10 Restaurants I Take Vegetarian Visitors to in KL
Monica Tindall
I recently published an article listing ten of my go-to restaurants to take out-of-town visitors to in KL. Many of you asked for a similar list but one that ensured our vegetarian friends have options, too. Hence, list number two: 10 restaurants I take vegetarian visitors to in KL. I’d love to know your faves. Please drop me a message below.
10 Restaurants I Take Vegetarian Visitors to in KL
No doubt Chinatown KL is on many a tourist list, so it makes sense to have several restaurants to take vegetarian visitors here. Possibly one of the prettiest plant-based eateries in the city, The Hungry Tapir ticks all the boxes for delicious food, a taste of local and gorgeous setting.
Just a block up the road from The Hungry Tapir is its sister outlet, LaGula Vegan Bakery and Brekkie Bar. It’s another beautiful setting and one of the few places in the entire city where you can find 100% vegan bakes. The vibe is upbeat, with regular DJ sessions in the evenings supported by vegan cocktails and natural wines.
For an elegant dining experience, KUKI Vegan in TTDI is the spot to be. It has a Zen-like feeling thanks to natural materials such as pine, stone, burned wood, and an indoor garden. The food is highly refined and detailed, drawing from Japanese influences.
Savour in Desa Sri Hartamas is a hit for healthy, wholesome western and local vegetarian recipes in a charming café setting. Besides being meat-free, it’s also caffeine and alcohol-free. Our favourite dishes here are the Zesty Yuzu Watercress Salad and Merry Mango Smoothie Bowl.
The 10-page menu at Bombay Talkies in Brickfields ensures something for every meat-free tastebud. Bombay Talkies has an international spread, from house-made bao burgers to crepes, curries, sandwiches and pizzas. We especially enjoy Indian recipes like Paneer Sirka Pyaaz, an assortment of flatbread and Paalak Chaat.
Just opened in Bangsar, Roots KL introduces meat-free western and local recipes to the Telawis (streets of Bangsar). The restaurant builds on its success from its flagship café and bakery in Johor. The family-run establishment has everything from pizza to nasi lemak risotto. It’s a great spot to branch out with some new flavours with familiarity as a back-up.
The Ganga Café Bangsar has stood by this motto, “Only the Good Stuff,” for nearly a decade! The humble Indian vegetarian restaurant omits artificial colouring, MSG and eggs and has an extensive list of gluten-free and vegan options. The café has developed a loyal following, and their weekend brunches are particularly popular and value for money.
Not Vegetarian But Have Awesome Plant-based Choices
One of several locations, Yarl in TTDI is a casual place to enjoy flavourful Sri Lankan cuisine that won’t break the bank. There are plentiful vegetarian and gluten-free choices. We highly recommend the sweet appam, Yarl thosai, and going wild with the set lunch selections.
It’s no surprise that Superfine KL is on our list: it’s one of our favourite cafes in the city. Meat-loving hubby can enjoy bacon breakfasts while I delight in the abundance of vegan choices. The kale salad, superfood breakfast bowl, Ottolenghi, and corn ribs are all excellent choices, and there’s no additional charge for oat milk in your coffee!
Another cute location near Chinatown on Jalan Tun H S Lee, Jamboo KL offers a fresh take on healthy bowls of lei cha. The bowls are fully customisable and a huge hit with the lunchtime crowd. Our top picks are the signature lei cha bowl, crispy cauli and their house-made Jamboocha.
And A Bonus: Vegan Desserts
Surely, your vegetarian visitors to KL deserve a treat, right? Here are two of our fave restaurants for vegan desserts
Kind Kones is the original gangster when it comes to producing delicious vegan desserts that are both nutritious and delicious. Alongside raw desserts, they have a complete range of plant-based ice cream. My fave here is the Vanilla Charcoal – it’s so creamy it’s hard to believe it’s vegan.
Licky Chan serves the most delicious boozy ice cream in town, and a good selection is vegan! Using mostly local ingredients, even the dairy is local, their commitment to high-quality and delicious recipes is impressive. There are so many faves here, but my number one pick is Chocolate Concierge – a vegan blend of chocolate and whisky – so good!
What are your go-to restaurants for vegetarian visitors to KL? Share the love in the comment box below.
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