Xi Shi Fu 惜施福素食食阁 isn’t flashy. It doesn’t need to be. What it brings to the table is quiet, soulful, and rooted in tradition. The name itself carries weight—惜 (cherish), 施 (give), 福 (blessing)—a reminder that food can nourish far more than the body.

Tucked inside a hawker centre or food court, it draws a steady stream of loyal fans. Not with hype. With heart. The stall serves a range of Chinese-style vegetarian dishes—some familiar, others delightfully surprising. Think fragrant herbal soups, crispy fried mock meats, braised tofu, and stir-fries bursting with colour and crunch.

Every plate is meatless, yet never lacking. They use mock char siew, vegetarian duck, and soy-based proteins to recreate flavours you’d find in a traditional home-cooked meal. But it’s more than imitation—it’s elevation.

The queue during lunch hours? Long. For good reason. Prices stay humble. Portions fill you up. And everything is served with a quiet efficiency that feels almost meditative.

Locals come for the classics—economic rice with your pick of vegetables and sides. Tourists who stumble upon it often end up coming back. There’s a warmth here, even in the simplest soup.

It’s vegetarian food, yes. But above all, it’s food made with purpose.