There’s never been a better time to eat plant-based goodness, with a frankly growing number of cafés and eateries popping up in just about every suburb of KL that cater quite specifically to this crowd.
Here’s a list of our favourite vegan and vegan-friendly restaurants, for consideration the next time you’re taking out your vegan or vegetarian peers (or if that friend is you).
SALA
SALA, an acronym for “salvar a los animales” (save the animals) in Spanish, is a vegan-only Tex-Mex-inspired restaurant. From bagel sandwiches to tacos and burritos, there’s a lot more than just Mexican dishes on the menu here. Try out their plant-based local staples like nasi lemak and curry.
Locations: Sala @ The Row, 32 G Jalan Doraisamy, Chow Kit, KL and Sala @ Hartamas A-G-03A Galeria Hartamas, 21, Jalan 26a/70a, Desa Sri Hartamas, KL.
Kusa Vegan
Minimalist and zen in design and spirit, Kusa Vegan serves all-vegan sushi, hand rolls, tempura, fried rice and noodles, and other Japanese delicacies. There’s also a delightful lineup of baked treats and sweets on offer, inclusive of vegan cupcakes and tiramisu.
Location: Unit G2, Wisma Noble Land No 2, Lorong Changkat, Lorong Ceylon, Bukit Bintang, 50200 KL.
The Hungry Tapir
An iconic vegan spot, The Hungry Tapir offers a fusion of Asian and Western flavours. With gluten-free, keto-friendly, and garlic and onion-free options, they cater to various dietary preferences. Wash it all down with the restaurant’s signature cocktails.
Location: 135, Jalan Petaling, City Centre, 50000 KL.
Sprout Plant Based Fusion
Sprout Fusion is an adorable vegan café, boasting a menu that’s entirely made from plants. Think quiche and mac-no-cheese, fresh salads and acai bowls, punctuated with invigorating smoothies or slices of salted caramel cheesecake.
Location: Lot F13A, Bangsar Village I, 1, Jalan Telawi 1, 59100 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 Sichuan beef broth bowls made with kombu and shiitake mushrooms can even be made vegan upon request. You can also DIY your very own bowls of goodness to fit your palate.
Location: 06, Block D3, Level G3 Publika, Jln Dutamas 1, Solaris Dutamas, 50480 KL.
Crust KL
Crust KL is the perfect in-between, offering stock-standard Italian dishes with vegan alternatives so that everyone at your dinner table remains satisfied with their options. If their full selection of vegan wood-fired pizzas isn’t enough, try out one of their veggie-based falafel burgers.
Location: Unit 17, 8, Jalan Kiara, Mont Kiara, 50480 KL.
Kanteen
Comfort dining doesn’t get much better than Kanteen, a wholesome brunch spot you can hardly miss in KL. They have a menu stacked with vegan and vegetarian options – from vegan mac and cheese to vegan char kuey teow.
Locations: Kanteen @ Tropicana Avenue, 12, Persiaran Tropicana, Tropicana, 47410 Petaling Jaya and Kanteen @ Banyan Mont Kiara, Lot GF2, 28 Jalan Kiara, Mont Kiara, KL.
Kind Kones
Vegan, refined sugar-free and mostly gluten-free, Kind Kones is about as health-conscious as ice cream can get. Treat yourself to their creamy delights with various flavours to choose from like the zesty passionfruit sorbet, avocado coconut and cooling mint chocolate chip.
Locations: Kind Kones @ Bangsar Village, F.29 Level 1 Bangsar Village, 1 Jalan Telawi 1, Bangsar Baru, 59100 KL and Kind Kones @ Plaza Damansara, 81M Jalan Medan Setia 1, Plaza Damansara, 50490 KL.
Feature image: The Hungry Tapir