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.
[Dressing] Tom Yam Dressing (and the owners wanted me to try their Seafood Dressing as well, so I had both)
[Protein] Baked Chicken Breast
-The Review-
This has become my new favourite when it comes to Thai flavours. They really nailed the flavours, it is no wonder because the owner/chef is Thai. What is even more amazing is that the salads did not feel like they were missing anything despite being vegan (which means they don’t use fish sauce, a standard ingredient that usually makes up the taste profile of Thai salads).
Ingredients are crisp and fresh
I was lucky to see her preparing the salads because I arrived quite early in the day. The owner shared that everything is prepared fresh daily, and it really does show! The green papaya is crisp, and the mint leaves in the mushroom salad really adds a nice refreshing touch to it.
She really put in a lot of effort into her salads, they were well balanced with no ingredient being too overpowering. Choosing fried garlic chips for your topping really elevates the thai flavours as well.
Chicken breast is cooked very well!
It still had a bite to it while maintaining its juiciness and tenderness. I actually tried two other salad bowls’ chicken breasts on the same day and this was the best.
I am really looking forward to try their other protein options.
Seafood sauce is a good lower-calorie option
The Tom Yam dressing is very tasty, although it is on the oily side. I’m thankful that the owner asked me to try the seafood sauce because it is a lot lighter and blends even better with the salads I chose.
The serving is very generous for its price
The bowl added to about 500g, with 105g of protein. Here is the breakdown:
105g Baked Chicken Breast
90g Green Papaya Salad
160g Mushroom Salad
100g Lettuce
5g Garlic Chips
40g Dressing
Thai Salad Bowl Menu – August 2024
-Information/Hacks-
Address: 138 Robinson Rd, Oxley Tower, #02-30
Hours: Mon-Thu, 11:30AM-3:30PM
Other information/Hacks: Do ask for a loyalty card where you can get a membership card for 10% off your purchases for a year after your 12th bowl.
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.
[Veggies] Green Papaya Salad, Sweet Potato w Fennel
[Side] Cauliflower Pickle
[Topping] Green Sambal Iljo
[Dressing] Homemade Coconut Curry
-The Review-
Vegetarian Option Pad Kra Pow Jackfruit available
They have very interesting proteins. Pad Kra Pao Jackfruit is essentially the vegan/vegetarian renditition of the Thai Basil Chicken. Unfortunately, they left this item out of my order and I wasn’t able to taste it, despite being so excited that I was willing to top up $5 (on deliveroo). I did get my refund in Deliveroo credits after a lot of back-and-forth with the platform, but that’s not Grain Traders’ fault.
Unlike everything else they offered on the menu, their Sous Vide Chicken Breast seemed to be the dish they put in the least effort in. It was disappointingly dry, and lacked finesse.
The 100 Day Grass-fed Beef Parrillada I tried in another order was so much better. It was incredibly tender, almost like braised pork, and beautifully seasoned. This will definitely be my go-to protein option on future visits, although I still look forward to trying the Pad Kra Pao.
Love the wide range of vegetables
Even the base is not the usual Romaine Lettuce, but a blend of Kale and Spinach. The raw vegetables are all crisp and fresh, and the cooked ones are perfectly timed.
A lot of work is needed to prepare each dish because they all have many layers and components. For example, the Broccoli was mixed with Okra and Coconut Flakes. The Cauliflower with Pomegranate & Pistachio. The eggplant was braised with a very light cashew sauce. All presenting a very nice contrast of sweet-and-nutty nodes.
Grain Traders July 2024 Menu – Base, Protein, Veggies
Even the Green Papaya Salad had edamame and purple cabbage in it.
Of the sides, I’ve tried the Cucumber Pickles (made with Kaffir Lime & Mustard Seeds) and the Cauliflower Pickles (made with carrots, tumeric, curry, and curry leaves). Both are refreshing, light, and adds just the right amount of acidity to your bowl. I can’t wait to try the other two as well.
As for the sauces, the Asian Gravy is a Teriyaki/Worcester mix and it was too salty for my liking. The Salsa Verde is a little too oily, although I did give it a taste and it is quite fragrant. I might try the Beetroot Yogurt or the Homemade Coconut Curry in future, but it seems like they are lacking a lighter dressing option.
Grain Traders July 2024 Menu – Sides, Toppings, Base
Small portion for its price.
The portion size is about 400g. They do weigh every component while adding it to your bowl so the portion sizes are fairly consistent. For a $17.50 bowl, this is one of the most expensive salad bowls in town. However, as I mentioned earlier, every dish is complex, made with multiple ingredients and spices/sauces, and the ingredients are of good quality so I felt that the price is quite justified.
95g Sous Vide Chicken Breast
50g Cauliflower, Tumeric, and Curry Pickle
80g Mixed Mushroom
75g Eggplant w Cashew
60g Super Greens
30g Spiced Chickpeas
25g Asian Gravy
[30 Jul 2024 Edit] I finally managed to try their Pad Kra Pow Jackfruit. The Jackfruit was so delicious, and it tastes almost like the texture of pulled pork.
The two remaining pickled dishes (Kimchi & Beansprouts) paled in comparison with the Pickled Cauliflower so that’ll be what I shall pick in my future orders.
The sweet potato with fennel and curry potato with grapes are both very tasty if you’re looking to supplement your bowl with some light carbs.
The homemade curry is also a good option as a dressing. Unfortunately in one of my bowls they forgot to include my Feta Beetroot Yogurt dressing, along with my chili & lemongrass peanut topping. After reaching out to them, one the owners asked me to return for another bowl on the house. I’m looking forward to try the remaining flavours that I’ve yet to explore!
[3 Aug 2024 Update]
Thanks Bryan and Javier for arranging this on the house! I appreciate the effort they put into maintaining their customer service standards.
The Beetroot Feta Yogurt is definitely a good higher-protein dressing, although I have to say the homemade curry is still my favourite. The peanuts are very fragrant, and a good topping to have if you’re looking for a nice crunch too!
I think I made up my mind on a go-to order, edited above. Grain Traders is definitely the place I’d visit when I’m looking to treat myself to a healthy but really tasty meal!
Other information: Upon comparing the various food delivery platforms and their self-pickup discounts, along with Grain Traders’ own website, Deliveroo‘s 25% off is the most value-for-money. If you have Deliveroo Plus, each bowl would cost you only $15.
It was 50% off for a week or so when they first opened their Guoco Tower branchThis would have been $17.50 on their website.This would have been $21.60 on their website.
[Sides] Spiced Green Papaya (Som Tam), Kimchi, Egg White
[Garnish] Fresh Red Chilli
[Dressing] Thai Basil
-The Review-
Best for Southeast Asian (especially Thai) Flavours
OMNIVORE is my go-to whenever I crave Southeast Asian flavors. Their Thai dishes are absolutely spot-on, surpassing every other salad bar that attempts Som Tam or Thai Basil sauce. Everything is perfectly seasoned with minimal use of oil, thanks to their Sous Vide preparation method. What really won me over is the variety of textures they offer.
You should definitely give these sides a try:
Smashed Cucumber – Unlike the Szechuan style, they use white vinegar, making it incredibly refreshing and a wonderful palate cleanser.
Kimchi – Enhanced with carrots and soybean sprouts, their kimchi offers additional texture and crunch beyond the standard version.
Spiced Green Papaya – This dish embodies the true essence of Som Tam with its perfect balance of fish sauce, lime, and chili—a must-try for authentic flavors.
Generous Servings
Each protein option consists of a whole fillet, steak, or breast. The smoked duck is juicy, the nonya tilapia comes with Assam chili sauce that delivers a refreshing hint of Kaffir lime. The Tuna Tataki is clean tasting, seasoned lightly with sesame oil. Unfortunately the masala chicken breast which used to be juicy, has recently been rather dry.
Out of curiosity I decided to weigh my bowl, and these were the numbers (close to 700g worth of food!)-
100g Romaine Lettuce
150g Masasla Chicken Breast
100g Som Tam
150g Kimchi
100g Egg White
15g Fresh Red Chili
30g Thai Basil Sauce
I have no complaints.
I wish they would stay open a bit later so I could grab dinner there. It would also be nice if they had a stronger social media presence, but even without it, their long queues suggest they’re maintaining quality by limiting accessibility.
OMNIVORE July 2024 Menu
-Information/Hacks-
Address: The Sail@Marina/79 Robinson Rd/Ocean Financial Centre
Hacks: You can pre-order for self-collection on Waitrr. You should definitely pick your favourite branch and return to the same one to earn loyalty stamps. Every $10.90 spent earns you 1 stamp, and every 10 stamps you’ll receive a $10.90 gift voucher◡̈
Regular Bowl ($12.90, 2 base, 5 supplements, 1 protein, 1 dressing) [Side note: You can also purchase their Gain Bowl at the same price for 1 base, 3 supplements, 2 proteins, 1 dressing]
I’ve tried everything on their menu—I’m that big of a fan. Grains & Co is hands down one of the most value-for-money options out there. The portion sizes are fantastic (nowhere else offers two proteins for $12.90), and every item on their menu actually tastes delicious.
First, their proteins are very worth it.
The Cajun Fish is my absolute favorite. Getting two whole fillets in a $12.90 grain bowl is incredible value.
Their vegetarian choices like tofu kebab, Korean tofu, and black bean kebab are all well-seasoned. Each protein is perfectly flavored—never too salty—and they provide generous portions.
The chicken breast options (paprika and rosemary) are cooked to perfection, remaining juicy. Their chicken thighs (Thai basil and teriyaki) strike a great balance with minimal oiliness and just the right skin-to-meat ratio.
The beef is typically cooked to medium-well, although occasionally it may be slightly overcooked. You can always check through the glass display before ordering to ensure it meets your preferences.
This was such a perfectly cooked batch of angus beef, thank you CIMB branch ❤
Secondly, their supplements are lightly seasoned and offer a diverse range of flavors and textures.
The beetroot hummus provides a nice balance to the spices in the protein dishes. Korean beansprouts add a satisfying crunch, while roasted okra offers a unique stringy texture. Potatoes contribute a comforting starchiness.
They also offer basics like boiled broccoli, charred cauliflower, or roasted carrots, catering to different preferences and moods.
Gain Bowl – Romaine Lettuce (100g), Smoked Pumpkin (60g), Charred Cauliflower (70g), Boiled Broccoli (70g), Jalapeno Ranch (25g), Rosemary Chicken (138g), Cajun White Fish (143g)
While these options may seem simple, many salad stores typically prepare them (especially broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, and sweet potatoes) in a standard manner—usually boiled or roasted. Grains & Co stands out by providing variety to these otherwise common choices, enhancing the overall dining experience.
If I had to nitpick…
It would be the limited availability of low-calorie sauce options. While their sauces are flavorful, during my calorie-conscious days, I preferred choosing “no sauce” so I could add my own vinegar at home. (I must commend the team for promptly accommodating my request for a “no sauce” option through their platforms.)
-Information/Hacks-
Address: One Raffles Place/CIMB Plaza/Fusionopolis
Hacks: You can 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!
Alternatively, Deliveroo would cost you $10.50 with self-pickup for Plus members, which is the cheapest option across delivery platforms.
Human Feed ($14.80, 3 cold + 2 warm + 1 protein) + 1 add-on protein ($3)
[Base] Romaine Lettuce
[Cold Feed] Red Cabbage w French Dressing, Tomato Salsa, Thai Glass Noodles
[Warm Feed] Char Siew Eggplant, Egg White with Spinach
[Topping] Spring Onion
[Dressing] Signature Chili
[Protein] Pesto Sous Vide Chicken Breast, Spicy Blackened Chicken
-The Review-
I was thrilled by the unique options on their menu. Their offerings certainly set them apart from most places. For instance, they provide choices like cauliflower rice and broccoli rice, though I preferred to stick with my romaine lettuce base to fairly judge their supplements and proteins. However, I was disappointed with two aspects.
The Salad Shop’s July 2024 Menu
First, many things on their menu turned out to be high in fats.
The red cabbage was excessively coated in French dressing, which typically contains 13% carbs, 86% fat, and 1% protein. It would have been better if the cabbage had been thinly shredded.
The Spicy Blackened Chicken was prepared using chicken thigh, and after removing the skin, only about half the amount of chicken remained. Additionally, it seemed they had added oil during the cooking process.
Even the Sous Vide Chicken, which is supposed to be the healthiest standard option without an additional charge, included Pesto. Pesto is usually high in fats due to the nuts, olive oil, and cheese content.
Second, the taste profile of the items were very one-dimensional
The Thai Glass Noodles, which I was excited about, lacked acidity and did not capture the expected Thai flavors. Adding more lime/lemon, garlic, and fish sauce could enhance its authenticity.
Similarly, the Tomato Salsa was missing the bright flavors of lime, cilantro, and onion.
While the signature chili had a satisfying kick and texture, it didn’t offer much beyond that in terms of flavor complexity.
Overall, the bowl tasted predominantly spicy and oily. I found that adding some White Wine Vinegar at home significantly improved the flavors, suggesting that they might consider incorporating more acidity into their offerings to enhance taste profiles.
If I had to buy it again…
I would definitely opt for the Egg White with Spinach. It was the standout item in my bowl. In terms of protein, the Sous Vide Chicken Breast was also very well-prepared. It remained tender and appeared to be the least oily option available.
However, as someone mindful of my caloric intake, I didn’t find the additional calories from the oil and fats (even if they are healthy fats) justified. Those calories would have been better spent enhancing the natural flavors with ingredients like onion, cilantro, and lime in their supplements.
Personally, I prefer the Thai flavors at Omnivore and the salsa at Urban Mix/Patrons.
Nevertheless, The Salad Shop is still worth trying. They offer vegan-friendly options, and if you’re bulking, this place might be a better fit for you than for someone like me watching calories closely.
[Edit: 29 Jul 2024] I decided to give The Salad Shop a try again and this time round I picked the Beetroot Yogurt along with Brussels Sprouts. I also opted for the simpler cold feeds like pickled tomato and boiled egg which did make the bowl a lot less oily. The bowl added up to a total of about 665g.
50g Mixed Greens
134g Pickled Tomato
132g Tomato Salsa
56g Boiled Egg
57g Egg White Spinach
63g Brussels Sprouts
125g Pesto Sous Vide Chicken Breast
12g Fresh Lime
35g Beetroot Yogurt
-Information/Hacks-
Address: UOB Plaza 2, 80 Raffles Pl, #01-20, Singapore 048624
The Salad Addict 