RaufConsuming more greens is supposed to be good for you and with the number of people opting to ‘go veg’, finding a vegetarian spot for a good meal these days should not be that difficult. Even die-hard carnivores can attest to the fact that going green can sometimes be an awesome experience. There are so many types of vegetables – and also artificial meat – to be had!
We live in a world where gluten-free, organic and vegan are becoming rather well-known terms but because meat is a staple of many households, preparing a good vegetarian dish without making it boring/bland can be considered quite a talent.
If you live in Petaling Jaya or are visiting the area, check out some of these vegetarian-friendly spots that are far from mediocre.
1. Restoran Organic Express
Image credit: Nicole Soon
In this humble, organic vegetarian restaurant, you will be greeted by the friendly staff, maybe a warm, complimentary bowl of turnip soup, and sometimes even the master chef himself welcoming you. Here, pasta dishes and more are in tune with western culinary styles. Vegetarian pasta dishes you can select from include staples such as aglio olio and pesto. The menu also consists of items like fried mushroom salads and others that exemplify the restaurant’s unique approach to textures and tastes.
Address: 49 Jalan Ss 2/30, SS 2, Petaling Jaya
2. Sandalo
Image credit: Sandalo Healthy Vegetarian Cuisine
Image credit: Sandalo Healthy Vegetarian Cuisine
Sandalo combines healthy eating and contributes to improving the environment. Here, you can find nourishment that goes easy on oil, sugar and salt. Menu items include noodles, steamboat and rice dishes such as the signature nasi lemak with tempeh and long beans. If you were to ask people about this place, they will recommend the Milky Crispy Abalone Mushrooms and the Ginger Bean Bag Rice Set.
Address: 31, Jalan SS 21/56b, Damansara Utama, Petaling Jaya
3. Kon Rak Pak
Image credit: Kon Rak Pak
Thai themed vegetarian restaurants may be less common than their Chinese and Indian counterparts but if you’re looking for vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free fare, Kon Rak Pak may have just the thing for you on their extensive menu. Take a look at the two-style popiah, which can be served in a raw veggie wrap of a crisped spring roll with two dipping sauces. Or try the fresh mixed herb salad for starters. If you aren’t a fan of spicy food, the green curry lion head mushroom should be just the thing for you. For dessert, you could have a look at the Red Ruby.
Address: 17-G, Jalan 17/56, Seksyen 17, Petaling Jaya
4. Neu Vegetarian Restaurant
You could do well to order rice with your non-meat meal here at Neu Vegetarian Restaurant. With red tablecloths and semi-cushioned chairs, Neu Vegetarian Restaurant offers a variety of well-seasoned dishes. There are the tofu and green bean paste pancakes and there’s also vegetable curry and asam fish.
Address: 41 Jalan 52/18, PJ New Town, Petaling Jaya
5. Kuan Yin Restaurant
Image credit: Wil Liew
Image credit: Wil Liew
Kuan Yin Restaurant is located in Seksyen 17, PJ. Due to religious practices, this restaurant serves vegetarian food without using onions or garlic. Despite what may be seen as a limitation on the usage of ingredients, the restaurant does a splendid job at great flavours and aromas. And despite not having any meat ingredients included in any of the food served, many of the items on the menu have the names, tastes, and appearance of meat dishes, such as Thai spicy chicken rice and mutton curry.
Address: 1084, Jalan 17/29, Seksyen 17, 46400 Petaling Jaya
6. Kechara Oasis
Image credit: Kechara Oasis
Image credit: Kechara Oasis
If vegetarian fine dining is what you’re looking for, Kechara Oasis is the place to be. You can find this new age vegetarian restaurant at Jaya One and it serves Tibetan, Western, Vietnamese and Chinese cuisine. Although they may seem real, the dishes that look and taste like meat are actually made from mock meat. For a start, check out their signature Kechara salad or the fried round momos. The asam fish and Jin Xiang eggplants may also be right up your alley.
Address: 63 & 67-P1, Block D, The Suites, Jaya One, No 72A, Jalan Universiti, Petaling Jaya
7. Wellness Recipe
Image credit: Wellness Recipe
Image credit: Wellness Recipe
Thinking of cutting down on the sugar and processed food products and going on a clean diet? At Wellness Recipe, you can find nutritious meals with great flavour. You can enjoy a meal that doesn’t just taste good but is actually beneficial for your health. Every day of the week (except Sundays), Wellness Recipe follows five different themes, serving different dishes in accordance with these different themes. On Mondays, you can find the bestselling Wellness Lei Cha and Wellness Green Tower while on Wednesdays, you can have a shot at the Sweet & Sour Abalone Mushroom Rice.
