GEORGE TOWN – For some, going meatless may feel like a dire way to deprive oneself of good food and a fulfilled stomach, especially if you are at the food capital of the country, Penang. But, there are many ways to be a part of the community going meatless on International Meatless Day, celebrated today.
Though many vegetarian food stores serve delicious food ranging from Indian cuisine restaurants and Buddhist vegetarian restaurants that do not have the five pungent spices (onions, garlic, shallots, leeks, and chives), there are also vegan and vegetarian restaurants on the island that serve up a myriad of fusion meals that may make a meat-loving person decide to go meatless for at least one day.
Vegie Cafe
From nasi lemak, pasta and pizza to coffee and delectable cakes, Vegie Cafe has a nice selection of fusion food that is plant-based. Open for breakfast until dinner, this cafe is only a year old but is making waves among the vegan and vegetarian community.
Located next to Wang’s Hotel at the touristy Gurney Drive, you can find vegan versions of your usual meat-filled dishes like their vegan sardine pizza, Kapitan curry cheese bake, dumpling ramen soup and satay nasi lemak, among others. Their vegan cakes are also homemade and contain no eggs.
Address: No 75, Gurney Drive, 10250 George Town, Penang
Opening hours: 7.30am to 7.15pm daily except Tuesday
Supe Vegan
Pronounced “sue pea”, this cafe specialises in Japanese organic vegan food. But, you won’t find any salmon sashimi here. Instead, your palate will be surprisingly satisfied as you indulge in their vegan sushi, especially their crowd favourite, the Climate Maki.
They also have added Southeast Asian twist to their menu, fusing ramen and tempeh to create SUPE Tempeh and other tempeh side dishes. Other favourited dishes include the Seaweed Fried Rice, Organic Black Charcoal Noodle, Tempura Handroll and Yasai Fried Ramen.
Do note that all the tables in the cafe are the low-legged chabudai and you’ll have to take off your footwear before taking your seat.
Address: 12, Gat Lebuh Acheh, George Town, 10300 George Town, Penang
Opening hours: 11am to 9pm daily
Real Food Grocer
At Real Food, eating clean is a lifestyle. That is why they are very particular when it comes to sourcing their raw ingredients. Prices in this cafe may be a little steeper than other vegan cafe counterparts because they only use local organic and sustainable produce which is more difficult to source.
Patrons love their steamed dumplings, original banana cake with agave nectar, their selection of sourdough bread and vegan ice cream. Located at the concourse area of Straits Quay, you’ll also have a good view of yachts at the dock while you dine.
Address: Lot/Unit 3A-G-13D Block A, Jalan Seri Tanjung Pinang (at Straits Quay, Ground Floor) 10470 Tanjung Tokong, Penang
Opening hours: 10am to 10pm daily
The Leaf Healthy House
Most of the time, vegetarian food (especially ones sold during the Ninth Emperor Gods Festival) tastes like it has been soaked in cooking oil for some time, however, this vegetarian cafe that also has vegan options serves vegetarian meals made fresh with no fakes.
They also have an extensive menu that covers local delights, pasta, fried rice, ramen, sushi, and a mix of Asian and western desserts. Located on Penang Street, just a stone’s throw away from Little India, this is the place to be when you are looking to munch down a clean meal while strolling in George Town.
Address: No.5, Lebuh Penang, 10300 George Town, Penang
Opening hours: 11.30am to 3pm and 5.30pm to 10pm daily
Sincerely Crafted Cuisine
The cafe’s determination to create vegetarian and vegan meals outside its traditional boundaries is what makes Sincerely Crafted Cafe truly unique.
It is not just about serving plant-based meals, it is about curating gorgeous taste palates from uncommon combinations, producing dishes like tandoori Hieracium wrap, stir-fried kung pao mushroom rice and okra in yuzu sauce. Those who love zen spaces will also enjoy dining in their zen-inspired cafe.
Address: 21, Jalan Chow Thye, 10500 George Town, Penang
Opening hours: 11am to 2.30pm and 5pm to 9pm from Friday to Tuesday
International Meatless Day started in India in 1986 when a social service organisation named Sadhu Vaswani Mission called for people to take a pledge and go meatless for one day.
In Malaysia, the occasion has been observed in the country since 1996 with Penang as the coordinating centre. International Meatless Day is also held concurrently with Animal Rights Day, whereby animal right’s groups calls for zero killing of animals as they have the right to live. – The Vibes, November 25, 2021
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