It’s been a little while since we last spoke about Shake Salad, the convenient and nutritious on-the-go meal option that many of us rely on for tracking our macros. As you may recall from my previous article, Shake Salad was a lifesaver with its transparent nutritional information and wide availability.
The great news is that Shake Salad has expanded its lineup! I’ve been keeping a close eye on their offerings, and I’m excited to share the latest macros for their products. Whether you’re looking for a low-carb option or a high-protein boost, this article will help you navigate their new menu and make informed choices to meet your fitness goals.
Do note that the macros for some of their older products have also changed.
[Supplements] Mala Beansprouts, Japanese Sweet Potato, Smoked Pumpkin
[Protein] Pineapple Prawn, Mala Fish
[Dressing] Thai Lemongrass
-The Review-
I love it when salad bars make little tweaks to their menu, novelty really does go a long way to entice customers to come back. Especially for Grains&Co, I wanted to keep my tried-everything-on-their- menu status.
Mala fans can now satisfy your cravings at a salad bar
Two of my favourites, Korean Beansprouts and Cajun Fish are replaced with Mala Beansprouts & Mala Fish. I wasn’t surprised that both would taste nice because these are some of my preferred mala xiang guo ingredients too.
Prawns at no additional charge
For seafood lovers, Grains&Co brought back their prawn offering. The Pineapple Prawns share the same taste profile as ko lo yuk (sweet & sour pork). It is refreshing, and prawns are the perfect protein to go for if you’re looking for something light.
A new sauce!
My favourite thing on their new menu has to be the Thai Lemongrass dressing. Previously I felt that their dressings were too heavy, hence I tend to have my bowls without dressing. The Thai Lemongrass dressing elevates the bowl with a citrusy taste, without overpowering other ingredients. It’ll definitely be my go-to from now.
My favourite 3x Beansprouts order
I do hope that they update their website with the new menu and its relevant nutrition facts soon!
-Information/Hacks-
Address: One Raffles Place/CIMB Plaza/Fusionopolis/IOI Central Boulevard/MapleTree Business City/Infinite Studios
Hacks: Grains&Co has a new membership system where you key in your number into their tablet when you order in person. You can earn points to offset the price of your future meals.
You can still pre-order for self-collection on their website. Add in the code “20off” for 20% off ($10.32 per regular/gain bowl) your first order. You can also earn points to offset future meals, but note that this is a separate system from the one at the store.
Alternatively, Deliveroo would cost you $10.50 with self-pickup for Plus members, which is the cheapest option across delivery platforms.
HEYBO launched some new menu items that are so great I decided to write another review (you can check out my previous review here).
New items on HEYBO’s menu (Sep 2024) – it would be great if they could update their macros
The new flavours really compliment each other.
The prawns are tender and refreshing, beautifully complemented by the Laksa Vinaigrette. The Bean Sprout Salad brings an extra layer of texture that elevates the entire dish. It’s like enjoying a healthier version of Laksa, without the guilt.
I’ve tried all their bases and personally I enjoy their cauliflower lentil rice the most.
Sometimes I opt for a lighter bowl featuring their garden greens, and I really appreciate the blend of arugula, lettuce, cabbage, and carrots. Every now and then, I also indulge in their Sweet Potato Noodles, which remind me of japchae!
The Bean Spout Salad has become my topping of choice
I love to pair it with a pumpkin wedge, Brussels sprouts, their cabbage salad, or sometimes mushrooms. The toppings are perfectly seasoned—just the right amount of flavor without being too salty. I often choose their Yuzu Soy dressing to tie it all together!
-Information/Hacks-
Multiple locations, check out their website for more details on their opening hours and addresses.
Other information/Hacks: Create your online account and use WELCOMEHB50 (HEYBO) for 50% off (up to $20) your first order.
I first tried their new items in my Yindii order. You can download Yindii, and grab your surprise meal at 50% off. Use my referral code DKJRMDG2 to get $5 cashback credit after your first order.
The Daily Cut’s new fall menu started in early September, and I am happy to see that they are serving my favourite salad toppings – brussels sprouts and pumpkin. They also do have some very creative offerings like the Thai Basil Tofu (a vegetarian rendition of Kra Pow) which goes very well with brown rice.
Merchandise won from The Daily Cut’s Frame Your Flavours contest for their 10th anniversary celebrations
Newly improved chicken breast
They used to serve their chicken breast in cubed form and it didn’t retain its moisture as well. I’m glad to say that besides improving on their beef since the last time I tried it, they also made changes to their chicken breast. They now serve it in long strips, and it does taste better!
Summer 2024 (Left) vs Fall 2024 (Right) Chicken Breast
Updated macros available
The Daily Cut is the only salad bar that is very prompt with updating their macros calculator. It is already filled with items from their new menu. This time round, the dressing with the lowest calories would be the Ginger Ponzu.
Other information/Hacks: TDC is only available on Deliveroo. The current promotion on Deliveroo Plus is a 15% off self-pickup, making your bowl slightly cheaper than if you were to purchase it in store. If you’re not subscribed to Deliveroo Plus, it would be better to purchase your bowl directly.
SaladStop! and HEYBO are under the same parent company. Your online account for one store is linked to the other, i.e. you don’t have to create an account twice. Hence, I decided to group my review for both into one.
-My Orders-
SaladStop!
HEYBO
CYO Salad ($10.90, 2 Greens, 6 Standard Toppings, 1 Sprinkle, 1 Dressing) + Protein ($3.20) = $14.10 Total • [Greens] Romaine Lettuce, Cabbage • [Standard Toppings] Thai Asparagus, Roasted Pumpkin, Cucumber, Carrot, Beetroot, Radish Pickles • [Sprinkle] Nori • [Dressing] Green Goddess • [Protein Add-on] Tandoori Chicken ($3.20)
Build Your Bo ($11.90, 1 Base, 3 Sides, 1 Protein, 1 Dip, 1 Dressing, 1 Garnish) • [Base] Garden Greens • [Sides] Roasted Pumpkin Wedge, Roasted • Brussels Sprout, Oriental Cabbage Salad • [Protein] Sous Vide Chicken Breast • [Dip] Purple Sweet Potato • [Dressing] Tzatziki • [Garnish] Radish Pickles
-The Review-
HEYBO and SaladStop are great options if you’re counting your macros because they both offer nutritional calculators on their websites, and even integrated it into their ordering platform so you can see how much calories your bowl will be with each item you add to your order (click “ingredients” if you are on mobile to view the nutrition facts while ordering your bowls).
HEYBO’s offerings are more flavourful
In gist, SaladStop! offers a simpler range of toppings that are either boiled, roasted, or raw. On the other hand, Heybo’s offerings are more complex. For example, the cauliflower rice at SaladStop! is plain, whereas Heybo’s cauliflower rice is mixed with lentils.
HEYBO Menu – Aug 2024
I prefer the Roasted Pumpkin Wedge at HEYBO over the Roasted Pumpkin cubes from SaladStop because I felt like the sweetness of the pumpkin was better retained. I also like that Brussel Sprouts and King Oyster Mushrooms at HEYBO come at no additional charge.
The oriental cabbage salad is my favourite side, it tastes like pickled cucumbers but mixed in with added textures from the blanched cabbage and some cut chilli. If you’re looking for steak (not offered by SaladStop!), the Char Grilled Steak (+$3.90) at HEYBO is lightly seasoned and grilled to a medium-well.
This bowl had 100g of steak!
Service standards are more consistent at HEYBO from my experience
There’s never been mistakes with my HEYBO order, and portion sizes have been very consistent. In contrast, SaladStop! once forgot my protein in my warm grain bowl. Additionally, the portion of each topping at SaladStop! depends on who is making your bowl.
They missed out on my protein for this order:(
HEYBO gives better hi value for your money
Pumpkin Dip in this bowl is my favourite dip option.
This is especially because protein like Sous Vide Chicken (which is very tender btw) do not come at an additional charge, and they do give a bigger portion of protein (about twice the amount of SaladStop!, from my experience).
TOTAL WEIGHT: ~480g • 132g Garden Greens • 95g Roasted Pumpkin Wedge • 58g Roasted Brussels Sprout • 50g Oriental Cabbage Salad • 107g Sous Vide Chicken Breast • 20g Purple Sweet Potato • 30g Tzatziki • 5g Radish Pickles
-Information/Hacks-
Multiple locations, check out their websites (linked below) for more details on their opening hours and addresses. SaladStop! LocationsHEYBO Locations
Other information/Hacks: Create your online account and use WELCOMESS50 (SaladStop!) or WELCOMEHB50 (HEYBO) for 50% off (up to $20) your first order.
^This is what I paid for 3 bowls!
Thereafter, you can use the code WELCOMESSX3 (SaladStop!) or WELCOMEHBX3 (HEYBO) for 20% off your next 3 orders.
If you’re not particular about what is in your bowl, you can order a surprise bowl at $8.25 from SaladStop! or $7.45 at HEYBO for Pickup near their closing hours via Yindii. Use the referral code DKJRMDG2 to get $5 in credits after your first order.
This post deviates slightly from my usual focus on salad bars, but I felt it was worth highlighting Shake Salad. They’ve become my reliable alternative when salad bars are closed on weekends and public holidays.
You can find Shake Salads at most Cold Storage, Jason’s, FairPrice, or Cheers stores, and they also have vending machines scattered throughout Singapore.
For added convenience, you can order them online and have them delivered right to your door. Plus, online orders/vending machines offer the option to add extras like chicken breast to boost your protein intake.
Another standout feature is their excellent customer service. When I inquired about the nutritional information for their salads, they responded swiftly and thoroughly. If you’re tracking macros and need a quick, nutritious salad option, Shake Salad is definitely worth considering.
Here is another salad bar that opens on the weekends and at night. Located at Jurong Point, Changi Airport, and Raffles City, Superfood Kitchen is the only place in Singapore that lets you see the macros of your order as you’re picking your items on the touch screen. You can also refer to their website for nutrition information.
Tender and well-cooked sous vide chicken
Interestingly, the sous vide chicken had a bite to it, yet it is still juicy. It seems like they brine their chicken before cooking it and hence why. It is one of the better sous vide chicken breasts I’ve had from a salad bar.
Pickled options are nice!
This time I tried the pickled red cabbage and pickled carrots & pineapple. Both still retained their crunch and was just the right amount of acidity. The broccoli is cooked very well, and other sides like the cucumber are simple yet fresh.
Portion size is average
The portion is slightly on the pricier side for its price at $12.40. The bowl was about 355g. Additionally, the bowl would be priced differently depending on the toppings that you choose. Nonetheless, I have to admit that the food is of decent quality and $12.40 is a price I’m comfortable with for the bowl I chose.
100g Romaine Lettuce
98g Sous Vide Chicken Breast
5g Alfafa Sprouts
22g Cucumber
20g Pickled Red Cabbage
35g Chilli Pickled Pineapple Carrots
55g Burnt Broccoli
20g Salted Edamame
1.5 tsp Chilli Spice Mix
-Information/Hacks-
Address: Raffles City, Changi Airport T3, Jurong Point
Hours: Mon-Sun, 11AM-9PM
Other information/Hacks: Upon comparing all food delivery platforms, it was still the cheapest to purchase from Superfood Kitchen directly and order in store. You can sign up for their membership on their website, you’ll get 1 point for every dollar spent, and you can redeem your points for free supplements/toppings/grains.
Make Your Own Bowl ($11.50, 1 Base, 1 Protein, 3 Sides)
[Base] Mesclun Salad
[Protein] Grilled Chicken Fillet
[Sides] Gochujang Cucumber, Baked Cauliflower, Thai Green Papaya
-The Review-
Haakon is my original go-to place for healthier options. Their macro-calculator and nutrition information on their website are very helpful, although it’s worth noting that these resources haven’t been updated with their new menu yet. Unfortunately, the branches I frequented at Raffles Place and Holland Village have since closed, so I haven’t had the chance to visit in a while. Their standards seem to have fallen quite a bit.
Light-tasting sides
Their dishes generally have a clean taste due to their light seasoning. For instance, the Thai Papaya Salad in my order was notably mild, lacking a strong fish-sauce flavor. Similarly, the Gochujang cucumber, which included onions, carrots, and cucumber, was quite subtle in flavor—though I found the raw onion a bit too intense for my taste. The baked cauliflower, seasoned lightly with curry powder, was also on the milder side.
The grilled chicken fillet is rather dry
I recall loving their Tuna Tataki, but I’ve noticed that their menu has since shrunk, and many of my previous favorites are no longer available. The grilled chicken fillet, seasoned with turmeric and cumin, was well-seasoned, but unfortunately, the chicken was tough and dry.
Portion is small for its price, every item would cost you a little bit more
For the price, the portion size is quite small. My bowl, which would have cost $11.50 if purchased directly from Haakon, contained less than 100g of protein and totaled about 325g. Adding extra toppings or sauces would have further increased the cost. Here is the weight breakdown.
Other information/Hacks: Deliveroo’s self-pickup offer is the best, my bowl will cost $10.50 after self-pickup discount. Ordering directly from their website would cost me $11.50. However, because I had my new user discount, I chose to order via FoodPanda, as my bowl was $7.40 after discount.
Poke Theory is a great choice if you’re seeking a healthy and tasty option nearby (they have multiple locations across Singapore). Most of their outlets are also open on weekends. If you are counting your calories, they have a nutrition calculator. However, note that the calculator is not updated with their latest menu.
Proteins taste clean and healthy
The Balinese Spiced Salmon surprised me—it was light and not oily at all, possibly because they sous vide it without the skin. I enjoyed it more than expected; sometimes Balinese spiced dishes can be heavy but it isn’t the case here. I’d definitely order it again when I’m craving cooked fish.
I also tried their Shoyu Tuna. This is my standard order at Poke Theory because it isn’t too salty, and tuna is one of the leanest proteins out there. Their Sous Vide Chicken is also tender if you’re looking for a less-seasoned protein option.
Broccoli was overcooked
Their sides are simple yet delightful. Everything is either unseasoned or lightly seasoned, allowing you to savor the freshness of each ingredient. The Cajun Sweet Potato is mashed, providing a nice contrast to the crunchiness of other toppings. They also offer egg whites as an option.
My only complaint would be that the broccoli is mushy and overcooked. Personally, I prefer broccoli to retain its crunch after cooking.
Sauces are nice but the portion is very small
20g of dressing isn’t enough to mix properly into the regular bowl. Instead, I dip my Poke into the sauce rather than stirring it in. I’ve tried both the Sambal Matah and Avocado Miso, and found both to be well-balanced and light. Neither sauce contains oil, making them decent choices if you’re seeking a lower-calorie option.
Very consistent size
They do weigh the amount of Poke and base they give, so the sizing has been pretty consistent. It was about 110g of Protein, and a total of about 500g worth of food –
45g Pineapple
53g Sweet Potato
30g Cucumber
25g Carrot
50g Pumpkin
30g Broccoli
40g Egg White
60g Balinese Spiced Salmon
50g Shoyu Tuna
90g Crunchy Greens
20g Avocado Miso Dressing
-Information/Hacks-
Address: Various locations around Singapore
Hours: Hours differ with each location
Other information/Hacks: You can also use my referral code here for $5 off your first order.
Otherwise, ordering for self-pickup on Deliveroo would give you the best value with the ongoing 30% off (up to $8) offer.
My favorite part about TDC is that they change their menu every quarter. As someone who eats salad every day, certain supplements and options can get quite boring. The fact that they change their menus every now and then is what keeps me coming back.
From the summer menu, the Gochujang Cauliflower, Marinated Zucchini, Chili Lime Shrimp, Green Chili Chicken Patties, Pickled Cucumber, and Garlic Raita Sauce have become my go-tos. The spiced items (Gochujang Cauliflower, Chili Lime Shrimp, Green Chili Chicken Patties) are very refreshing and not too spicy. Sriracha-dusted broccoli and maple Dijon carrots are nothing special in my opinion.
Screen Grab from their Macros Calculator – The Garlic Raita Sauce is the lowest calorie option for dressing, besides the lemon wedge.
Beef is overcooked and tough
The only thing I really dislike on their menu is their beef. It is overcooked, rubbery, and tough. Every other protein option on their menu is a better choice.
[9 August 2024 update: I decided to give their beef another try and they have definitely improved their standards! They seemed to have also change the cut of beef they use and it tastes a lot better.]
Service standards are inconsistent
I first tried TDC in 2015 when I was interning nearby. More recently, since I started working in the area, there was a period when I would eat at TDC at least 2-3 times a week—mostly because it’s the only salad store still open by the time I end work. By now, I’ve tried everything on their menu (except the bases, as I always stick with romaine lettuce everywhere I go).
That changed when they made mistakes on my orders three times in a row just last month. In the first two instances, they forgot to add the additional topping I paid for, and in the third, they completely missed a supplement (corn).
I placed these orders through Deliveroo, and the refund process turned out to be quite a hassle. When I contacted TDC via Instagram, I received template service recovery replies. However, they did try to process a refund through Deliveroo for me. I received a full refund for one of the bowls, which I considered fair compensation for the missing items in the other two orders. Therefore, I told them that I didn’t need a refund for those.
For the sake of this blog, I decided to patronise them once more, and thankfully, there were no mistakes this time.
Other information/Hacks: TDC is only available on Deliveroo. They do have an ongoing promotion where you get 45% off self-pickup (50% for deliveroo plus members), making each bowl only $8.52!
[Aug 2024 update: Deliveroo’s offer has become 15% for plus members.]