Global dietary preferences have shifted towards plant-based diets, driven by health-conscious factors, ethical considerations, environmental awareness, and spiritual principles. This is why lots of tourist destinations around the world offer meat-free options ranging from trendy eateries to traditional food courts. One of the countries catering to this matter is Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. As a big city favorable among global tourists, Kuala Lumpur continues to evolve as a gastronomic hub with diversified menus, including incorporating plant-based dishes inspired by Malaysian, Chinese, Indian, and international delicacies. It doesn’t only cater to vegetarianism, but also tourists seeking healthier and sustainable alternatives. Kuala Lumpur always makes sure there’s something for everyone, regardless of their dietary choices.

If you’re one of travelers with specific dietary needs, Kuala Lumpur is a good choice to visit. Why? You can literally find a wide array of options serving the interests of vegans, vegetarians, or anyone with restrictive diets throughout the city. There are so many street food markets to modern restaurants exclusively serving vegetarian and vegan versions of iconic Malaysian dishes, like satay, laksa, and nasi lemak. They’re all plant-based, but trust me, it’s still got that flavor punch. Therefore, visiting Kuala Lumpur means you still can enjoy its diverse local food scene without worrying about both dietary restrictions and the dishes’ savoriness.

Kuala Lumpur’s inclusive dining options have made the city increasingly attractive for tourists around the world; and I have a feeling you’ve secretly been considering a trip to Kuala Lumpur. Now, finish up this article to find out where to get your vegan fix in this city!

If you’re a vegan traveler, visiting Kuala Lumpur has been the right choice because this city boasts a wide range of vegetarian restaurants dispersed throughout the area. Some of them are:

1. Annalakshmi Vegetarian Restaurant

Situated on Jalan Berhala, Brickfields, Annalakshmi Vegetarian is a “non-for-profit” restaurant serving various vegetarian dishes with a “pay as you feel” concept. They offer buffets featuring South Indian cuisines, like aromatic curries and flavorful rice dishes, prepared with authentic freshest ingredients and delivered with heartfelt hospitality.

2. The Ganga Cafe Bangsar

The Ganga Cafe is another popular vegetarian Indian restaurant in Lorong Kurau, Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur. With their deep love for food and much effort, they serve an array of vegetarian menus, such as butter naan, aloo gobi, dabeli, dhal takhda, chana batura, baingan ka bhartha, and more. What are they? Taste them and see!

3. Tian Yian Cafe and Restaurant

Tian Yian Cafe and Restaurant is located in Taman Miharja, Cheras. Known for its flavorful vegetarian creations, the restaurant serves dishes, like noodles, pizza, burgers, salads, and local specialties like nasi lemak and green curry. You can enjoy many blends of Asian and Western cuisines in the calm and air-conditioned environment of the place.

4. The Hungry Tapir

The Hungry Tapir is the only vegan and vegetarian restaurant in Kuala Lumpur with a full-serviced bar. Situated in Jalan Petaling, city center, this restaurant offers a fusion-based and dynamic menu of Western and Eastern delicacies. Indulge in their all-day brekkie, plant-based local favorites, and sweet treats while enjoying blissful cocktails at once!

5. Sangeetha Veg Restaurant

As a chain of signature vegetarian Indian restaurants centered in Chennai, India, Sangeetha Veg Restaurant has grown overseas, including Kuala Lumpur. It’s acknowledged for its authentic South Indian flavors featuring both vegetarian and vegan options; vegan masala dosa, vegetable kurma, and vegan thali are some of their signature vegan dishes you must try. Combine your dining with their freshly brewed vegan-friendly South Indian filter coffee, too!

6. Loving Cafe

Loving Cafe is a fully vegan restaurant offering a diverse menu of Asian and Western dishes. Nestled in Sri Petaling, this cafe will proudly present you their signature asam laksa, Cantonese fried udon, as well as vegan pastries and desserts like the organic apple pie and vegan blueberry yogurt cake most sought-after due to their taste and quality.

7. WTF Restaurant

Another famous vegan restaurant in Kuala Lumpur, specifically in Lrg Maarof, Bangsar, is WTF Restaurant, standing for “What Tasty Food”. This restaurant mostly serves Indian cuisines with a few Indo-Chinese and Western dishes. Revel in their special Chinese bhel, crispy wheat noodles and vegetables; as well as their most-favorite tava masala, marinated tandoori potatoes and rice with gravy for your ultimate vegan adventure in Kuala Lumpur.

8. Mr Naan & Mrs Idly

Located in Kuala Lumpur’s Little India, Mr Naan & Mrs Idly is a well-known Indian restaurant offering vegetarian dishes from both North and South India. Their bhindi masala, dal tadka, and butter garlic naan are their signature, among other vegan dishes. This restaurant’s commitment to serving preservative-free meals prepared with fresh ingredients has gained many positive reviews from visitors.

9. Nature’s Vegetarian Restaurant (Bangsar) Sdn. Bhd.

Vegetarian dim sum lovers, unite! All of you belong to Nature’s Vegetarian Restaurant offering about 40 to 50 varieties of dim sum. You can also enhance your dining experience by sampling their standout specialty like soya chicken accompanied by a side of vegetables. Savor their notable fried rice, noodles, and vegetarian mutton curry as well!

10. Restaurant Saravanaa Bhavan Brickfields

Experience the authentic South Indian vegetarian dishes in Malaysia at Restaurant Saravanaa Bhavan Brickfields! This number 1 Indian vegetarian restaurant chain serves banana leaf meals and thali platters as their culinary masterpiece. However, their commitment to excellence and comprehensive services also keep the customers coming back.

11. Kusa Vegan

Previously named SUPE Vegan, Kusa Vegan is a small chain of vegan Japanese restaurants with one of the outlets located in Bukit Bintang. This restaurant is a great choice if you're in the mood for creative vegan food with a fusion twist. Along with its attentive staff, your vegan dining experience will be complete with their iconic vegan sushi, hand rolls, tempura, fried rice, soup noodles, and porridges.

12. Minf Houze Vegan Cafe

Minf Houze Vegan Cafe is a vegetarian and vegan cafe located right at the center of Kuala Lumpur, specifically on the top floor of Wisma Cosway. At affordable prices, you can try a range of vegan dishes, including the vegan version of nasi lemak and Hainanese rice. Not feeling ricey today? No worries, you have a curry ramen, vegan satay, or cheese tart!

13. Giant Bowl Vegetarian Restaurant

Giant Bowl Vegetarian Restaurant is renowned for its generous portions and diverse selections of local-style vegetarian cuisines–staying true to their name. If you happen to be in Old Klang Road, savor their standout offerings, including cuttlefish kangkung, asam laksa, pan mee, and bak kut teh.

14. Dar Soo Vegetarian Cuisine

What’s most highlighted at Dar Soo Vegetarian Cuisine is their vegetarian buffet with over 100 dishes, including soup, desserts, and ice creams. Focusing on authentic vegetarian dishes, the restaurant also provides serene ambience with Buddhist-inspired decor. Now, it’s also expanded its presence with a formal table service at Pavilion Elite.

15. Sweet Veggie (Pudu)

Located near Pudu Plaza, Sweet Veggie boasts vegetarian buffets including fresh vegetables, tofu, soybean rolls, and mock meat. You can enjoy daily specials like laksa on Friday and an extensive à la carte menu featuring herbal soup and wanton noodles.

16. Vege Chat Pure Vegetarian Punjabi

In Kuala Lumpur’s Brickfields area, you’ll find Vege Chat Pure Vegetarian Punjabi, a well-known North and South Indian restaurant. It serves a diverse menu of Punjabi and Malay dishes; one of their signatures is the flavorful biryani and the “chicken” masala. Now go and immerse yourself into their delicious breakfast and lunch options!

17. Barat Vegeliciously Mediterranean

Barat Vegeliciously Mediterranean operates under the motto “East Meets West” and “Vegetarian at Its Best”, implying its vegan blends of Eastern and Western delicacies, as well as the thoughtfully-curated vegetarian meals, like Italian Pizzz’a, Thai red curry, Spanish tapas, and protein-rich chickpea salad, for all patrons. Rooted from its neighbor, The Ganga Cafe, this restaurant offers locally-sourced and beautifully-crafted vegan menus in an adorable environment.

18. LaGula By The Hungry Tapir

Situated in Chinatown, adjacent to its sister restaurant, The Hungry Tapir, LaGula serves various menus of plant-based pastries, brunch dishes, and cocktails. Amidst their distinctive pink themes, revel in their signature Valmon & Cream Cheez Croissant, LaGula Big Brekkie, or their vegan pastries. Then, complement your dining experience with LaGula’s must-try cocktail, Flower Power and Violet Ray.

19. SALA Berjaya Times Square

Visiting Berjaya Times Square during your trip in Kuala Lumpur? Opt for SALA, a modern and trendy plant-based restaurant known for its lively atmosphere and blend of local and international flavors. Vegan laksa, SALA burger, vegan tom yum, and tofu satay are the chef’s special that can bring together bold tastes for vegans and non-vegans alike.

20. Blue Boy Vegetarian Food Court Bukit Bintang

Craving for vegan char kway teow? Look no further than Blue Boy Vegetarian Food Court. Located in the busy area of Jalan Alor, this food court serves a range of vegan and vegetarian dishes inspired by traditional Chinese and Malaysian flavors. Their char kway teow must be the house specialty, but they also have vegan laksa, roti john, and popiah for those looking for meat-free but tasty meals.

You also look for a hotel in Kuala Lumpur catering to your vegan lifestyle? Here’s the recommendations:

Your first option is DoubleTree by Hilton Kuala Lumpur, a 4-star accommodation located a couple minutes away from the city center. Besides providing fully-furnished rooms and extensive wellness facilities, it offers vegan-friendly dishes in their Executive Lounge, where the staff is very thoughtful about what it means to be a vegan. You can also go to their Makan Kitchen or Tosca for a variety of Malaysian, Peranakan, Chinese, and Indian vegan meals; as well as home-style Italian cuisines and beers.

The second is Hilton Kuala Lumpur. Still in proximity to the city center, this lavish property offers adequately-furnished rooms, wellness and spa facilities, as well as meeting rooms. For vegan travelers, they’ve got you a range of vegan meals, like vegan sushi, fruits and a salad bar, as well as dairy-free spread. For more various options, you may want to explore the other restaurants, like Oro Cafe, The Lounge, and Vasco’s.

Hotel Royal Signature is your third option as a hotel with vegan menus. Located within the Golden Triangle Kuala Lumpur, this is another opulent accommodation not only serving perfect facilities and services, but also a welcoming environment for vegan guests. Check out their TanBuri (Indian specialty), IL Forno (Italian), and @21 (a rooftop bar and lounge) for your plant-based dining.

Next, you have Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur. Both your stay and dining experiences are guaranteed here; this award-winning hotel provides you with a comprehensive range of services and facilities, as well as meals suitable for vegans. Dishes like mock meat and vegetables, money bags, spring roll, vegetarian soup, etc are served to provide for your vegan dietary needs. Don’t miss to treat yourself to memorable vegan Cantonese meals, too!

Still in the vicinity of the dynamic Kuala Lumpur city center, your next option is PARKROYAL Serviced Suites Kuala Lumpur. You don’t have to question their facilities and services, since it’s a first-class hotel, yet is it also a place for plant-based adventurers? Of course! Fuel your day with a selection of delicious vegan breakfast options, like vegetarian spring rolls, salad, fruits, etc, served at the Resident Lounge.

Kuala Lumpur is one of the best tourist destinations welcoming all kinds of travelers: families, couples, road warriors, vegan, or non-vegan travelers. From cultural to culinary adventures, this metropolis will always open its door to travelers with a variety of interests. This city’s inclusivity is evident in the list above, showcasing a wide range of options for vegan tourists.
If you’re one of them, don’t worry–Kuala Lumpur is your home. Make the most out of your plant-based explorations in Kuala Lumpur by planning all your travel needs with Traveloka. Your entire journey, from flights to accommodations and adventures, is fully guaranteed. Act fast! Limited-time deals are waiting.