The Ultimate Guide To Vegetarian Fine Dining In Malaysia

Words by Katelyn Tan
October 04, 2021
  1. Nadodi KL
    Nadodi KL
  2. Cantaloupe, Troika Sky Dining
    Cantaloupe, Troika Sky Dining
  3. A Li Yaa
    A Li Yaa
  4. Bistro à Table
    Bistro à Table
  5. DC Restaurant
    DC Restaurant
Cover All Cauliflower Tacos, Smoked Ketchup, Aquafaba Emulsion & Cilantro Flowers (Photo: Restaurant Au Jardin)

These Malaysian restaurants are perfect for the plant-forward diner

This story was first published on May 5, 2021, and updated on October 4, 2021. Additional reporting by Hui Ying Goh.

At first glance, most fine dining restaurants in Malaysia don't seem to cater to vegetarians and vegans. However, many are actually happy to accommodate specific requests with advance notice. We've put together a list of five fine dining restaurants that either offer vegetarian tasting menus or are able to provide plant-based dishes upon request. See what each restaurant is presently serving this season.

Related: Earth Day 2021: Asia's Best Vegetarian And Vegan Tasting Menus

1. Nadodi KL

Priding themselves on serving 'nomadic cuisine', Nadodi offers a nine-course vegetarian version of The Nadodi Exprience tasting menu, which includes plant-based spins on popular items from their non-vegetarian menu; take, for instance the Nadodi Trio consisting of a cendol meringue, samosa, avial sphere, and the Nadodi Globe, whereby young jackfruit biryani replace country chicken biryani. Some plant-based dishes that are unique to the vegetarian menu include the plant-protein beets burger and the Konasu, which consists of aubergine gothsu served alongside sago and tapioca cake, bitter gourd chutney, and okra crisps.

PRICE: RM460++ (add RM 280++ for wine pairing)

Nadodi

Kuala Lumpur City Centre
$ $ $ $

2. Cantaloupe, Troika Sky Dining

Tatler Asia
Above Photo: Cantaloupe, Troika Sky Dining
Tatler Asia
Above Photo: Cantaloupe, Troika Sky Dining

Headed by Chef Christian Bauer, Cantaloupe at Troika Sky Dining is located 24 floors above ground level and offers a panoramic view of the city skyline. Upon request, they are able to offer a four- or six-course vegetarian menu—both feature dishes such as the Spring Salad with sautéed mushrooms and sherry vinegar-cured egg yolk, and Tomato Risotto with roasted and sun-dried tomatoes. This season's dessert is made with Chitose strawberries and white chocolate namelaka.

PRICES: RM150++ (four courses); RM200++ (six courses)

Note: Menu may change when it reopens in November. 

3. A Li Yaa

Based in Bukit Damansara, A Li Yaa serves some of the most authentic Sri Lankan food in town. Their vast menu boasts an array of vegetarian-friendly dishes, with appam and hoppers as a staple. From eggplant and cashew-based curries to plant-forward sambals, meat-free dishes abound, and vegetarians will not feel restricted when ordering. 

PRICES: Per à la carte dishes

Aliyaa

Damansara Heights
$ $ $ $

4. Bistro à Table

Plant-based diners will be excited to know that modern French restaurant Bistro à Table, which celebrates its 10th year anniversary this year, offers both vegetarian and vegan fine dining menus. The vegetarian menu may see the likes of Grilled Figs & Halloumi in pomegranate reduction for your entrée and Cognac & Walnut Tart with goat cheese salad as your main. Meanwhile, fully plant-based diners can enjoy the Truffled Mushroom & Pistachio Risotto as well as the Handmade Egg-Free Stozzapreti with Rouile. 

PRICES: RM 188++ (Vegetarian) and RM145++ (Vegan)

Bistro à Table

Petaling Jaya
$ $ $ $
3.5
'rating'

5. DC Restaurant

DC Restaurant's seasonal vegetarian menu is composed of eight courses and starts with light snacks, such as Compressed Watermelon with Sweet Basil, Purple Sweet Potato Chips and a Mini Tartlet with Truffled Cheese. This is followed by Chickpea Panisse with Smoked Cauliflower Cream, Tempura of Seasonal Vegetables, Roasted Celeriac & Truffle Rosette, Fresh Pasta Tagliatelle, and Truffle Brie Sandwich. Diners can choose between three desserts, but Milk and Honey, which comes with Caramel Streusal, Milk Honey Ice Cream and Chiang Mai honeycomb, is what catches our eye. 

PRICE: RM348++ and RM 689 ++ (with wine)

DC Restaurant

Taman Tun Dr. Ismail
$ $ $ $
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