I am always on the hunt for a lunch spot around Bugis that won’t drain my wallet or put me in a massive food coma for the rest of the workday. Cheap, quick, and satisfying meals are getting harder to find in the city center.
I recently swung by Bodhi Deli on Level 3 of Fortune Centre, and it totally hit the spot. It is a reliable, affordable vegetarian haven that I didn’t know I needed. If you are exploring more meat-free options in the same building, this guide to vegetarian food in Fortune Centre gives a useful overview of what else is worth checking out.
First Impressions: Clean, Crowded, and Built for Quick Meals
As soon as you step into the tiny Bodhi Deli, you can feel the cozy and welcoming atmosphere. The walls are decorated with handmade artwork, and there is even a small shrine in the corner for those who wish to pray or meditate.
Despite its small size, Bodhi Deli has managed to create a warm and inviting space that makes it a great spot for a quick solo lunch or catching up with friends.
Menu Options
The menu at Bodhi Deli is extensive, offering a wide variety of vegetarian dishes from different Asian cuisines such as Chinese, Indian and Thai. They have an array of rice, noodle, and vegetable dishes that will satisfy any craving.
Fortune Centre is a legendary building for plant-based eats, but it can get pretty chaotic. When I arrived around 11:15 am on a Tuesday, the corridors were already humming with office workers and temple-goers. I managed to grab a table just before the real lunch rush hit.
The setup here is incredibly simple. Bodhi Deli spans a couple of units, with tables spilling right out into the mall corridor. Thankfully, the entire area is air-conditioned, so you do not have to sweat through your meal. I noticed the tables and trays were kept remarkably clean. However, the seating is functional but not ideal for long meals. You eat, clear your tray, and you go.
What to Order: Mee Pok, Cutlet Rice, and Fried Wantons
I went with a few highly recommended dishes to see if the hype was real. I wanted to see how they handled familiar local classics without using any meat or alliums.
Dry Mee Pok ($5.50)
First up was the Dry Mee Pok. As soon as I picked up my tray, it smelled amazingly savory. The noodles were tossed in a slightly sweet, tangy mix of chili and ketchup. Honestly, the noodles weren’t quite as springy as I normally prefer, but the delicious toppings entirely made up for it. The crispy vegetarian mock goose added a fantastic, loud crunch to every bite. The mock char siew was surprisingly soft and absorbed the sauce perfectly.
Vegan Chicken Cutlet Rice ($5.30)
I also tried the Vegan Chicken Cutlet Rice, which is just an absolute steal for the price. The mock chicken arrived with a beautifully crisp, golden breaded coating that wasn’t the least bit oily. Inside, the texture was remarkably tender—almost shockingly close to real chicken. It paired perfectly with the warm, fluffy white rice and the side of hot, clear cabbage soup that washed everything down nicely.
Fried Wantons ($5.50)
I simply couldn’t resist ordering a side of Fried Wantons. They were served piping hot and had a massive, satisfying crunch when I bit into them. For just over five bucks, getting ten generously filled pieces is unbeatable value. I highly recommend dipping them into the provided chili sauce for a sharp, spicy kick.
Service: Fast Counter Ordering That Keeps Lunch Moving
The service here operates like an efficient, self-service machine. You order at the counter, get a queue number, and grab your tray when they call you. The uncle managing the front counter can seem a little gruff when the line gets long, but it feels like part of the authentic hawker charm. The staff are actually very polite and keep the massive crowd moving smoothly. I got all my food in less than ten minutes, which is a lifesaver when you are on a tight lunch break.
Before You Go: Prices, Timing, and Sold-Out Dishes
You will easily walk out of here spending just $5 to $10 per person. There is no GST or service charge, making it one of the most budget-friendly meals in the Bencoolen area.
Here is my biggest tip: Arrive before 11:30 am to avoid sold-out dishes. I have heard they frequently run out of popular items, like their rich Lor Mee and sweet-and-sour Mee Siam, by 1:00 pm. You do not need to book a table at all. Just walk in, order, and grab a seat if you see one open.
Final Take: Cheap, Fast, and Hard to Argue With
Bodhi Deli is not trying to be a fancy cafe, and that is exactly why it works so well. It is affordable, fast, and delivers solid local vegetarian food without any fuss.
Who it’s best for: Budget-conscious office workers, solo diners, and anyone craving meat-free local favorites.
Who should skip it: Anyone looking for a quiet date spot, plush seating, or polished table service.
I’d definitely return. It is hard to argue with a hot, crispy chicken cutlet rice that costs less than a latte.