Plant-based meats are the new in-thing that have taken over the world in recent years – and it’s not just about veganism being in vogue. As more people consider a meatless future – for environmental, ethical or health, reasons – plant-based food options has gained quite the attention here in Malaysia.
With the growing community of vegans in KL, the dining scene has begun to catch up with the demand for plant-based goodness.
To get you started on your hunt for some delicious green grub, we have compiled a list of 7 hotspots around Malaysia that serve up the best drool-worthy plant-based meals for you to sink your teeth into.
Sala
Get your Tex-Mex flavour fix at Sala, a Latin-inspired vegan restaurant that packs a punch with its delicious offerings. For vegan options that taste so much like meat you can’t tell the difference, try the delicious Chick’n Ranch Wrap. With an option to smother the wrap in delicious sauces such as vegan ranch, vegan honey mustard and sweet Thai chilli, this delicious treat is also served with coleslaw and fries. This plant-based treat is as indulgent as it is satisfying.
Available at all Sala outlets in Hartamas, The Row, Desa Park City, Mont Kiara, Bandar Rimbayu, Avenue K, and Alamanda.
The Hungry Tapir
Situated in the heart of Chinatown, just a two-minute walk from Petaling Street, is The Hungry Tapir. Patronised by vegans and non-vegans alike, there is a reason this place is so popular—and it’s not just the Instagrammable decor.
Easy all-day staples like their Yellow Masak Lemak and their Rainbow Ulam Fried Rice is as delicious as they sound. The café is at 135, Jalan Petaling, City Centre, KL
Fin
Fin isn’t a vegan-only restaurant, but there are plenty of vegetarian options that can easily be made vegan with some clever substitutes. For instance, their delicious Kokomo Falafel Salad contains garlic aioli which can be easily replaced with some basil oil instead—yum!
Alternatively, you can just make your own bowl to skip the faff. It is located at D3-G3-06, Block D3, Level G3, Publika, Jalan Dutamas.
RGB &The Bean Hive
On the contrary to most suggestions on this list, this is a vegan and vegetarian restaurant that offers non-vegan options, making it the perfect spot to take your vegan gang and your one carnivorous pal.
With breakfast, lunch and dinner options, you can’t go wrong with RGB Cafe. Try their many vegan burgers, or opt for their yummy Vegan Russet Potato Rosti for a satisfying meal.
You can find thesedelicious meals at35, Jalan Damai, Kampung Datuk Keramat, KL
Thursdvy by Hijau KL
Famous for plant-based Japanese-fusion comfort foods that are good for the body and soul, you can’t go past Thursdvy by Hijau. The Hijau Chick’n Burger is a must-try, with its juicy plant-based chicken patty smothered in gooey vegan cheese.
The Restaurant is located at 22, Lorong Datuk Sulaiman 1, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, 60000 Kuala Lumpur.
Vintage 1988
Vintage 1988 offers a myriad of wholesome meals for everyone to enjoy. They have a variety of vegetarian, vegan and non-vegan options – a must-try is their High-Fibre Crispy Chick’n Burger, featuring a delicious plant-based ‘chicken’ patty in their signature beetroot bun with butterhead lettuce, red frisee, and caramelised peaches, smothered in vegan mayonnaise and sliced mozzarella.
The wholesome café is located at 34, Jalan Sultan, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur.
Crust
Italian food is almost completely defined by cheese, which makes Italian staples such as pizza and pasta very inaccessible to vegans (or lactose intolerant folks!). Luckily, Crust has us covered with their customisable vegan options. Try one of their delightful vegan pizzas or spoil yourself with one of their veggie-based falafel burgers.
Crust is located at 1F-17, 163 Retail Park, Jalan Kiara, Mont Kiara KL.
