Pure Saiva has established itself as a leading destination for vegetarian Indian cuisine, thanks to its holistic and clean eating approach. With two outlets in the city, I often visit their PJ New Town branch, which can become quite crowded during peak hours. It is noteworthy that they have now expanded to a larger space to accommodate their growing clientele.
Yes, Pure Saiva has moved. It now occupies a space just a few doors down in the same row of shops. Regulars will recognize that the previous establishment was Me’nate Steak Hub, which has closed its doors, making way for the exciting new Pure Saiva. Expect the same clean, white ambiance, now even bigger and better.
Menu
Thali Set, RM 10.80 each
For a hearty meal, the Thali Set is perfect, featuring rice, payasam, rasam, papadam, three vegetables, gravy, and more. We chose tauhu sambal, pumpkin, spinach, chickpea, and mixed vegetables, with the tauhu sambal being my favorite for its flavorful balance of slight spiciness, sweetness, and sourness—ideal to eat with rice and pumpkin. The potato cutlet was a satisfying meat substitute, packed with flavor and a great complement to the thali set.
Pandan Nasi Lemak, RM 9
I have good memories of this dish from the old outlet and truly enjoyed it. While the flavor remains delightful, the serving size has shrunk, missing fried items like tempe and chips. The sambal is still enjoyable, though not as spicy as it once was—I even requested an extra serving. When paired with rice, kacang, and crispy mushroom strips, it was quite satisfying. This dish is good, but I strongly believe they should reinstate the variety in the Nasi Lemak, just like they used to.
Address: 24, Jalan Yong Shook Lin, Bandar Baru Petaling Jaya, 46050 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
When I first saw the phrase ‘Private Kitchen’ on their signboard, I assumed it was synonymous with ‘Private Dining.’ However, unlike the exclusive nature of ‘private dining,’ which typically requires reservations, this term is used very loosely here. It functions like any other restaurant, requiring no reservations, and welcomes walk-ins.
The interior stands out with its tasteful decorations. The greenery and flowers elegantly draping from the walls, combined with the meticulously chosen color tones and seating arrangements, created an inviting ambiance. It’s clear that quite a bit of effort was put into crafting a welcoming atmosphere, and it paid off. Dining here is was an enjoyable experience.
Menu
Claypot Curry Vegetables (Spicy), RM 22 with Fish Slices, RM 5 + Four Heavenly King, RM 23.90 + Multigrain Rice, RM 3.50
Four Heavenly KingClaypot Curry Vegetable
This restaurant boasts a large menu, which gave us quite the challenge to land on a dish; however, we ultimately chose the Claypot Curry. This dish paired excellently with rice, especially given its rich and flavorful gravy. By rich, I mean it was thick in texture, not from excessive milkiness but from a good depth of flavor and spice. It offered a pleasant spice level that was invigorating without overwhelming my palate. The dish features an assortment of vegetables, including brinjal, long beans, okra, cabbage, cauliflower, and generous slices of vegetarian fish. The combination of these ingredients was nothing short of delicious and satisfying when eaten with rice.
The Four Heavenly King is a delightful side dish that features a mix of vegetables with a vegetarian twist. In this restaurant, traditional belacan made from prawns is cleverly replaced with small bits of tasty vegetarian mock meat, mimicking the texture of prawns in a classic belacan dish. The flavors were enjoyable, showcasing a wonderful selection of vegetables like brinjal, long beans, okra, and tempe. The gravy is thick and satisfying, offering a spicy kick that pairs beautifully with rice and the Claypot Curry Vegetable. They successfully captured the essence of belacan flavor, making it an enjoyable dish.
Address: 51, Jalan SS 22/11, Damansara Jaya, 47400 Petaling Jaya
Opening hours: Everyday. 10.30 am to 3 pm, 5.30 pm to 10 pm.
Scoring an average of 4.7 out of 5 from over 450 reviewers, it is evident that The Black Cat Cafe enjoys considerable popularity and is highly regarded for its vegetarian offerings. I have been informed that the meatless dishes served here are notably palatable and closely resemble their meat counterparts. As I was intrigued to experience this for myself, i opted to drop by for a visit.
The color palette of the eatery is visually soothing. However, its decor is comprised of an eclectic assortment of items, including a variety of cat figures, paintings depicting Indian-themed women, travel motifs, and spiritual elements, among others. There does not appear to be a singular cohesive theme; rather, the decor presents a medley of items that collectively contribute positively to the overall ambiance of the cafe.
Menu
Moringa Lime, RM 10.90 + Lemonade, RM 9.90
Moringa Lime (left), Lemonade (right)
Rarely have I encountered a restaurant offering a selection of Moringa beverages. Moringa is renowned for its nutritional benefits, serving as a valuable source of vitamins, contributing to the maintenance of optimal heart health, and aiding in the regulation of blood sugar levels, among other advantages. While typically bitter in flavor, this establishment has successfully crafted a drink reminiscent of a blend between apple and celery juice. The acidity from the lime provided a pleasing complement to the other ingredients. Although I would normally request a ‘less sweet’ variant of a drink, the sugar syrup added in this instance was proportionate and enhanced the overall experience of the drink. It is indeed a delightful concoction.
The lemonade exhibited a thicker consistency than is typical; however, it proved to be quite refreshing. It was certainly not the customary method of simply squeezing a lemon, adding a piece of it to the drink, and serving it. This preparation was distinctly unique.
Satay Vegan, RM 15.90
I ordered this dish as an appetizer. At first glance, the price of RM 15.90 for five skewers of satay may seem somewhat excessive; however, the ‘vegetarian’ version has consistently been priced at double or even triple that of its meat counterpart. The flavors of the satay were exquisite, and I appreciated the subtle undertones of curry-like spices in every bite. However, if I am not mistaken, a mushroom base was utilized in this preparation, and I generally favor a soy-based satay due to my preference for its texture and superior ability to retain flavors. Nonetheless, the overall flavor of the satay was delightful.
Char Kuey Teow, RM 14.90
This dish was quite enjoyable. The flavors were good, and its presentation was appealing. I did not feel the absence of meat while consuming it; however, I must concede that a bullseye egg placed atop the noodles would have elevated the dish to a superior level. Lol.
Would I revisit The Black Cat Cafe? If I am in the area and favor a vegetarian meal, then yes, I will. I’ve heard good things about the Tandoori Paneer Pizza served here and I intent to try it next.
Address: B-00-11, Viva Residency, Jalan Suppiah Pillay, Off Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah, Kuala Lumpur.
Opening hours: Tuesdays to Sundays, 11am to 9.30pm.
I seldom dine at vegetarian restaurants due to my preference for meat. However, on this particular occasion, I sought a change. While exploring dining options in Bukit Gasing, I came across Saiva Kitchen. Their menu featured a diverse selection of Western, Indian, and Chinese vegetarian cuisine, which piqued my interest. I was surprised to learn that the establishment has been in operation for six years. I have passed this row of shops along Jalan Chantek (opposite the Thai Buddhist temple) numerous times, yet it had not previously captured my attention until now.Another reason for my decision to try Saiva Kitchens was its commendable average Google rating. An average score of 4.5 out of 5, derived from over 230 customer reviews, led me to believe that the quality of food at this establishment was of a good standard.
As the restaurant occupies half of a shop lot, it presents a relatively compact space. However, it offers sufficient seating to accommodate both small and larger groups. In terms of design, I appreciated the grey walls, which contribute to a calm and relaxed atmosphere. During peak hours, the noise levels may increase slightly. While the ambiance was pleasing, it was the culinary offerings that left a lasting impression on me. Several dishes I tried were delightful, and once again, I was reminded that vegetarian cuisine can be just as flavorful as its non-vegetarian counterparts.
Menu
**** No MSG, No food coloring, No artificial flavoring ****
Vege Mutton Cheese Stuffed Thosai, RM 14
This thosai was exceptionally good and quite filling as well. Mutton and cheese is not a combination I would typically prefer; however, I was informed that this particular thosai was regarded as their bestseller. The thosai itself was slightly thick, featuring a crispy exterior and a buttery interior. Generously filled with an ample amount of flavorful mutton varuval and cheese, this thosai was genuinely delightful. Each mouthful was simply divine.
Vegetarian Chicken Masala Claypot Rice, RM 15
I have a fondness for Satti Sorru/Claypot Rice and was intrigued to find out whether there is a difference in flavor between veg and non-veg version. Upon trying it, there seem to be none, there was no discernible difference in taste. It was enjoyable eating the rice with gravy as it had good flavor. As for the meat, I wished there was more as it included a smaller serving.
Curry Noodles, RM 15
This dish was delicious. I chose to order it after noticing numerous favorable reviews online, and it also appeared to be a bestseller. Regardless of wether the dish was vegetarian or not, the flavor profile of this dish was good. I found myself savoring the curry thoroughly. The dish included mee hoon, tauhu, fuchuk, long beans, vegetarian chicken, and additional ingredients.
Crispy Vege Chicken Sandwich, RM 15
As simple as it looked, this was quite a good sandwich. I saw several tables ordering this and that influenced my to also give this dish a try. The sandwich was made up of whitr bread, lettuce, sauce and the star of the dish, their crispy vegetarian chicken filling. Crispy and flavorful it was. Seeing that their Mushroom Sandwich is their bestseller, I’ll be sure to give that a try next.
KFC Style Popcorn Chicken, RM 8
We selected this dish as a light appetizer to enjoy prior to the arrival of our main course. The image presented in the menu was somewhat misleading, as there was a noticeable difference between the image/photo and the actual serving. As a result, I anticipated receiving a larger portion than what was ultimately provided. Nevertheless, the popcorn chicken was quite delectable. It was rich in flavor, likely attributable to the selection of spices used. The batter consisted of a blend of ingredients, including breadcrumbs, Nestum, and others. It was quite enjoyable; however, I wished that it had been served in a larger portion.
Pandan, Serai & Ginger Juice, RM 5.50
On a sweltering day, should you desire an invigorating drink, the Pandan, Serai and Ginger has the potential to provide significant relief from the heat. With every sip, one can discern the flavors of pandan, lemongrass, and ginger. All natural, it is important to note that no artificial flavorings were used.
In conclusion, we enjoyed a gratifying lunch at Saiva Kitchens. Will we consider revisiting this establishment? Indeed, we would.
Address: 21, Jalan Chantek, 5/13, Bukit Gasing, Petaling Jaya.
While navigating through SS2 and coming to a halt at a traffic light, I noticed Cropitiam upon a brief survey of the surroundings. Situated on the first floor, amidst a cluster of establishments that includes well-known eateries such as Strangers at 47, Kanna Curry House, Omulab, and others, Cropitiam represents the most recent addition to the F&B offerings at this location, specializing in vegetarian cuisine.
** The coffeeshop is located above Organic Leaf, a popular vegetarian restaurant in the vicinity. Both are managed by the same people but each embodying different concepts.
They clearly invested significant consideration into creating an eatery that is both comfortable and inviting. The pleasant white yellow undertone was visually appealing, and the windows contributed to the establishment’s illusion of a traditional kampung-style coffeeshop setting. With benches made of cement, I initially thought that posterior will be aching in no time thanks to the hard surface but to my surprise, those simple benches was comfortable and effectively kept me cool. Overall, it was a well-designed coffeeshop.It was my first time eating vegetarian food in an eatery with a Hainan kopitiam concept.
KopiNasi Lemak Chicken RendangPenang White Curry MeeFried Radish Cake
Cropitiam is a meatless eatery. Other than egg, all meat is substituted with mushrooms, soy and more. The menu features a selection of dishes commonly found in local kopitiams, some of which are personal favorites. Facing difficulty in deciding on specific dishes to try, I sought the assistance of the waiter and ultimately opted for two of their popular offerings.
The Penang White Curry Mee provided a delightful culinary experience. The curry, although light in texture, boasted excellent flavor, complementing the combination of mee, mee hoon, long beans, tauhu, and vegetarian chicken. As for the Nasi Lemak Chicken Rendang, it was truly delicious. The meatless chicken, resembling mini drumsticks, was both appetizing and well-prepared. The texture and taste of the rendang gravy were delightful, although I would have appreciated a larger portion, as two pieces were not sufficient for me. Additionally, the substitution of thin, crispy fried mushrooms for anchovies was a delightful twist, adding a flavorful, crunchy element akin to keropok. This dish paired seamlessly with the rice, sambal, and kacang. The Fried Radish Cake is worth a try. It consisted of cube-like pieces of radish cake with taugeh and egg that was cooked well. Yum!
Overall, I had a pleasant experience at Cropitiam. While I am not particularly inclined towards a vegetarian diet, this eatery can be included in my list of vegetarian options in the area. I would likely visit Cropitiam again in the near future.
We recently came across this vegetarian restaurant while shopping for Indian attire at Sonali. Regardless of one’s race and skin color, Sonali is a good spot for enthusiasts of Indian wear in this area. Situated in a large complex along the scenic River of Life, Sonali is conveniently located within walking distance of the renowned Sri Kandaswamy Temple. The location is advantageous, with ample parking available just outside the complex. Within this complex, you can find Sonali, Kedai Kaki Lelong, and now, Sathiyanery Vegetarian Food Centre.
While this Indian vegetarian restaurant has recently opened at this location, it is not a new establishment. With 40 years of history and a loyal following, the restaurant has simply relocated to a new venue. Formerly situated among the food stalls opposite Petronas in Brickfields, the relocation was necessitated by a development in the area. The restaurant now occupies a quiet corner within the complex.
Set Rice, RM 11 + two extra sides, RM 3 each
The set rice comprises pre-fixed items, including white rice accompanied by three varieties of vegetables, a gravy, rasam, mooru, papadam, and a fried chili. The restaurant, occupying a relatively small space, offers a pre-fixed rice set to prevent overcrowding. This meal on its own is more than capable to fill up ones’ stomach, I however was enticed by the mushroom sambal which led me to order it. The overall culinary experience was good, characterized by simple, light, and clean flavors.
While the variety of dishes offered may be somewhat limited, I found the cuisine to be quite enjoyable during my visit. I would not object to the idea of dining at this establishment again in the near future. Typically, I prefer to include meat in my main courses, but I am willing to forgo this preference for a day if the quality of the food justifies it.
The restaurant has been in operation for thirty years and has built a strong reputation for consistently serving high-quality vegetarian cuisine. Over the years, I have frequently observed a diverse clientele frequenting the establishment – young and old, Chinese, Indians, Malays and even ‘Mat Sallehs’. There obviously is something well liked about XinMin. As I was able to find a parking spot nearby, I deemed it an opportune moment to finally experience the establishment for myself.
NEU XinMin occupies two shop lots, providing a spacious and accommodating environment suitable for large groups and gatherings. Its classic setting reflects its thirty years in business.
The noodles were cooked to perfection, achieving a delightful balance between wet and dry, precisely to my liking. The flavor was also enjoyable. Many establishments often fall short in delivering flavorful vegetarian noodles, but this particular dish was quite appetizing. I found it to be enjoyable.
Butter Flavored Mushroom Leg
Yum! This dish was truly delightful. The crunchy, flavorful mushroom legs were a pleasant prelude to the arrival of the other dishes. In terms of taste, it bore resemblance to the popular “salted egg” flavor. If I’m not mistaken, it was enhanced with a generous amount of sweetened nestum as a garnish, providing an appealing taste and texture to the dish as a whole. The mushrooms themselves were fried in a flavorful batter. Altogether, this dish was exquisite.
BBQ Fish
This dish was also delightful. I am uncertain about the exact preparation method for the BBQ Fish. It is possible that it was grilled, similar to barbecued meat. It featured a thickened rendang-flavored paste and was truly delicious! Despite selecting Small option, the dish contained two sizable pieces of fish. The meatless fish had a soft, dense texture with a slight chewiness, making it quite enjoyable and a perfect accompaniment to white rice.
Curry Mixed Vegetables
Just as with the other dishes, this one also surpassed my expectations. The curry exhibited a rich and robust flavor, reminiscent of a creamy curry mee. It was delightful enough to savor on its own, but truly enhanced when paired with white rice. The dish additionally featured a variety of vegetables such as eggplant, okra, carrot, long beans, and tofu.
There is no doubt that I had a thoroughly delightful dining experience here. All the dishes ordered were delectable and enjoyable. Although I typically prefer meat, I would not hesitate to explore vegetarian options if this is the kind of dishes I can indulge in.I will certainly be back here for another visit.
As the name implies, the recently established dining establishment in SS 5 exclusively offers vegetarian cuisine. Situated alongside the well-known Indian restaurant, Asian Rice Pot, this eatery occupies a corner lot. It boasts ample space and a pristine environment. The establishment is home to 7 – 8 stalls offering a variety of dishes encompassing Chinese, Indian, and Western culinary delights.
Menu
Green Curry Mee, RM 8 with Vegetarian Chicken (add-on), RM 3
Green Curry MeeVegetarian Chicken
The Green Curry Mee exceeded my expectations. Its flavor was refreshingly atypical, deviating from the conventional green curry flavor, yet quite pleasant. Unlike the creamy variety, this one had a more fluid consistency, but what surprised me was its simplistic and healthy taste, reminiscent of a leicha with more enticing flavors. The portion size was generous, comprised of ample noodles, long beans, tofu, and okra. I opted to include a portion of vegetarian chicken, further enhancing the appeal of this dish.
Chapati, RM 2 each + Dhal, RM 2
Between Pan Mee and Chapati, I opted for the healthier version. Yet another simple dish that was filling.
Fried Tofu with Pepper & Salt, RM 7.50
If you desire a snack, this would be a suitable option. Light and crispy fried tofu with a satisfying level of spiciness. The dish possessed a good amount of heat , which I, as a fan, enthusiasticly consumed within minutes.
PJ New Town’s popular Indian vegetarian restaurant, Pure Saiva, has recently opened a second outlet in Bangsar. My liking for this brand dates back to its inception a few years ago. Undoubtedly, their vegetarian cuisine is tasty. Furthermore, their immaculate white-themed establishment with a simple setup, truly encapsulates the essence of their culinary offerings – clean, simple, and health-conscious with no use of MSG and SOY.
Another aspect I appreciate about Pure Saiva is its capacity to maintain the consistency of its food. The flavors remained the same regardless of the outlet visited.
For RM 12, one can savor a nourishing lunch that consists of rice accompanied by a choice of three vegetables, along with payasam, rasam, and papadam. Despite the variety of options available, I decided to indulge in fried plantain, tauhu sambal, and spinach as my vegetables of choice. The overall taste of the food resembled that of a homecooked meal, without overpowering artificial flavors or excess salt. It was a simple yet tasty.
Overall, I enjoyed a satisfying meal at Pure Saiva and anticipate returning for another delightful experience.
As far as honesty goes, it was the pink aesthetics that reeled me in. It was one of those days… despite a full tummy after lunch, the craving for dessert was still going strong. As I was nearby, I figured I’d drive into Petaling Street and find something to satisfy my sweet tooth. Soon enough, I was driving past Four Points by Sheraton and saw this vegan eatery on the Ground Floor. LaGula is all about pink, bright pink walls, furnitures … glaringly obvious pink that you certainly wont miss. I am not a fan of this particular color but they certainly put alot of thought into making the whole place appealing and pleasing to the eye. Even a ‘pink-hater’ like me found myself lovin’ it.
LaGula is by TheHungryTapir, a well known vegan restaurant in Kuala Lumpur that is located in Petaling Street, within a row of shops that is directly outside one of the entrances into Chinatown. Down the road from this row, within walking distance is Four Points HotelbySheraton. On the GROUND floor of this hotel is where LaGula is located.If you are driving and hoping to find free PARKING on a weekday, during peak hours … good luck to you. It is almost impossible. I ended up parking at the hotel carpark itself for RM 12, 2 hours (every 45 minutes : RM 4). Alternatively, you could park at the open carpark nearby (next to the police station), at a daily maximum rate of RM 10.
I loveeeee the interior. They obviously put lots of thoughts and effort into making it what it isand it’s lovely. The pink theme along with the greens, the lighting, the tables and chairs, the placement of things … it all came together in an awesome way. I also liked how they design the levels. The eatery has two floors but there are places in between the levels for you to sit at too. So, are there 2 levels or three? 🤔🤔
Menu
Lemon Sponge, RM 16 + Iced Latte, RM 16
Since it was a hot day, a cuppa iced coffee can help me keep the heat down. I opted for Iced Latte. For the milk, no basic milk here, no no. They offer fancy alternatives instead – oat milk, soy milk and coconut milk. I decided to try my coffee with coconut milk. I’ve tried this combination before but mainly with Vietnamese coffee. So, it would be interesting to try it in this setting. Initially, it took some getting used to. Also, silly me did not give it a good mix before hand which meant that I tasted alot of the coconut milk. After a good mix though, yea… it tasted good. Different but good. The distinct taste of coconut milk certainly worked well with the bitterness of the coffee.
The Lemon Sponge cake was da’ bomb. They’ve managed to find the perfect equilibrium between the acidic sourness from the lemon as well as the general sweetness of a cake.While the name suggest its a sponge cake, which is usually light and spongy, this cake was solid and dense. I loved it and would not mind eating it again. The cream was light, fluffy and buttery, eaten together with the cake resulted in a delicious combination.Yum!
Would I head back here? Yes, I certainly would. I liked everything about this eatery from the way it looks to the food and drinks. I look forward to trying out their other offerings.
Address: Ground Floor, Four Points Hotel by Sheraton, Jalan Balai Polis, City Centre. (Opposite Merchant’s Lane and Palmierra 28)
Opening hours: Tue – Thurs, 10 am – 5 pm, Fri – Sun, 10 am – 7.30 pm. Mondays Closed.
