Experience Singapore: Vegetarian Cooking Class

This is the vegetarian version of our award-winning Cultural Cooking Class - the same three-dish Singaporean menu, made vegetarian.
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1) Singaporean heritage dishes, made vegetarian — laksa, char kway teow and nasi lemak, with shrimp paste, prawns, chicken and sausage replaced by tau kwa, mushrooms and vegetarian soy paste.
2) Whole-food swaps, not mock processed meat — tau kwa, mushrooms, paneer and fresh vegetables instead of processed meat substitutes.
3) Made-from-scratch pastes — the sambal is belacan-free, the laksa and curry pastes are made from scratch, and the char kway teow sauce contains no oyster sauce.
4) Chinatown setting — a restored heritage shophouse at 24A Sago Street, a short walk from Chinatown and Maxwell MRT.
5) Taught by local women — classes are led by stay-home mothers and active seniors who share family recipes and food stories, part of Food Playground's social mission.
6) Halal-certified ingredients — useful for Muslim vegetarians. Tell us if you need this confirmed.
7) Recipes and photos emailed after class so you can cook the dishes at home.
Sick and tired of the usual sightseeing attractions in Singapore? You are not alone. Singapore has a lot to offer, but nothing comes close to a cultural immersion experience as educational and delicious as a hands-on local cooking class.

This cooking class is designed to help you dive deep into the fascinating side of Singapore’s food heritage and culture in an informal and fun atmosphere. You will discover how our multi-racial society blended together in a perfect harmony through food. Thereafter, you will have lots of hands-on fun learning how to cook up three authentic Singaporean dishes under the guidance of friendly instructors during this 3-hour cooking class.

Don't worry, we have specially designed the class format such that even if you have never stepped into the kitchen before, you will be able to learn at your own pace and have fun!

Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice Best of the Best 2022-2024

Food Playground is one of Singapore’s top-rated cultural cooking class providers, with a 5.0 Tripadvisor rating, 2,400+ traveller reviews, and a #1 ranking among Classes & Workshops in Singapore. Guests frequently mention our hands-on Singapore recipes, friendly instructors, food culture stories, and Chinatown location. We are also the only cooking school in Singapore to be awarded the Travellers' Choice Best of the Best badge for five consecutive years from 2020 to 2024.

[ What You can expect ]
1) Learn interesting snippets about Singapore’s food culture and discover the secrets to Singapore's hawker centres
2) Cook up real family recipes passed down through many generations like Laksa, Char Kway Teow and Nasi Lemak using fresh local ingredients. We don't use fancy cooking equipment or exotic ingredients so you can easily replicate these dishes at home!
3) Enjoy the fruits of your labour, a mouth-watering Singaporean lunch with newfound friends
4) Hear touching stories of how our instructors overcome challenges to return to the workforce through our unique training and flexi-work arrangements

[ How our Vegetarian Cultural Cooking Classes work ]
1) Vegetarian guests join any scheduled class. Tell us when you book and every dish on that day's menu is prepared vegetarian for you.
2) If your whole group is vegetarian, the entire menu is prepared vegetarian. For a private vegetarian class, the minimum group size is 8.
3) Our cultural cooking classes run regularly from Mondays through Sundays, with each class starting at 9:30am and ending at 12:30pm.
4) We begin each session by taking you through an introduction to the local street food culture and the unique local spices and ingredients used in our preparation.
5) Following the introduction, it’s time for a totally hands-on, step-by-step cooking lesson. Feel free to breathe in the aromas, savour the flavours and have fun!
6) Complete the whole cultural experience with communal dining, great conversations and unforgettable memories.
7) After your class, we will email you the recipes you learnt and lots of photos capturing your candid moments during the class.

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The Weekly Vegetarian Menu Schedule

Menus change daily. Each dish below is the vegetarian version you will cook — this curated swap is written into the dish name so you know exactly what you are getting. Menu and pricing is valid till 30th June 2027.

Not a sad side plate

You cook and eat the same three-dish menu as the rest of the group — the same laksa, the same char kway teow, the same dessert. The vegetarian version is not a smaller portion or a plain alternative: it is the dish, made vegetarian, with whole-food swaps such as tau kwa, mushrooms and vegetarian soy paste instead of processed mock meat.

Every dish is prepared halal (halal-certified ingredients; no pork or lard since 2012), and every dish can be made gluten-free. Our kitchen is not a gluten-free facility, so we cannot guarantee zero cross-contamination. On request we also adapt dishes for vegetarians, vegans, and dairy-free guests:

Sambal Prawns → swap prawns for tau kwa (firm beancurd) — vegetarian & vegan
Curry Chicken → vegetable or mushroom curry — vegetarian & vegan
Masala Chicken → mushroom curry (vegan) or mushroom/paneer (vegetarian)
Char Kway Teow → tau kwa instead of prawns & sausage; gluten-free soy sauce — vegetarian, vegan & gluten-free
Nyonya Laksa → vegetarian soy paste and mushrooms instead of shrimp paste & prawns — vegetarian & vegan
Kueh Dadar & Roti Jala → rice flour instead of wheat (gluten-free) and omit egg (vegan)
Fried Spring Rolls & Nyonya Popiah → rice paper instead of wheat skin (gluten-free); tau kwa filling (vegetarian/vegan)
Nasi Biryani → raita replaced with pickled vegetables (dairy-free & vegan)
Masala Chicken → coconut yoghurt instead of dairy yoghurt (dairy-free, nut-free)

Naturally vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free: Ondeh Ondeh, Channa Masala, Hoon Kueh, and Sago Gula Melaka.

*Each cooking class is priced at S$120 nett per person per class if you book for 2 persons and above. If you book for just one person, the price will be S$150 nett per class. (Please note that our class operates with a minimum of 2 people. This means that if you are the only participant for a scheduled class, your class will be cancelled and you will be offered either a full refund or an alternative class date)

Note:
1) Each class starts at 9:30am, and ends by 12:30pm.
2) Participants will cook in pairs (not individually), so if you book this class alone, you will be pair with another participant.
3) Classes are priced at S$120 nett per participant per class for booking of 2 persons and above. For individual bookings, our classes are priced at S$150 nett per person per class.
4) Menu items may be subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances.
5) Our class operates with a minimum of 2 people, and a maximum of 12 people. All skill levels are welcome.

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Not sure which Singapore food experience to choose?

Download the free Singapore Food Culture Starter Kit and discover Singapore’s iconic dishes, food stories, and how to choose between a food tour, hawker meal, private class, or hands-on cultural cooking class.

Why Guests Choose Food Playground for a Singapore Cultural Cooking Class

Not every cooking class in Singapore offers the same kind of experience. Some focus on recipes, some on a home-kitchen feel, and some on food tours. Food Playground is designed for guests who want a hands-on Singapore cooking class with local cultural context, a central Chinatown location, and a warm, social learning environment.

Why Food Playground stands out:
1) Singapore-first experience: Learn local dishes with cultural stories, not just recipes.
2) Chinatown location: Cook in one of Singapore's most culturally rich neighbourhoods.
3) Beginner-friendly: No cooking experience is needed.
4) Fully hands-on format: Guests actively cook, taste, and learn.
4) Strong trust signals: Rated #1 Cooking Class in Singapore on Tripadvisor with over 8,100 ratings across the web.
5) Meaningful mission: Your booking supports a business with a social purpose of helping mums return to work.

What matters to guests

Food Playground

Typical alternatives

Core experience

Hands-on Singapore cultural cooking class with food stories, local context, and shared meal experience

May focus mainly on recipe instruction, market visits, home cooking, or general Asian cuisine

Best fit

Visitors, locals, families, solo travellers, and groups who want a deeper taste of Singapore

Often suited to either tourists, private groups, or general cooking enthusiasts depending on provider

Class size

Small intimate class of 2 to 12 participants. 2 instructors assigned if more than 8 participants

Less attention paid to instructor-to-learner ratio, so quality and standard is inconsistent. Class tends to get cancelled if minimum group size not met

Starting price

From SGD 120 per person nett. No GST or hidden service fees

Competitor pricing varies; some publish higher per-person rates, GST or service fees

Location

24A Sago Street in Chinatown, a culturally relevant and central Singapore neighbourhood

May be in residential homes, studios outside Chinatown, or tour meeting points

Cultural storytelling

Singapore food culture is part of the class experience, not an afterthought

Cultural context varies; some classes focus more on cooking technique or menu completion

Hands-on participation

Guests cook actively with instructor guidance

Some alternatives may include demonstrations, market elements, or more host-led formats

Comfort for beginners

Designed for people with little or no cooking experience

Beginner friendliness varies by class style and instructor

Trust signals

Over 8,100 ratings across Google and Tripadvisor (as of October 2026)

Review sources and volume vary by provider and not as diverse

Added meaning

Food Playground has a social mission supporting disadvantaged women back into the workforce

Many alternatives are often profit-driven and focus mainly on culinary instruction or tourism experience

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you run vegetarian cooking classes in Singapore?

Yes. Food Playground runs a vegetarian version of its cultural cooking class every day, Monday to Sunday, at 24A Sago Street in Chinatown.

Is the vegetarian version a separate or smaller menu?

No. You cook and eat the same three-dish menu as the group, made vegetarian. For example, the laksa uses vegetarian soy paste and mushrooms instead of shrimp paste and prawns, and the char kway teow uses tau kwa instead of prawns and sausage.

What dishes are cooked in the vegetarian class?

The menu changes by day. Examples include vegetarian Nyonya Laksa, char kway teow with tau kwa, mushroom and paneer masala, sambal tau kwa, and naturally vegetarian dishes such as Ondeh Ondeh, Channa Masala and Hoon Kueh.

Is the vegetarian class suitable for vegans?

Yes, with advance notice. Vegan guests skip egg and paneer, and dairy elements are replaced — for example, the raita with Nasi Biryani becomes pickled vegetables.

How much does the vegetarian cooking class cost?

From S$120 nett per person when two or more book, or S$150 nett for a single booking. Classes run with a minimum of two people, with no GST or hidden fees.

Can a whole group book a vegetarian class?

Yes. If your whole group is vegetarian, the entire menu is prepared vegetarian. Private classes start from 8 participants.

Where is the cooking class held?

The class is held at Food Playground, 24A Sago Street, Singapore 059020, in Chinatown. That gives the experience a natural cultural setting and makes it easy to combine with a Chinatown visit before or after class.

Do you provide hotel pickup?

We do not provide hotel pickup. Most guests make their own way to our Chinatown location, which is convenient from many city hotels.

Can solo travellers join?

Yes. Solo travellers are welcome when there is availability. Cooking together is naturally social, so it is one of the easiest ways to meet people while doing something genuinely local.

Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?

Yes. We can customize menus for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, halal, nut-free, and most other dietary requirements. Tell us about any allergies or restrictions before booking or as early as possible after booking, and our instructors will prepare the dishes accordingly.

`Can you run a vegan cooking class?`

Yes, with advance notice. Every class menu can be adapted for vegan guests. For example, Kueh Dadar and Roti Jala are made without eggs, Nyonya Laksa swaps shrimp paste for a vegetarian soy paste and prawns for mushrooms, and Curry Chicken becomes a mushroom or vegetable curry. Ondeh Ondeh, Channa Masala and Hoon Kueh are naturally vegan. Tell us your requirements when you book so we can plan that day's menu.

`Do you cater to dairy-free diets?`

Yes. Dairy-based elements are swapped out — for example, the raita served with Nasi Biryani becomes pickled vegetables, and the yoghurt in Masala Chicken becomes coconut yoghurt (dairy-free and nut-free). Tell us your dietary requirements when you book.

`Can Food Playground's cooking classes be made gluten-free?`

Yes. Every dish in every class can be made gluten-free on request. Our instructors use gluten-free substitutes for ingredients such as soy sauce and noodles, so gluten-free guests can cook and eat the same class menu as the group. Please note that our kitchen is not a gluten-free facility, so we cannot guarantee zero cross-contamination; guests with celiac disease should assess their own risk.

Is Food Playground Halal-friendly?

Yes. Food Playground is Muslim-friendly and only uses Halal-certified ingredients. We have cooked with no pork or lard since 2012, and our team includes a Muslim culinary instructor, Nur Samat, who reinforces the Halal environment we maintain on site. Tell us about any dietary needs when you book.

Book Your Class in 3 Easy Steps

Step 1:
CHECK AVAILABILITY

Click on the ‘BOOK NOW’ button on the main menu and get real-time availability of all our cooking classes.

Please use the calendar function "Pick date" if you cannot find the dates displayed on the page.

Enter the number of participants and we will reflect the total amount payable.

Step 2:
BOOK & PAY

To book your class, you will be prompted to enter your personal particulars and dietary restrictions (if any).

To complete this booking process, you are required to make payment in full. We accept payment by any major credit cards via our payment gateway Stripe.

You can rest assured your connection to our website is secure with our RapidSSL certification and all your personal data remains safe.

Step 3:
JUST SHOW UP!

Once payment goes through, you will receive an instant confirmation of your booking in your email inbox.

Your seat for your cooking class is now guaranteed! We will send you an email reminder 24 hours before your class.

Now, all you need to do is show up for your class on time!

We accept bookings for individuals and small groups (i.e. up to 8 persons) for our Cultural Cooking Classes. If you have large groups (i.e. 9 persons and above) or if you prefer to have a private class, please call us at (65) 9452 3669 or email us to discuss.

To sign up for our scheduled classes, please click/tap below button to go to our booking page so you can check availability of your preferred class and date.

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Still deciding what to try in Singapore?

If you are thinking of buying this experience for someone special, you have the convenient option to purchase an electronic gift voucher from our website. Click/tap below button for more details.

Quick Answer

Food Playground runs a hands-on vegetarian cooking class in Singapore every day of the week. You cook and eat the same three-dish Singaporean menu as the group — not a smaller or sadder plate. The vegetarian versions replace shrimp paste, prawns, chicken and sausage with tau kwa, mushrooms and vegetarian soy paste, using whole-food swaps rather than processed mock meat. Classes run 3 hours from 9:30am to 12:30pm in a Chinatown shophouse, from S$120 nett per person for two or more.

A vegetarian cookingclass in Singapore

Quick Answer

Experience Singapore: Vegetarian Cooking Class

Not sure which Singapore food experience to choose?

The Weekly Vegetarian Menu Schedule

Menus change daily. Each dish below is the vegetarian version you will cook — this curated swap is written into the dish name so you know exactly what you are getting. Menu and pricing is valid till 30th June 2027.

EVERY MONDAY

S$ 120/pax*

EVERY TUESDAY

S$ 120/pax*

EVERY WEDNESDAY

S$ 120/pax*

EVERY THURSDAY

S$ 120/pax*

EVERY FRIDAY

S$ 120/pax*

EVERY SATURDAY

S$ 120/pax*

EVERY SUNDAY

S$ 120/pax*

Not a sad side plate

Not sure which Singapore food experience to choose?

Hear Our Origin Story & Social Mission

A Unique Way To Experience Singapore, as featured on Channel News Asia

Why Guests Choose Food Playground for a Singapore Cultural Cooking Class

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you run vegetarian cooking classes in Singapore?

Is the vegetarian version a separate or smaller menu?

What dishes are cooked in the vegetarian class?

Is the vegetarian class suitable for vegans?

How much does the vegetarian cooking class cost?

Can a whole group book a vegetarian class?

Where is the cooking class held?

Do you provide hotel pickup?

Can solo travellers join?

Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?

Can you run a vegan cooking class?

Do you cater to dairy-free diets?

Can Food Playground's cooking classes be made gluten-free?

Is Food Playground Halal-friendly?

Book Your Class in 3 Easy Steps

Step 1: CHECK AVAILABILITY

Step 2: BOOK & PAY

Step 3: JUST SHOW UP!

Still deciding what to try in Singapore?

Cultural Cooking Class Travel Blogger Reviews

"Unlike any other classes we have taken!"

"Extremely well run cooking school in Chinatown"

"Educational, fun, hands on, total cultural immersion and a fantastic ethos"

Our Awards & Accolades

Singapore Tourism Awards 2013

Singapore Service Excellence Medallion 2015

World Food Travel Food Trekking Awards2018

Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice Best of the Best 2020 - 2024

Quick Links

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A vegetarian cooking
class in Singapore

`Can you run a vegan cooking class?`

`Do you cater to dairy-free diets?`

`Can Food Playground's cooking classes be made gluten-free?`

Step 1:
CHECK AVAILABILITY

Step 2:
BOOK & PAY

Step 3:
JUST SHOW UP!

Singapore Tourism Awards
2013

Singapore Service Excellence Medallion
2015

World Food Travel Food Trekking Awards
2018