Going Raw in Singapore

Recently I've moved to a "mostly raw" diet. To facilitate putting together tasty gourmet raw meals, certain tools are recommended. Finding these in Singapore was no easy job. So here, for those interested, are the fruits of my research. Note that all prices are in Singapore dollars:

Dehydrators

• Ezidri - You can buy this from Tangs or direct from the distributor in Singapore, K-Industrial. They have two models at $200 (500W) and $300 (1000W). These are relatively inexpensive but of course the larger model will cost more in electricity bills. It is expandable and extra trays, sheets and spacer trays are fairly cheap ($5-$15).
• Excalibur - This is the premier choice of raw foodies. The Fit For Life Center (details below) sells the Excalibur 2900 model (600W) for $650.

Juicers
If you don't already know why you need a masticating juicer, then read this. There is also a great comparison of juicers here.

• Champion - top choice if you do NOT intend to juice wheat grass. Available at the Fit For Life Center ($690).
• Twin Health - Fit For Life Center, Organic Paradise ($999), Brown Rice Paradise ($999)
• Green Star - Organic Paradise ($939)
• Samson 6 in 1 - Organic Paradise ($480), Brown Rice Paradise ($480)

Mandoline
This is the queen of food slicers. Amazon info here. This is a serious piece of kitchen equipment engineered to a high standard. You can probably get another food slicer for less but I was unable to find one that would meet my needs (this would have done fine but where to find?). So, I ended up buying a professional model. If this is out of your price range, look for a food slicer that would let you cut cucumbers and zucchinis length-wise into small, thin strands. If your machine can do this, it can probably do most other things you would want of it. Update: see comments below

• Lau Choy Seng, the shop 2 doors down from Sia Huat on Temple Street ($170)

Blenders
Missing from this list are details of where to get a K-Tec or Vita Mix blender (with enough blending power to dispose of a corpse). This is because I have decided to stick with my Braun MX2050 (525W) blender until it dies as it seems rather sturdy and is coping with the present load. When I ultimately research the acquisition of these items, I will update this entry.

Food Processors
There are a number of different food processors available at Tangs, Best Denki, etc., including some all stainless steel professional models that can run you up to $1000.I'm going with a cheap Phillips model for the time being as there seems to be no definitive guidance from the raw community on the ultimate food processor and I take that to mean - any will do in a pinch.

I would recommend, however, that whatever model you purchase, look for (1) more stainless steel parts versus plastic and (2) a large volume capacity. This model, for instance, can hold up to 7 cups. If you are going raw, being able to process food in bulk is very handy. My present food processor barely holds 4 cups and it's a bit of a drag.

Companies

Fit For Life Centre
Blk 462 Crawford Lane #02-55
Singapore 190462
T: 6291-8080, 6392-6088
Hours: 9am - 5:30pm M-F; 9am - 1pm Sat

Brown Rice Paradise
Level 3 Tanglin Mall
163 Tanglin Road
Singapore 247933
Tel: 6738-1121

Organic Paradise
5 Koek Road
Cuppage Plaza #01-25/27
S228796
Tel: 67371824, 67362089

Organic Paradise
62, Temple Road
S058607

Lau Choy Seng info
No.23/ 25 Temple Street, Tel: 6223-5486

Labels: diet, food, singapore

Monday, February 27, 2006