowers LDL while supporting HDL levels. The use of multigrain sourdough adds resistant starch and additional fibre for better cholesterol regulation.

The café’s drinks are low in sugar, with options like cold-pressed juices and kombucha, supporting liver detoxification and metabolic efficiency.

Key Nutritional Takeaways

Final Tips When Dining Out

Even at cholesterol-friendly spots, make smart choices:

• Request less oil or ask for olive oil instead of butter.

• Avoid creamy sauces; opt for tomato-based or vinaigrettes.

• Choose grilled, steamed, or roasted over fried.

• Control portion size—eating healthily still requires moderation.

Conclusion

Eating out doesn’t have to clash with your cholesterol goals. Whether you’re following your doctor’s advice or taking proactive steps to protect your heart, Singapore’s dining scene offers abundant cholesterol-friendly options. From raw vegan cafés to omega-rich poke bowls, these restaurants make heart-healthy eating accessible—and genuinely enjoyable.

Your health is your wealth. Start by choosing smarter meals—without giving up on taste.