Tips on Being Plant-Based in Malaysia

Tips on Being Plant-Based in Malaysia 

I didn't know what to expect when I went back to Malaysia for the first time as a vegan. While growing up in Asia, veganism ceased to exist. At least, it didn't exist to me. So when I returned with my family, I wish I had some sort of guideline to help me navigate a vegan-friendly experience.

From my recent expedition, of being plant-based in Malaysia, I've accumulated some tips that help make being a vegan in Malaysia less of a daunting challenge.

Resources

HappyCow: Whether you are in Malaysia or visiting elsewhere in the world, HappyCow will help you locate nearby vegan and vegetarian-friendly restaurants. All you have to do is type in your location, and they'll do the searching. 

HappyCow also comes in an app form that can be downloaded on both Google Play or the Apple App Store for $3.99. The web version is free. 

Photo Credit: HappyCow

Blogs and Websites: Other online blogs, provide specific reviews and examples of restaurants they've tried out. They will help decided whether or not a place is worth a try. 

Information about restaurants in the smaller cities of Malaysia might be a challenge to find, however, there are plenty of sources for the bigger cities. Some great examples are Mostly Amelie, The CityList, and VegNews.

Communication

  

Photo Credit: Peace Resource Credit

Vegan vs. Vegetarian: Sometimes the word "vegan" or "plant-based" did not exist. Instead, they had categorized veganism as vegetarian. So, sometimes foods marked vegetarian are also vegan. However, this is not the case all the time. 

Always read the ingredients, or ask about the ingredients of a meal. 

Ask Questions:  Ask about the ingredients, the way they make the food (e.g do they cook with butter), and if they can make changes to a dish.

Take Caution

Curry Pastes and Broths: Be sure to double-check with the restaurant about their curry pastes and broths. Vegetable soups or curries may have a base filled with animal derivatives. 

Research: A lot of ingredients have multiple names. Always try to research a product that you aren't familiar with, or ask somebody if you are unsure. 

I hope these tips prove helpful! Let me know if you have any other tips and tricks to include.