Nestled in the lively heart of Chinatown, Kuala Lumpur, LaGula by The Hungry Tapir stands out not only for its bold plant-based concept but also for being the only vegan and vegetarian restaurant in KL with a full serviced bar. From the moment we stepped in, we knew we were in for something special — a dining experience that redefines what plant-based food can be.
LaGula’s menu brings together the best of East and West, offering a fun and flavour-packed fusion of all-day breakfast favourites, local staples, and modern comfort food — all made completely plant-based.
What We Tried
Tortilla Party
This colourful starter featured crispy tortilla chips with two types of vegan ceviche: hedgehog mushroom & mango, and konjac “see-food” topped with sriracha mayo. The mushroom-mango combo was tangy and refreshing, while the konjac ceviche added a seafood-like texture with a spicy, creamy twist. A fun and punchy way to start the meal.
“Steak” Me Out Tonight
We kicked off our dinner with this Green Rebel “steak” dish, and we were seriously impressed. The plant-based steak had a surprisingly realistic texture and meaty flavour, almost like the real deal. Paired with smooth, fragrant truffle mashed potatoes, peppery brown gravy and crisp asparagus, it was a comforting, well-balanced plate that had us going in for seconds.
Smashed Double BBQ Cheese Burger
This one’s a crowd-pleaser. Double homemade seitan patties layered with cheddar and mozzarella, gherkins, jalapeños, carrot bacon, and rich BBQ sauce — it was messy, juicy, and absolutely satisfying. We especially loved the spicy kick from the jalapeños and the smokiness from the BBQ sauce.
Burnin’ Pan Mee
A fiery take on the local classic. The noodles were chewy and springy, topped with homemade chilli, mushrooms, and fresh baby spinach. The heat from the chilli was real — spicy enough to make us sweat a little, but so flavourful we couldn’t stop eating.
Mama Satay
A delightful reimagination of a Malaysian classic. The hedgehog mushroom skewers were smoky and perfectly grilled, with a nice meaty bite that paired beautifully with the rich and nutty kuah kacang. We loved the addition of vegan feta cheez, which added a salty-creamy element that balanced out the savouriness. Served with cucumber and red onion for crunch and freshness, this dish really captured the nostalgic essence of satay — without the meat.
Drinks That Don’t Disappoint
LaGula’s drink menu is just as exciting as the food. Here’s what we sipped on:
- In The Tropics: A refreshing tropical mix of orange, strawberry, lemon, peach and passionfruit puree, finished with a zing of ginger. Bright, juicy, and perfect for KL weather.
- Choc on Choc: Think rich cocoa meets banana smoothie, with espresso, oat milk, cinnamon and crunchy cacao nibs. Like dessert in a cup.
- The Cranberries: Tart cranberry and passionfruit with a fizzy lift from ginger ale, plus basil for a herbal twist. Super refreshing.
- The Green Elixir: Cucumber, kale, green apple, lemon and ginger combined into a green juice that was both energising and tasty. Detoxing never tasted this good.
Sweet Finishes
Tiramisu (alcohol-free)
Creamy and dreamy, this alcohol-free version still hit all the right notes. Light layers of coffee-soaked sponge and fluffy cream — the kind of dessert that quietly wins you over.
Dark Chocolate Cake
Rich, dense, and deeply chocolatey. Not too sweet, but decadent enough to end the meal on a high note. We’d order this again in a heartbeat.
Dining at LaGula by The Hungry Tapir felt like a celebration of flavour, creativity, and sustainability. It’s not just about eating vegan — it’s about enjoying good food, made thoughtfully, and served in a space that’s full of energy and charm.
Whether you’re fully plant-based, trying to eat less meat, or simply on the lookout for something different, LaGula proves that vegan dining in KL is anything but boring.
Follow them at @lagulabytapir on Instagram for more drool-worthy updates.
