A GUIDE TO EATING VEGETARIAN AND VEGAN FOOD IN GEORGETOWN

World famous for its street-food, not many people realise that Georgetown has a thriving plant-based and vegetarian scene. Obviously with a huge amount of Indian restaurants, you can guarantee some delicious dinners, but there are also a new crop of places creating inventive plates of meat-free food.

From the super health-conscious places with calories counts, neighborhood spots with sharing plates, hidden gems serving vegan Japanese food, and amazing bowls of vegan Laksa, this guide will more than satisfy a tourist visiting Penang.

So stop asking yourself where you can find the best vegan curry mee in Penang, or the best plant based food in Georgetown, and read this article. We've got you covered.

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UNCLE LOKE VEGAN LAKSA

One of the best vegan laksa on earth, this Tanjung Tokong foodstall is wildly popular so don't come too late or they'll be sold out. Super flavoursome and addictively sippy.

IDEALITE

With three branches around Penang, this health-conscious restaurant serves amazing renditions of local and Japanese dishes. They sell health products also, along with nuts and granola and the service is friendly.

PURE SAIVA

Recently opened, and with two popular branches in KL, this Indian vegetarian restaurant serves a great lunch. Healthy, clean, not too oily, lots of choices, and dosa and idly for breakfast and dinner, this is an MUST DO in Penang.

SINCERE CO.

Clinically clean and minimalist interiors, but bright and flavourful bowls. Most dishes can be made vegan, and there are multiple options if you want to omit onions & garlic too. A great place to eat tasty vegetarian and vegan food with a twist.

SUSU VEGAN MYLK BAR

Sharing the same floorspace at the excellent Orcabrew at the back, this tiny retro-themed bar serves delicious beetroot based vegan burgers and fries. The service is casual and friendly and the food is tasty!

BOCK GARDEN MEATLESS CAFE

Vegetarian Asam Pedas? Why yes! This oddly located, bizarrely decorated Chinese restaurant serves sensationally tasty meatless food. The Asam Fish dish is one of their signature moves, and though the actual "fish" can take a bit of getting used to, the gravy is sublime. Definitely worth going to with a group so you can share dishes.

COO SWEET BUN VEGAN

Despite the name, no sweet buns are served here. This tiny vegan eatery offers daily specials, fixed menu items and a few starters. The kitchen spills out from the dining room, outside into the street, so be prepared for live-action eating. Everything is delicious and freshly made.

FADHILAH MAJU FOOD CORNER

If you want true dosa done in the crispy/glass texture, then head to this legendary spot and be prepared to move your chairs and tables when the cars want to turn into the lane. It's part of the fun of eating here.

p.s. After your dosa (and very decent roti canai), walk a few blocks to get the epic desserts mentioned below at Sai Ram). Thanks to Peter Yeoh for the tips!

SAI RAM FAMOUS APOM

Let the debates rage about whether this apom or the one round the corner which earnt a Michelin mention is best, spoiler: They're both great.

Not vegan, but a vegetarian delight.

LILY'S VEGETARIAN

Showcasing vegetarian versions of all your favourite Malaysian specialties, this spacious eatery is super friendly, and everything is delicious.

THE GARDEN BANANA LEAF

This Keralan vegetarian banana leaf restaurant set in a garden is a gem and a half. Beware of it on hot days as there is no AC, but the food here is worthy of the sweats.

ZEN XIN

Chinese vegetarian food near New World Centre, the star of the menu here is their aubergine kung pao. It's deliciously crispy, melty inside and packs a good amount of heat. With the added crunch of green peppers you're running the entire texture gamut from front to back.

NEKO VEGAN HOUSE

This cute vegan restaurant is run in a house tucked down a backalley near Chulia Street. Sushi and Japanese vegan style dishes are on the menu here, and they're all delicious.

ANNALAKSHMI TEMPLE OF FINE ARTS

Behind the main building is a fantastic vegetarian restaurant set in a garden. The food is slightly more expensive than most banana leaf places, but the attention to detail and taste is a cut above also.

HALAB

With branches in KL that are rabidly popular, this Middle Eastern gem is a bit hard on the wallet, but the food is excellent and authentic.

KAFE THE LEAF

The clue is in the name here. A small cafe specialising in all things health-food. Quiet vibes and solid food, makes it a good option for non-Indian food on the most popular Indian streetfood road in town.

CHETTIARS

One of the best masala dosa in town. Their ala carte menu is also solid, but the dosa is what you come here for.

SUPE VEGAN

Sushi, noodles, ramen and salads, this Georgetown favourite is a vegan dream. 

HEIRLOOM & CO

The draft kombucha here is dynamite, and the first of its kind in Penang. Well worth a trip.

EE BENG

More of an "economy rice" style place with multiple trays of food, self-service and pay at the counter, the food is cheap and cheerful and you can eat a whole plate for 5RM.

WOODLANDS

The one area Woodlands excel in is their Chole Bhature. Their dosa are also quite good, but for banana leaf we recommend the places mentioned previously in this guide.