Malaysians love their food, and we’re always thinking about our next meal! Our local food scene is legendary, and choosing plant-based foods makes exploring it even more exciting.
If you’re ready to feast your way through Malaysia, here are some helpful tips and phrases if you’re eating out:
“Tak Mau Telur dan Susu”
(No egg and milk)
This is your most powerful phrase! Many Malaysian dishes can easily be made vegan by omitting egg or dairy. Always ask if a dish contains telur (egg), susu (milk/dairy), or other animal-based ingredients, like belacan (shrimp paste), fish sauce, or bone broth.
When we order, a polite but clear request is all it takes to ensure our meal is completely plant-based. Because local vendors cook most dishes fresh to order, they are usually happy to customize your plate if you ask nicely.
Master Ordering at a Kopitiam, Warung, or Mamak
Many offer dishes that can be modified.
- Nasi lemak: Ask for nasi lemak kosong (plain coconut rice) with sambal, peanuts, and cucumber and without egg and ikan bilis (anchovies).
- Noodles: Request mee goreng sayur or kuey teow goreng sayur (vegetable fried noodles), and state, “Tak mau telur” (no egg).
- Thosai: While thosai and dhal (lentil curry) are usually vegan, a quick check with the anneh or auntie can confirm it!
- Soups/laksa: Look for vegetable-based soup, and ask to omit any meat or seafood—and tambah tauhu dan sayur (add tofu and veggies)!
Local Drink Tip: When ordering local favourites like Kopi Ais or Teh Tarik, remember they default to using condensed or evaporated dairy milk. To keep it completely plant-based, simply order your drinks “O” (black with sugar, like Kopi O) or “O Kosong” (black without sugar).
Find Restaurants Easily
Before heading out, check apps like GoVeggie Malaysia and HappyCow, as well as local Facebook groups like Malaysian Vegan. These communities often share restaurant recommendations, veg-friendly dishes, and tips for navigating menus.
Spread the Food Love
*Don’t bo jio—remember to invite your friends and family to try new plant-based places with you! Sharing a delicious meal is the best way to show our loved ones how vibrant, fulfilling, and simple choosing plant-based foods can be.
Choosing plant-based meals is one of the most immediate, powerful ways we can protect our health, combat climate change, and move away from industrial animal agriculture. By making small adjustments to our favourite local orders, we can make an impact—one plate at a time.
Download our free Jom Makan Veg! guide and start your delicious plant-based journey today!
