Afterglow

ABOUT

If there's one relatively underrated cuisine on the Singapore dining scene, it's raw vegan fare. Vegetarianism's stauncher cousin has gained itself a reputation for not being the tastiest stuff in the world, often relegated to the classification of rabbit food. Afterglow, the hip outpost in the Keon ...More

If there's one relatively underrated cuisine on the Singapore dining scene, it's raw vegan fare. Vegetarianism's stauncher cousin has gained itself a reputation for not being the tastiest stuff in the world, often relegated to the classification of rabbit food. Afterglow, the hip outpost in the Keong Saik area, aims to change that perception with intriguing, creative raw fare that defies expectations.

Afterglow has hippie chic intentions that go well beyond its inventive decor. The concept was born out of local ingredient sourcing and improving the lifestyles of city dwellers with wholesome, natural fare. Evolving the industrial look with a vintage, trinket-filled aura, the communal space is used to showcase on-theme books, accessories and even wines. This is your first indication that the approach here is not all pious, with additional edge given by artisanal cold brew, small-batch coffee, and craft beer to suit the lively neighborhood after dark.

Regardless of your familiarity with raw vegan dishes, the menu at Afterglow aims to please. To start, the Raw vegan nut 'cheese' platter with crackers uses cultured cashews, soaked and pureed to recreate the smooth texture of a cheesy dip, miraculously sans any actual dairy. The accompanying crackers made of whole seeds and grains deliver a satisfying crunch, and the dip is so tasty that you'd never know it has added probiotic benefits. The sushi-like Afterglow kimchi nori rolls uses faux rice made with almonds and homemade Kimchi that has been stewing in zingy marinades for 7 days. Venturing into Mexican territory, the Raw taco bowl substitutes the seasoned beef for chunky walnuts spiced with a blend of salsas and crunchy purple cabbage, for a refreshing take on usually belt-busting burritos. For a more Italian spin, the Raw lasagne smartly deceives the tongue with zucchini as the pasta sheets, and macerated tomatoes as the sauce.

The Drag-pom salad is ideal for raw-vegan newbies and naysayers alike, featuring an undeniably good combination of dragonfruit with pomegranate, avocado, and macadamia. Also sure to please any palate is the Raw chocolate salted caramel fudge, featuring raw avocado and cacao, layered with sesame-based tahini cream, and a vanilla-medjool sweetened crust for a delightfully guilt-free treat. And really, doesn't that make it all the sweeter? (Dec 2014)

THE BUZZ

"One of the newer additions to Singapore's growing list of vegetarian-friendly places, Afterglow (thanks to its industrial-chic interiors) go-to spot for raw food has some impressive plates like an addictive spicy raw nut "cheese" dip made from cashews." -Honeycombers "These guys serve unique salads ...More

"One of the newer additions to Singapore's growing list of vegetarian-friendly places, Afterglow (thanks to its industrial-chic interiors) go-to spot for raw food has some impressive plates like an addictive spicy raw nut "cheese" dip made from cashews." -Honeycombers

"These guys serve unique salads, wraps and deconstructed sushi bowls that are not only wheat-free, sugar-free, and dairy-free but are darn delicious too! Their more-ish desserts, such as their delectable Salted Caramel Chocolate Fudge Cake, will have you questioning all your preconceptions of healthy food not being tasty." -Sassy Mama Singapore

"Vegan-friendly creations take center stage at this new farm-to-table raw food eatery that offers plenty more than just wholesome grub, from fine wine to locally made products like vintage bicycles." -SG Now

"These guys and gals only use fresh wholesome non-processed ingredients with a focus on raw food and farm-to-table style dishes. They also make everything from scratch including cold pressed juices, nut butters and cheeses and crispy rosemary crackers." -Urban Journey

DISHES WE LOVE

Raw Vegan Nut 'Cheese' Platter with Crackers, Afterglow Kimchi Nori Rolls, Drag-Pom Salad, Raw Taco Bowl, Raw Lasagne, Deconstructed Sushi Bowl, Raw Chocolate Salted Caramel Fudge