So another MCO is upon us, meaning the option to ‘balik kampung’ is unfortunately unavailable to us. Similarly, visiting family and friends to ‘makan’ together in celebration of Hari Raya may not be possible for everyone due to inter-district travel being banned!
But guess what?
Even if you can’t ‘balik kampung’ or attend any open houses, you can still enjoy traditional Malay dishes through food delivery services such as GrabFood, Foodpanda and Beepit. Although many perceive Malay food to be unfriendly for vegetarians and / or vegans, mouth-watering options do exist so here’s a comprehensive list of traditional and typical Malay food you can enjoy:
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BMS Organics Cafe was founded in 2007 and, since the start, has focused on providing customers with food free from artificial colouring, chemical preservatives, GMOs and MSG. If you avoid microwaves, then know that BMS Organics Cafe does not cook its food in microwaves at all!
If you’re craving: Curry Laksa
Location: Find a BMS Organics Cafe outlet near you (and double check that it’s the cafe)
Opening Hours: Varies depending on outlet
Order via GrabFood during MCO
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HalaVeg was founded by a local woman who decided to leave her high-paying job to start a vegan restaurant. Why? After 10 years of being vegan, she realised that more options for vegans were needed, which is why the slogan for HalaVeg is: everything you love made vegan.
If you’re craving: Nasi Tomato with Ayam Masak Merah (Ramadhan Special)
Location: LG07, Empire Damansara, 47820 Petaling Jaya
Opening Hours: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Order via GrabFood during MCO
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The Hungry Tapir (THT) opened during the first MCO in Malaysia and, despite the challenges, has only gained in popularity due to its diverse menu that offers a fusion of flavours. If you want to know more about THT, then read our interview with the foundHer here!
If you’re craving: Satay
Location: Lot 135, Jalan Petaling, 50000 Kuala Lumpur
Opening Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. (closed on Mondays)
Order via GrabFood during MCO
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Lauk Pauk is basically a warung that’s been urbanised. Literally nestled in the heart of the city, Lauk Pauk caters to meat eaters and non-eaters, so note that choices for vegetarians and / or vegans is limited compared to other options in this list.
If you’re craving: Pajeri Nenas
Location: RexKL, Jalan Sultan, 50000 Kuala Lumpur
Opening Hours: Varies depending on the day
Order via Grabfood during the MCO
MediFood is run by a team of dietitians, nutritionists, and pharmacists with more than a decade of experience combined. While you can’t physically visit a branch right now, know that you can get professional advice on your dietary needs for free once the restaurant / store reopens.
If you’re craving: Mee Rebus
Location: Bangsar South, Damansara Kim, or Subang Jaya
Opening Hours: Varies depending on outlet
Order via GrabFood during MCO
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Sala is known for its Tex-Mex cuisine but as the owner is local, he included Malaysian favourites in the menu. On Fridays, Bakso is available but normally sells out fast so if that’s something you’ve been craving, know that Sala is currently the only vegan restaurant providing Bakso.
If you’re craving: Nasi Lemak with Rendang
Location: Find a Sala outlet near you
Opening Hours: Varies depending on outlet
Order via GrabFood during MCO
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Simple Life was founded in Malacca, 1992. Originally, it was a shop selling organic products and organic food. Following its success, Simple Life slowly started expanding and there are now 12 outlets across the Klang Valley, so check which outlet is closest to you by clicking the link below!
If you’re craving: Assam Pedas (labelled as Assam Seaweed Beancurd)
Location: Find a Simple Life outlet near you
Opening Hours: Varies depending on outlet
Order via GrabFood during MCO
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Tze Erne was founded in 2015 based on the chap fan concept – essentially, a Chinese version of a warung. The menu is incredibly affordable and consists of mainly Chinese food but classic Malay items make an appearance, too. If you love salted egg yolk chicken, then the vegetarian version by Tze Ern is another recommendation!
If you’re craving: Butter Chicken
Location: D3-G4-09, Publika, 50480 Kuala Lumpur
Opening Hours: Varies depending on the day
Order via GrabFood during the MCO
Bonus: Even though Hijau is currently not available for dine-ins, keep it in mind for when the MCO is lifted as the pop-up buffet serves delectable vegan food. For now, a few dishes from the weekly buffet can be ordered via Thursdvys.
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