Just because you eat clean don’t mean you don’t miss it. T-Swift knows the struggle and we do too. Every Malaysian loves their nasi lemak but most can’t afford to eat it on a regular basis because of the sheer amount of oil, salt and sugar that go into creating such flavourful dishes.
We know the pain of not being able to indulge in your favourite dishes so we’re sharing healthier alternatives to Malaysian staples because let’s face it, life without them just isn’t the same. When the cravings next set in, visit these eateries for some guilt-free indulgence so you can have your cake and eat it too!
This cult classic more often than not contains high levels of salt and MSG for its robust flavour, not forgetting artificial colouring for its signature blue tinge. Hence, it’s no surprise many steer clear of this dish despite it being utterly delicious.
Imagine our delight when we discovered this made-from-scratch alternative from Kesom that gives all the flavour of the original with all natural ingredients! In this version, the blue pigment in the rice is produced using using tedious traditional methods of harvesting blue dye from butterfly pea flowers growing just outside the cafe. This cafe also prides itself on using fresh ingredients that eliminate the need for artificial flavouring.
If that wasn’t enough to win you over, regular rice is also substituted for the Basmati variety, a longer and less starchy grain. Served with fish floss, fried coconut shavings, ulam (vegetables and herbs), pickled vegetables, fish crackers, salted duck egg and sambal belacan; this well-balanced dish is one worth remembering.
Address: KESOM 46, Jalan PJU 1/45, Aman Suria, Petaling Jaya
If you really must get your yellow-rice-fix, try this version from Opika. This is purportedly the healthiest chicken rice in town – it’s 96% organic! This simple serving of slow-cooked free-range chicken with multigrain rice and vegetable soup knocks this meal out of the park in terms of flavour and texture, transforming the humble chicken rice into a dish of decadence.
Address: OPIKA ORGANIC MARKET & RESTAURANT Lot 105 & 106, Lower Ground, Old Wing, One Utama Shopping Mall
As a true Malaysian favourite, chicken rice couldn’t possibly be the same without the delightfully yellow fragrant rice, could it? Meet Chai Bar’s Chicken Rice: red rice topped with tender poached chicken breast, baby spinach, crunchy bean sprouts, onions, and Japanese cucumbers, drizzled with their house sesame soy dressing. An interesting take on a classic, this one pleases the palate and leaves you feeling satiated and smug (for not succumbing to the temptations of oily chicken rice).
Address: CHAI BAR G31, Oasis Village, Oasis Square, Jalan PJU 1A/7A, Oasis Damansara 47301 Petaling Jaya
If you’ve been depriving yourself of the satisfying kick of chili pan mee on account of the oil, salt, and MSG, then you’ll be glad to know that you have a guilt-free option at Noodle Shack. Their homemade noodle is smooth and al dente whilst their shrimp sambal hits all the right notes. What’s more, they are noticeably more generous with their minced chicken than most of their counterparts. So, less of the bad stuff AND more meat for your money? If that’s not a good deal, then we don’t know what is.
Address: NOODLE SHACK Lot LG 66-67, IPC Shopping Centre Lot LG 111-112 (Old Wing), One Utama Shopping Centre, G33A Citta Mall
It’s hard to find faults with Bak Kut Teh. Unless, of course, you consider the health aspect, in which case the copious amounts of oil and fat added to the fact that it’s impossible to limit your yau char kuey intake when it tastes the way it does dunked in that heavenly broth (mmhm crunchy bliss), this dish is a dietitian’s nightmare.
Luckily, Be Lohas has a balanced replicate which boasts minimal oil and is free of MSG, artificial flavouring and preservatives. The absence of those ribs, swapped for soy meat and tofu may be missed, but the full-bodied flavour of the broth makes up for it in part. Unfortunately, it seems there was no healthy version of deep-fried dough that could ever come close to the real deal, so Be Lohas just does without it. A small sacrifice to make, but your arteries will thank you.
Address: BE LOHAS 37, Ground Floor, Jalan SS 21/60, Damansara Utama, LG 310, One Utama Shopping Mall (New Wing), Lot LL 206(J), AEON Bandar Sunway, Lower Level 2, 111, Sunway Pyramid, 32A-1, Jalan PJS 8/6, Dataran Mentari, Bandar Sunway
Another winner from Be Lohas is their soy milk curry laksa. Unconvinced? Just one taste and your doubts will be allayed; this dish is almost indistinguishable from its original, only the generous ration of greens, and the absence of that too-salty aftertaste and MSG-induced thirst give it away.
Address: BE LOHAS 37, Ground Floor, Jalan SS 21/60, Damansara Utama, LG 310, One Utama Shopping Mall (New Wing), Lot LL 206(J), AEON Bandar Sunway, Lower Level 2, 111, Sunway Pyramid, 32A-1, Jalan PJS 8/6, Dataran Mentari, Bandar Sunway
Recently, burgers have exploded on the Malaysian food scene. With gourmet fare everywhere and the old but potent lure of Ramli burgers on every corner, this paleo alternative from Awesome Canteen couldn’t have come soon enough. With juicy grilled portobello mushrooms acting as de facto buns, an even juicier meat patty, melted Swiss cheese and guacamole salsa, this burger sets you up for one helluva first bite. Best of all, you will never suffer the injustice of a soggy bun.
You’re welcome, protein junkies.
Address: AWESOME CANTEEN 19, Jalan 20/13, Taman Paramount, Petaling Jaya
Touted as our national dish, the nasi lemak (fat rice) isn’t called that for nothing. Thankfully, Simple Life serves a much cleaner version: multi-grain rice steamed with organic coconut oil, acah (pickled vegetables with peanut dressing), vegetarian curry chicken, egg, and a deliciously spicy sambal.
Address: SIMPLE LIFE HEALTHY VEGETARIAN RESTAURANT Lot LG29, Level LG, The Paradigm Mall, LLG 2-126A, Blue Atrium, Sunway Pyramid Shopping Mall
Again, Kesom demonstrates with aplomb that the secret to serving stellar cuisine is in the ingredients and balance of flavours. Sticking to the classic recipe of sweet potatoes, tapioca, yam, and conscientious doses of sago pearls and coconut milk, this bubur cha cha is well-executed to say the least, creamy with just the right amount of sweetness: a perfect ending to a good meal.
Address: KESOM 46, Jalan PJU 1/45, Aman Suria, Petaling Jaya
With that sweet gula melaka compounded with creamy green sago ‘worms’ and the cool, satisfying crunch of shaved ice, it’s no wonder that cendol has won a place in the hearts of Malaysian foodies. For many of us weak-willed mortals, resistance is futile. Since you can’t beat ‘em, here’s how you can join ‘em.
Simple Life offers a balanced take on this indulgent classic, using authentic gula melaka in moderation, soft cendol and red beans. Flavour-wise, this cendol is definitely stands above average and you can rest assured that all the ingredients that went into it are devoid of pesticides, preservatives, artificial flavouring and colouring.
Address: SIMPLE LIFE HEALTHY VEGETARIAN RESTAURANT Lot LG29, Level LG, The Paradigm Mall LLG 2-126A, Blue Atrium, Sunway Pyramid Shopping Mall
Where it was previously impossible to imagine local fare ever being healthy these restaurants have proven us otherwise! Do you have your own healthy variants of your favourite hawker food? Let us know in the comments below.
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