Dine at a quiet urban escape, just steps away from the lively hustle of Orchard Road, and experience vegetarian cuisine like never before.
“It takes nothing away from a human to be kind to an animal.” – Joaquin Phoenix
At JOIE (pronounced “joy”), kindness extends beyond just animals—it reaches into the dining experience, offering a culinary embrace that delights the senses. Perched on the rooftop garden high atop Orchard Central, JOIE delivers an elegant yet unpretentious fine-dining atmosphere that stands out in Singapore’s vibrant food scene. This is vegetarian dining elevated to an art form, where the sophistication of European cuisine melds seamlessly with the vibrant flavors of Korean tradition.
An Oasis in the City
Although located in the heart of Orchard Road, JOIE offers a tranquil escape from the constant buzz below. Imagine yourself seated by a window, gazing down at the frenetic energy of the city, yet feeling cocooned in a peaceful rooftop garden. The sleek and contemporary design of the restaurant complements this serene atmosphere, with its open views, natural light, and cozy seating. Whether you’re here for a leisurely lunch or an intimate dinner, JOIE has an ambience that is refined yet relaxed—sophisticated without being snooty.
Dining at JOIE is an experience in itself. The restaurant’s name, which means “joy” in French, encapsulates the essence of what they offer: a celebration of flavors, textures, and cultures that is sure to leave you smiling.
A Culinary Journey: From Europe to Korea
JOIE’s menu is as thoughtfully curated as its atmosphere. The fusion of European and Korean flavors makes each meal feel like a journey through both continents, where ingredients are artfully combined to offer a unique and memorable experience. Each bite is a surprise—a blend of the familiar and the exotic, where classic techniques meet bold flavors.
Lunch and dinner at JOIE are served as set meals, each consisting of multiple courses that allow diners to sample a variety of dishes. Whether you’re a vegetarian or simply exploring meatless options, JOIE’s set meals are designed to satisfy both your palate and curiosity. While vegetarian dining can sometimes feel limited in scope, JOIE shows just how diverse and exciting plant-based cuisine can be.
The Lunch Experience
A typical lunch at JOIE includes a starter, a main course, and a dessert, with each course offering a few options for diners to choose from. The starters are often light and refreshing, designed to awaken the senses and prepare the palate for the meal to come. On our visit, we began with a fruity starter that struck the perfect balance between sweet and tangy.
For the main course, diners can choose between several enticing options, such as noodles, a vegetarian steak, or the creamy, flavorful oyster mushroom spaghetti. Each dish is crafted with precision, highlighting the natural flavors of the ingredients while adding layers of complexity with innovative sauces and textures.
For dessert, we couldn’t resist the exotically presented Black Sesame Ice Cream. With its deep, nutty flavor and velvety texture, it’s no wonder this dessert is a fan favorite. It’s served with black sesame crumbs and sesame oil powder, a delicate combination that encapsulates JOIE’s fusion of traditional and modern culinary techniques.
Dinner: A Feast of Choices
Dinner at JOIE takes the set meal experience a step further, offering diners the option of five, six, or eight-course meals. The choices may seem overwhelming at first, but the knowledgeable servers and detailed menu descriptions make it easy to navigate the different options. Whether you opt for a shorter or longer course meal, you’re guaranteed a gastronomic adventure.
Among the standout dishes are Tuna Tartare (made with plant-based ingredients, of course), White Truffle Pumpkin Soup, Grilled Cauliflower Steak, and Joie’s Signature Cold Buckwheat Noodles. Each dish is a work of art, beautifully plated and bursting with flavors that surprise and delight. And for those who love the warmth of a hearty broth, the Bailing Mushroom Hotpot is a must-try, providing comfort and richness in every spoonful.
A Toast to JOIE
No fine dining experience is complete without a well-paired drink, and JOIE offers a curated selection of beverages that complements their dishes perfectly. The wine list features selections from Europe, New Zealand, Chile, and South Africa, with both reds and whites to choose from, along with sparkling wines for those celebrating a special occasion.
But the real highlight is the Makgeolli, a traditional Korean rice wine with a history dating back centuries. At JOIE, Makgeolli is reimagined in a modern way, with creative cocktails like the Boksoondoga – a hand-brewed sparkling version of the drink – or blends featuring ginseng, red plum, and blueberry. For those who prefer non-alcoholic options, JOIE also offers a selection of mocktails and tea.
The JOIE Experience: More than Just a Meal
At JOIE, the focus isn’t just on the food – it’s on the entire dining experience. From the warm, attentive service to the thoughtfully curated menu, everything at JOIE is designed to provide a memorable and enjoyable meal. Whether you’re dining solo, on a romantic date, or celebrating with friends, JOIE offers an inviting space to relax, savor, and enjoy.
In a city where dining options are abundant, JOIE stands out by offering something truly special: a vegetarian fine-dining experience that rivals even the best meat-based restaurants in Singapore. With its innovative fusion of European and Korean cuisines, JOIE shows that vegetarian food can be just as exciting, indulgent, and satisfying as any other cuisine.
So, the next time you’re looking for a meal that’s both delicious and kind to the planet, step into JOIE. You’ll leave with a happy heart, a full belly, and, of course, a sense of joy.
