Five Fave Plant-based Meals in KL
I recently had a conversation with a girlfriend about cravings. She was new to KL and hadn’t yet found her own list of places that she repeatedly visited. It got me thinking about my cravings and kitchens I frequent the most. I have quite healthy tastebuds and a genuine desire to do what’s right for our future, so it turns out most of my return visits are to restaurants that have good plant-based options. Here’s a little hop around KL highlighting five of my fave plant-based meals in KL (and some bonus vegan desserts too).
Five Fave Plant-based Meals in KL
Shrooms Asada Burrito – Sala KL
Sala’s Shrooms Asada Burrito (RM 23) is sooooo good! Mushroom asada, cilantro lime brown rice, black beans, slaw, tomato salsa, lettuce, nacho cheeze sauce, sour cream and roasted tomato chipotle salsa are wrapped in a flour tortilla. The flavours balance beautifully and that hint of lime lifts the whole profile.
Mana Bowl – If Only
The best-selling Mana Bowl (RM22) is a base of blended organic maqui berry, dragonfruit, mango, strawberry, blueberry and apple juice crowned with banana, pineapple, mixed berry granola, goji berries, organic chia seeds and a drizzling of raw organic Kelulut honey from Seremban. The maqui berry is said to contain the highest antioxidant level of all fruits, and research claims that it can assist in blood sugar level control, lower bad LDL cholesterol and reduce inflammation. They also propose that it may have anti-aging effects and promote gut and eye health. For something that tastes this good, the added health benefits are a bonus.
Vegetarian Bao – Da Bao
My girlfriend who convinced me to try Da Bao introduced the restaurant by saying they had converted her to eat Brussels sprouts. I am a long-term fan of the compact cabbage so was immediately intrigued. (Well, the fact that their cocktails were of good repute may have also swayed my decision to go). The Vegetarian Bao (RM 19), on a large soft, fluffy bun, is enough for a meal on its own. It’s packed with firm tofu, sweet potato mole, Brussels sprouts, pickled red onions, ulam raja, dragonfruit salsa, house-made sambal and orange organic glaze. It’s a mouthful that caresses every single crevice of the mouth. I can see why my gal was converted.
Vegan Roti Canai – The Hungry Tapir
We’re thankful that The Hunger Tapir has devised a vegan version in their signature Roti Canai (RM 15). This crispy flatbread is thrown with almond milk and coconut oil instead of the usual ghee. It comes with vegetable dahl and tempeh sambal. So yum!
Romeo & Juliet Toastie – Sprout Fusion
The Romeo & Juliet Toastie (RM 18) from Sprout Fusion won us over with its more-ish combo of homemade gluten-free bread topped with cashew “cheese,” guava and fig jam, and mint leaves. This has a really fresh flavour, with bread that is moist and with a lovely texture. Toasted chickpeas provide little pops of crunch on the side.
Five Fave Plant-based Meals in KL – Bonus – Vegan Desserts!
Chocolate Concierge Ice Cream – Licky Chan
One of my top picks at the boozy-ice cream shop is the vegan, Chocolate Concierge. A plant-based choice, it’s made with 70% single-origin Pahang cacao, Dewars 12-years and a cold brew of cacao husks. It’s rich, complex and tremendously creamy – you’d never guess there’s no dairy here. Cacao lays a foundation for whisky and umami undertones (from the fermented cacao) to weave through.
Vegan Cinnamon Rolls – RGB
If you’re fortunate enough (or smart to call ahead and ask) to arrive when RGB’s cinnamon rolls are still warm from the oven, it’s a little piece of joy that promises to stick to your memory (and mouth). Their recipe is superbly soft and the cinnamon sugar is in just the right proportion. The best part is that they’re vegan… so guilt-free, right? *They welcome you to bring your own containers too for a trash-free takeaway experience.
What are your favourite dishes in KL? Do you find yourself repeatedly craving the same thing? How much of your diet is meat-free? Could you name five of your fave plant-based meals in KL? I’d love to have your recommendations.
More vegetarian and vegan restaurants in KL here and stay up-to-date with the latest gourmet and travel recommendations for Malaysia here and here.
That Sala’s Shrooms Asada Burrito sure looks packed with all the goodies!!!
That burrito could last me three meals with how stuffed it is with tantalizing ingredients! That mana bowl catches my eye as well.