Malaysia is popular for its seafood dishes and flavorful meat dishes. However, travellers are not aware that Malaysia is a satisfying destination for vegetarians as well. Due to the multicultural influences, like Chinese and Indian, on the strong Malay presence, the culinary setting is varied and worth exploring. The country offers a wide variety of plant-based dishes, vegetarian restaurants and options. Moreover, plant-based versions of staples of traditional dishes provide the option for exploration without having to compromise on authenticity. Read along to know more about vegetarian food in Malaysia.
Top Vegetarian Dishes
- Nasi Lemak: It is Malaysia’s national dish. A staple for vegetarian food in Malaysia. It is a rich, flavorful and aromatic dish. Fragrant rice is cooked in coconut milk and pandan leaves. The dish is complete when served with sambal (chilli paste), fried anchovies, roasted peanuts, and a hard-boiled egg.
- Char Kway Teow: Smoky, stir-fried noodles cooked with prawns, cockles, Chinese sausage and bean sprouts. The flavour has a stirring balance of sweet and spicy with a signature smoky char because of the high-heat wok cooking.
- Laksa: A popular spicy noodle soup with Chinese and Malay cooking traditions. It contains thick rice noodles with various toppings and a coconut-based froth or a tamarind-based froth.
- Mee Goreng: A savoury and spicy noodle dish. Mainly a non-vegetarian meal, but its vegetarian alternative is equally flavorful. It features yellow wheat noodles tossed with vegetables, tofu and a sweet soy sauce.
- Roti Canai: A popular flaky flatbread that is generally served with vegetable curries.
Snacks & Sides
- Rojak Buah: A salad with fresh fruits and vegetables tossed in a sweet and spicy sauce.
- Curry Puffs: Flaky puffs filled with spicy vegetables or potatoes.
- Kerabu Timun: A spicy and tangy cucumber salad.
- Sambal Okra: Stir-fried okra prepared in a spicy and tangy sambal sauce.
Multicultural Cuisine
The majority of the population of Malaysia is Malay, Chinese and Indian. This diversity also brings in a multicultural system for most things, including the cuisine of the country. This is why you can find many options for vegetarian food in Malaysia. Indian Malaysians, specifically, have a long history of vegetarian cooking and eating. You can find many South Indian influences in the culture as well. Major cities have a diverse range of South Indian restaurants where you can have authentic dishes. Most cities also have rather good Chinese vegetarian restaurants as well, providing a rich contrast. Explore all these great options with the Malaysia tour package with us.
Street Food
With minor caution, vegetarian travellers can enjoy the culturally rich street food of Malaysia. Famous vegetarian street food options include roti canai, roti telur without telur, popiah, and curry puffs. If you follow some instructions, you can have a great experience. Ask to put no egg with roti canai. Ask for the vegetarian versions of popular dishes like nasi lemak and char kway teow. Go to night markets to have more options and an overall better experience. You can find tropical fruits like mangoes, papayas and pineapples. Fruits make for a perfect snack while you are on long tours.
Major Cities for Vegetarians
- Kuala Lumpur: The capital of Malaysia, is teeming with a strong vegetarian presence. From high-end restaurants to roadside stalls, from eateries to vegan cafes, you can find everything. Furthermore, there are established areas, like Brickfields, that are vegetarian-friendly.
- Penang: Penang is bustling with a multicultural cuisine scene. The city provides many vegetarian versions of famous or classic dishes. Areas like Georgetown have many vegetarian cafes and restaurants.
- Cameron Highlands: With the scenic landscape of the hill station, you can enjoy traditional vegetarian meals.
Top Vegetarian Restaurants in Malaysia
- Annalakshmi Vegetarian Restaurant, Kuala Lumpur: An iconic Indian restaurant in Brickfields, also known as Little India. Here, with amazing taste, you will also find a rich community feel. One of the most popular vegetarian restaurants in Malaysia.
- The Hungry Tapir, Kuala Lumpur: A famous vegan restaurant known for creative plant-based dishes.
- Blue Boy Vegetarian Food Court, Kuala Lumpur: An old hawker centre where you will find a vegetarian-exclusive food menu on different stalls.
- Pure Heart Vegetarian, Penang: A relatively small but highly reviewed restaurant in Penang. This place serves authentic Chinese and Malaysian dishes adapted to vegetarian alternatives.
- Roots, Bangsar: A casual dining outlet offering excellent modern, unique and fusion cuisine.
- The Ganga Cafe, Bangsar: A vegetarian cafe known for delicious dishes with heavy Indian influences.
Travel Tips for Vegetarians
- When confused, you can always rely on Indian vegetarian restaurants that are properly labelled and organised.
- Most of the street foods can be adapted by substituting the meat with tofu, tempeh or vegetables. Adaptation is an integral part of the Malaysian vegetarian cuisine.
- If you are doubtful, it is never a bad idea to ask if the dish contains fish sauce, egg or anything you don’t want.
- For any queries, you can contact us. We offer unforgettable international trips. Book your international tour packages with us now.
Conclusion
A trip to Malaysia is as much about exploring the landscape and culture as it is about exploring the cuisine. With designated areas in major cities that have become hubs for vegetarian delicacies, Malaysian vegetarian cuisine is growing. So, what are you waiting for? Book your Malaysian tour with Travel Saga Tourism now.
