The Place Meaning “Snow Lotus” in Tibetan, I was sceptical of Ganglamedo Vegetarian Cuisine, a few months old Tibetan vegetarian restaurant along Craig Road in Tanjong Pagar. People who know me will know that I love my meats, and though I was initially hesitant about trying this exotic sounding restaurant, I am glad I did.

On first sight, the three-storeys shophouse restaurant feels like a new world as I stepped into its sanctuary-like setting, which feels like I entered someone’s private residence. The furnishings boast imported natural wood, with nice natural light through the glass ceiling at the middle of the restaurant. If you fancy more privacy, there is a private room with en-suite bathroom on level three.

The Food I asked the owner Anita about her inspiration for this restaurant and her ideology resonates with me. I’m guilty of being too caught up in my hectic work life and more often than not, I forget the true joy of enjoying a meal. As shared by Anita, she wants to create a space where diners can immerse themselves with nature and natural ingredients and feel the connection with the wholesome food. I have to credit the soothing music in the restaurant for creating that zen atmosphere during the course of my meal.

None of the dishes served at Ganglamedo have any additions of preservatives, artificial colouring or MSG, and a range of vegan and allium-free dishes are also available on the menu.

For the menu, set courses and ala carts options are available with most of the ingredients from Tibet where possible. For a start, the Sesame Mochi Bread (S$8 for 4 pieces) with Mayonnaise is served warm to the table with an interesting texture like mochi more than traditional bread.

Other dishes I tried from the ala carte menu include the Pan Fried Morel (S$20) and Homemade Pancake (S$12). The former is quite greasy, basically fried wild morel served along with Hand-Crafted Tofu, Premier Ground Cordyceps Flower and Green Asparagus. The latter is thinly sliced Fried Spinach Pancake, which is quite satisfying.

From the Pure Vegetarian 5-course set menu (S$49.90 per person), one of the highlights for me is the Pure Vegetarian GLMD Hotpot which comes with an assortment of seasonal vegetables and a choice of soup base from the likes of Mushroom, White Pea, Tomato or Hot & Sour. I went for the mushroom broth and really enjoyed it! The flavour of the broth is intense, yet it does not taste too sweet or salty at all.

If you opt for the more luxurious Special Cordyceps 5-course Menu (S$88 per person), it comes with the luscious Naqu Cordyceps Double-Boiled Soup with Premium Whole Cordyceps, Black Truffle, Matsutake and Bamboo Fungus. There is a whole string of health benefits associated with cordyceps and the least I can say is that I feel very nourished and good after having the whole bowl of soup.

Another dish on the special cordyceps menu is the Noodles with Chinese Truffle and Cordyceps Sauce, which is very similar in texture and flavour to angel hair pasta.

For dessert, I had the Winter Pumpkin Glutinous Rice Cake (S$5) coated with Cereal Confetti , which doesn’t use any sugar at all. I’m not a fan of sweet desserts so this option works well for me.

For drinks, there are options like Buckwheat Tea (S$5) and Tibet Tea (S$5).

Rants The flavours here lean towards the lighter end of the spectrum for most of the dishes. If you fancy hearty and heavy flavours, you may be disappointed.

Will I Return Again? The quiet charm of Ganglamedo is alluring enough to draw me back. That aside, I would gladly have the mushroom hotpot set again.

Make your reservations instantly at Ganglamedo Vegetarian Cuisine here.

This was an invited tasting, though all opinions expressed are our own.

TheRantingPanda says:
Taste bud: 3.5/5
Hole in the pocket: 3.5/5
Ambience: 4/5
Overall Experience: 3.5/5

Ganglamedo Vegetarian Cuisine
40 Craig Road
Singapore 089678
Tel: +65 64239788/+65 96519788

Opening Hours
Monday to Sunday: 11.30am to 3pm; 6pm to 9.30pm

Ranted by The Ranter