Malaysia is known for its culinary delights. People rave about roti canai, char kuey teow, banana leaf rice, chicken rice and many more dishes. To satisfy vegetarians among us, have a look at some delicious options in and around Kuala Lumpur.
Our family is flexitarian; we are definitely plant-based foodies, but we try to be vegan or vegetarian if we can, mostly for health, but also for the benefit of little baby animals. Here is a list of eateries you can check out.
100% Vegetarian
1. Hungry Tapir at 135 Jalan Petaling, KL (1st floor)
We have always wanted to try this popular place, being the only vegan and vegetarian restaurant in KL with a full-service bar! I found our meals very yum – big brekkie, pink bombshell burger, Mac-no-cheese. Delicious food with a wide variety and nice vegan dessert options. Uber cool setting with jazzy music in downtown KL. Book before u go. Cool surroundings and alley ways to discover, for instance the famous Kwai Chai Hong with the wall climbing trees.
2. The Vegan Place at 4 Jalan 28/70a, Desa Sri Hartamas
Fun quirky outfit with a relaxing vibe. Yummy pan-fried spicy dumplings, creamy carbonara adorned with smoky honey glazed tempeh and crispy well-spiced ASMR style tofu (good alternative to fried chicken) and nasi lemak. Also had a creamy tomato soup and a refreshing lemongrass chia seed drink.
3. Ganga Café at 19, Lorong Kurau, Bangsar
Touting themselves as “Vegetarian, Vegan, Jain, Buddhist, Malaysian, Gujarati, South & North Indian”, Ganga Café offers the most delicious, fresh platters. We love the vegan nasi lemak (with meat alternatives), the palak paneer and the garlic naan thali set – the pranic juice is a must-try. They are often busy and parking can be tricky in Bangsar, so try to go early. Please have a look at our review here. Next to their place in Bangsar, they now have a second, smaller and more basic outlet at Plaza Mont Kiara.
4. Sala at A-G-03A Galeria Hartamas, No 21, Jalan 26a/70a, Desa Sri Hartamas
Sala is a Latin-inspired, tex-mex, plant-based vegan restaurant. We love their jackfruit and mushroom asada tacos and lemon drizzle cake. They have generous make-your-own salad bowls and nasi lemak (watch out for super spicy sambal) and very large burritos (share with a friend or take home for later). They also have some fairly new fried chicken burgers, which taste super yum. Lots of parking underground at Hartamas. They have opened a second restaurant in town in Jalan Doraisamy, Chow Kit.
5. BMS Organics (franchise)
These places have got a wide variety of food and most of their restaurants are coupled with a mini-organic, healthy grocery store. I’ve been in their Damansara 3 place and the one at Atria mall and I love their healthy lei cha.
Places with lots of vegetarian food on the menu
These place are not 100% vegetarian, but put big emphasis on plant-based food in their menus.
6. Lisette’s Café and Bakery at 163 Mont Kiara
I have always loved the outlet near Bangsar LRT, (check out their website for their gorgeous décor) but parking in the area has often proven to be more hassle than it’s worth. So, I was very pleased to learn they opened up a restaurant in 163 Mont Kiara. I love their oh-so-creamy vegan green curry. They also have so many scrumptious desserts on offer. They have a branch in Subang as well, with a huge vegan buffet
7. Bread Fruits Hartamas at 17, Jalan 26/70a, Desa Sri Hartamas
Great for a weekend breakfast, as they open at 9am. They are a meaty restaurant with a lot of vegetarian options, so look for their green VEG signs. I recommend the one-pan ratatouille with roasted veg and creamy, delightful home-made pomodorino sauce.
Other places to try: Flaaah the bakery in China town, Bindhu vegetarian Subang, WTF Indian Lorong Maarof, Ador café (Bangsar south), Simple Life (chain) – so many places, so little time… Happy eating friends!
If your kids are looking to become vegetarian, read 3 ways to support your child to become vegetarian.
