Growing up, I have always been a reluctant but consistent participant in my mother’s vegetarian diet. It gets repetitive, especially with how similar and sparse vegetarian cuisine used to be. Discovering SunnyChoice is nothing short of serendipity, and its convenient locations (one in Bukit Batok, one in Rail Mall, and the other along Alexandra Road) are an added bonus.
The Bukit Batok outlet is my go-to for family meals, simply because it’s near where I live. Conveniently located near Bukit Batok MRT station and West Mall, its cheery bright storefront makes it easy for customers to find.
Past the glass door, the interior is brightly lit and spacious. Seats are aplenty, although if you happen to visit during lunch or dinner, there might be a slight crowd. A testament to its rising popularity.
Once seated, we wasted no time at all in selecting our dishes. One thing I really like about SunnyChoice is that they use tablet menus, perfect for an indecisive introvert like me — there’s no added pressure of trying to quickly decide on what to have while the waiter and everyone else at the table stare at you.
Hakka food always brings back fond memories of family lunches at my grandma’s place, so it’s only natural that the Abacus 算盘子 ($7) dish is my top choice.
Made from yam paste and tapioca flour, this chewy dish is definitely my go-to order. Of course, my grandma’s cooking will always top the list, but the sesame fragrance, mushroom and tofu chunks bring this version to a close second.
In addition to the mushrooms and diced tofu, the dish also came with black ear fungus and carrots. The carrots add some crunch to the dish, especially amongst the other mostly soft and chewy ingredients.
Another dish that caught my eye is the Vegetable Sushi 蔬菜寿司 ($7). What really stands out in this dish is that all eight pieces of sushi are made completely from vegetables, even the rice is substituted too.
Overflowing with crunchy greenness, this twist on sushi is a must-try for veggie lovers. Every bite feels like a condensed salad. The best part? You’ll get all the healthy goodness – turnips, carrots, beetroots and lettuce – wrapped in seaweed and lightly drizzled with a homemade mayonnaise.
The dish comes paired with a mini-saucer of light wasabi, a less spicy version. I didn’t use it much, mainly because the sushi already has enough flavour complexity. My only gripe is that despite eating the entire set of eight pieces, it still wasn’t enough to fill me up.
Luckily, there’s always the alternative of Brown Rice Sushi 糙米寿司 ($7)! Just as healthy but definitely more filling. If you’ve never liked brown rice, this dish might change your mind.
I daresay this dish could make a light meal on its own. The cucumber bits lend a refreshing crunch to this heavier sushi, and you won’t be able to resist popping a few in quick succession.
The homemade mayonnaise softens the grains further, making it easy to eat. Dip it lightly in the wasabi provided to undercut that starch-coma when you’ve had a few too many in a row.
Once you’re done with your meal, head over to the cashier – psst, there is no GST or service charge!
Don’t forget to take a look around their shelves! SunnyChoice stocks a range of organic products ranging from organic food like grains and beverages to health supplements and hair care items. Who knows, you might get hooked on brown rice after your visit, so stock up before you leave.
Who knows, you might get hooked on brown rice after your visit, so stock up before you leave.
Expected damage: $7 – $15 per pax
