Green Monday, the award-winning social venture platform and creators of OmniMeat, the all-purpose plant-based meat analogue has partnered with local chain Daily Green to launch new plant-based offerings across outlets in Singapore.
Our Parenting World – OPW Media team spoke to Chef John Lim, founder of Daily Green where he shares with us about how he set up Daily Green and his partnership with Green Monday.
Exclusive Interview with Chef John Lim, Founder of Daily Green
1. Please share with us more about your background? Why did you decide to become a chef?
Chef John: I’ve always wanted to provide a Singapore-style vegetarian food concept that is relatable and accessible to local audiences. To fulfil my dream, I left my previous job as an optician to become a cook and opened the first Daily Green in Geylang in 2015.
2. What inspired you to set up Daily Green and what are the challenges that you faced in setting up a chain of vegetarian hawker stalls?
Chef John: I was inspired to set up Daily Green because I love to eat local and there is wide demand for plant-based food options – even among diners who are not vegetarian. But one of the challenges we faced in the beginning was how to build greater awareness that Daily Green serves top quality food, not just for vegetarians but non-vegetarian customers too.
3. Can you share with us more about your partnership with Green Monday?
Chef John: Green Monday shares our same vision that a plant-based diet can promote a healthier lifestyle whilst benefiting the environment. Therefore, the decision to partner was straightforward. We’re thrilled to be working closely with their team to debunk the common misconception that vegetarian foods are inaccessible and educate customers that you can get all your necessary protein, minerals and nutrition, and maintain a healthy, optimal diet through plant-based ingredients. We recently launched vegetarian renditions of our top selling dishes, substituting traditional pork with plant-based OmniMeat. The response has been overwhelmingly good!
4. Tell us more about the plant-based renditions of your two best-selling dishes and what can diners expect and look out for when they visit your outlets?
Chef John: We’ve taken our two top-sellers and swapped the traditional Chinese mock meat with all-purpose plant-based OmniMeat. The new ‘OmniMeat Vegetarian Porridge’ (S$4.20 per bowl) stars rice marinated overnight and boiled for hours, and features OmniMeat, fried soy bits, sesame oil and coriander. The ‘OmniMeat Signature Vegetarian Noodles’ (S$4.80 per bowl) is served with OmniMeat, braised mushrooms, beansprouts and lettuce.
5. Can you share your personal experiences of adopting a plant-based lifestyle and its benefits?
Chef John: My family, including my wife and children, have now started eating more plant-based meals daily. I’ve started fitness training so I’m adding more OmniMeat to my diet as one of my main sources of protein.
6. Lastly, what’s your future plan for Daily Green?
Chef John: Given the overwhelming response we have seen since end July, we will be offering more plant-based dishes in our menu in the coming months. We’re also looking to support the Yellow Ribbon Project by giving ex-offenders a second chance for themselves and their families, and spreading the word of making Green Common.
Thank you Chef John Lim for taking our interview!
Daily Green will be rolling out plant-based renditions of their two best-selling dishes in their three key outlets located in 721 Ang Mo Kio, 431 Clementi and 217 Bedok.
In addition, Green Monday encourages members of the public to adopt plant-based eating at least once a week, on Mondays. The organisation has released a heart-warming content series starring fellow advocates Madam Som Said, Malay dance pioneer, Artistic Director of Sri Warisan Performing Arts and renowned cultural Medallion recipient, Chef Louie Moong, Head Chef of PizzaExpress Singapore, Chef Raymond Khoo, Owner & Executive Chef of The Peranakan, Chef John Lim, Founder of Daily Green, and, as they take audiences through their personal journey of adopting a plant-based lifestyle.
Let’s join in the Green Monday movement and in making Green Common!
The docuseries are available for viewing on Green Monday as follows:
Singapore’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/GreenMondaySG/
YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/user/GreenMondayHK
