Note:
If you are keen and have queries, please contact Coach Rameshon at 9100 4369 or you can email him at m.rameshon@gmail.com or swift.rameshon@gmail.com. Please refer to website http://flexifitness.com.sg (for more information on him and his programmes)
By Rameshon
Bsc (Hons) Degree in Physical Education, Loughborough University (1992-1994)
Masters in Education (University of Western Australia, 2005-2008)
TABLA - INDIAN COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER (Singapore Press Holdings)
Title - 1000 Veggie Options (By Balbinder Kaur).
I was told that people do not want to become a vegetarian because of not able to find shops which are vegetarian and not enough choices. I think that there are many vegetarian shops in Singapore. All we need to do is to explore. Another thing, I have seen that there are now shops which allow a person to have more choices. Hence, we have a good reason for consuming vegetarian food so as to prevent killings of animals to feed our stomach. When we are really hungry and if we cannot find food, then it is advisable to obtain food from animals. This is my perception. Until then, we should not relent to the weakness of the tongue.
As such, I saw this interesting article written by Balvinder Kaur on 1000 veggie options to choose from so that we are not bored.
For those vegetarians out there who constantly feel like you have to pick your food options from a menu that has left a rather dismal section for vegetarian diners, you will be thrilled by my discovery.
I felt as though I had stepped into vegetarian haven walls adorned with inspiring pro-vegetarianism quotes when I arrived with a colleague at Thousand Veggie Restaurant in South Bridge Road for lunch recently. Considering that Singapore is a food paradise, it is quite rare to come across entirely vegetarian eateries on the island.
Having said that, Thousand Veggies Restaurant would impress vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike with its menu that exhausts the possibilities within vegetarian limits.
The restaurant's wide selection offers Western, Asian and local spreads that include mock meat options.
First up, we were especially tempted to try out Laksa ($7) - a noodle soup with prawns and clams that is a favourite with locals. In the laksa we tried, mock prawns were used. We were impressed with the ideal balance of the sweet coconut-based gravy with the tanginess that the chilli sambal paste lent to the vegetarian laksa. The gravy was not too thick, which it often is, preventing this dish from becoming overly filling.
Next, we opted for something comparatively light on our tastebuds. Broccoli. With Braised Mushroom ($14) made for a health-conscious yet tasty accompaniment to steamed rice ($1.50 per bowl). The broccoli was crunchy and its flavour came from the lightly salted grave. Shiitake mushrooms, braised with Chinese herbs, topped the broccoli.
Two more items that went well with the rice were Tofu Hot Plate ($15) and Spicy Sze Chuan 'Pis' ($12). The serving of the former was a sight to behold. The moment the lid was removed, the tofu steamed and sizzled on the hot plate. It was delightful to slice through the smooth texture of the healthy - sized portion of silken tofu, topped with a gravy made mainly from dark soya sauce and bits of mock chicken.
Lunch ended on a high note with the 'Pis' dish. Thinly sliced "fish" in a zesty, sour sauce, garnished with strips of capsicum was not only a tasty treat but also looked good. The mock fish was tender and it had absorbed the racy Sze Chuan flavours as well.
Sitting centrally in Chinatown and offering an ample range of picks that are fully vegetarian, my colleague and I left this restaurant very much pleased and sweetly surprised.
Note:
By Narayanan
Rameshon has taught in Hwa Chong Institution, plus several schools, and Republic Polytechnic as well. He has won many accolades and he was awarded Merit Award for 1991 marathon performance in breaking the national record of Singapore, at that time. He has made 22 male athletes do a marathon in sub-3hrs. He has made 7 female runners do sub-4 hours for the marathon, as well. He was inducted to the ‘Roll of Honour’ by the then College of Physical Education, organised by Singapore Olympic Academy, in 1998, for breaking the National record repeatedly 4 times, till he did 2hr 24min 22sec).
He also has a Coaching group and he trains them on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7pm at Botanic Gardens. Those interested can call him at 91004369 for coaching assistance, to improve performance. There is also personal training that he does for many in a week. You can e-mail him at swift.rameshon@gmail.com.
