We’re almost halfway through the first month of 2021. How are your new year resolutions coming along? Kudos if you’ve been keeping up, but there’s no intent to guilt-trip anyone here, considering how world events may have thrown you off.

With that said, it’s never too late to get back on track with your fitness and wellness goals – or make new ones, if you haven’t already. In conjunction with the month of Veganuary, try challenging yourself to one vegan meal a week, or a day, or every day for the rest of the month. Not only will this decision be better for your health, it’ll also be better for the environment in terms of carbon footprint and sparing animals from slaughterhouses.

To help you get started, take your pick to order away from these 6 plant-based and vegetarian-friendly restaurants around Kuala Lumpur.

Sala

For fans of Latin and Tex-Mex-inspired cuisine, there’s Sala offering a menu of burritos, tacos, salad bowls, snacks and local favourites like Nasi Lemak – all made with vegan ingredients. Thanks to clever meat alternatives like jackfruit (known to have a meaty texture) and mushroom (popular for their umami flavour) complemented with lip-smacking sauces, you won’t be missing meat as much with the options here.

Takeaway is available from 11.15am to 7.30pm at their outlet in Desa Sri Hartamas and delivery is available from 11.30am to 7pm within certain areas in the Klang Valley. W salakualalumpur.com

Location(s): Sala, A-G-3A Galeria Hartamas, No 21 Jalan 26A/70A Desa Sri Hartamas, 50480 Kuala Lumpur | Lot 32 G Jalan Doraisamy, Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 50300

SUPE Vegan Japanese Restaurant

Japanese cuisine is often associated with seafood (think sashimi) and meats (think BBQ and yakitori); but it has plenty to offer vegans too. Just look to SUPE (pronounced soopy) – a portmanteau of the co-owners’ names, Summer and Hope – with its menu comprising of dishes like Tempeh Fried Rice and Tempura Miso Ramen, as well as sushi and snack platters that are ideal for sharing.

Takeaway and delivery services are available via DM on Facebook or Instagram and WhatsApp at +601157588479.

Location: Unit G2, Wisma Noble Land No 2, Lorong Changkat, Lorong Ceylon, Bukit Bintang, 50200 Kuala Lumpur

The Hungry Tapir

Famed for its Insta-worthy interiors, The Hungry Tapir prides itself as the first and only vegan and vegetarian restaurant with a full-serviced bar in Chinatown. Expect café classics like Big Breakfast and Bagel but with a plant-based twist, as well as original Malaysian-inspired dishes such as I Love Tempeh Salad and Tapir’s Roti Canai.

Delivery is available from 10am to 7pm within certain areas in the Klang Valley via GrabFood, Bungkusit and Beepit. W thehungrytapir.com

Location: 135, Jalan Petaling, Chinatown 50000 Kuala Lumpur

Barat Lifestyle Vegetarian Restaurant

Tucked away in Lorong Kurau, Bangsar, Barat has been serving up Indian-Mediterranean vegetarian cuisine since 2016. You’ll be spoiled for choice with the extensive menu here, ranging from sandwiches and burgers to pasta mains to tapas and sharing platters. It’s also worth noting that 80% of the menu is farm-to-table, using mostly locally-sourced ingredients to lessen its impact on the environment.

Takeaway is available from 8am to 8pm via WhatsApp at +60102882654.

Location: 7, Lorong Kurau, Bangsar, 59100 Kuala Lumpur

Pappa Plant / Tray Café

Pappa Plant isn’t a standalone restaurant per se, but a vegan pop-up that occupies part of Tray Café. Started in June 2020, its menu changes from time to time but generally revolves around international all-time-favourite dishes reinterpreted with vegan substitutes. Options include Shakshuka with pumpkins in lieu of eggs, pot pie with eggplant replacing meat and Ulam Fried Rice.

Takeaway and delivery is available from 9am to 5pm daily via Tray Café’s Beepit. W traycafe.com

Location: H-0-2 Block H, Plaza Damas, 60 Jalan Sri Hartamas 1, 50480 Kuala Lumpur

Sprout Fusion

Founded by Colombian-born, Miami-raised Daniela Abad, Sprout Fusion is a cosy café set in the first floor of Bangsar Village I. Inspired to educate the public on the benefits of going plant-based after trying it for a year in 2019, Dani’s brainchild offers fusion foods encompassing smoothie bowls, toasties, sandwiches, salads and small plates that not only look appetising, but are nutritious for your diet too.

Takeaway and delivery is available from 10am to 7pm daily via Beepit. W sproutfusion.co

Location: Lot F13A, Bangsar Village I, 1, Jalan Telawi 1, 59100 Kuala Lumpur

Recommended for you: Meat-free made easy with these 6 vegetarian swaps

Photos courtesy of respective establishments

Featured image: Sprout Fusion