Foods such as noodles and bread are dietary staples in Malaysia making special diets and gluten-free eating a bit more of a challenge. The good news…KL has a slew of excellent gluten-free restaurants that cater to the whole family. Check out our top 10 picks here!
At Manja, the team is committed to showcasing local produce and their ‘farm-to-table’ process. They have a close relationship with their suppliers to ensure the absolute best quality for all of their ingredients. Their produce is fresh and delivered daily with the greens coming from Cameron Highland, seafood from Kuala Selangor and Sabah and the meat air flown from New Zealand and Australia. A review on their website indicates that dietary restrictions are taken into account, including gluten-free options.
Manja, No.6 Lorong Raja Chulan, 50250, Kuala Lumpur, Old Malaya, +60123737063, www.manja.com.my
This cafe ensures that the food served is not only delicious but also nourishing. They do not have anything on the menu with MSG, coloring or eggs making it a top pick for special diet eatings. One of the top-selling dishes is the millet chappati or also known as the farmer’s chappati which is definitely gluten-free.
The Ganga Cafe,19 Lorong Kurau, Taman Bukit Pantai, 59100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, +60322842119, www.theganga.com.my
Simplicity and freshness are key to all the enjoyable offerings at Lushbowl in Plaza Damas. For a perfect gluten-free option, go for the rainbow smoothie which is packed with a blend of seven secret types of fruits topped with seasonal delights including blueberries, bananas, white dragonfruit and oranges. Yummy - the kids will go wild for this one.
Lushbowl,G-0-3, Block G, Plaza Damas, 60 Jalan Sri Hartamas 1, Sri Hartamas, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, +603 7890 2038, www.facebook.com/lushbowlmy
Rubberduck will turn out a win for those who are on the lookout for an affordable, healthy gluten-free option for lunch. This quaint little alfresco cafe serves everything from sandwiches and salads to artisan coffees and delish desserts. Rubberduck makes no pretensions to be anything more than a little cafe with a concise, no frills but interesting, homemade menu. Their smoothie bowls are lovely and definitely gluten-free friendly!
Rubberduck, Lot K-06, Ground Floor, Dorchester Service Apartment, Plaza Damas, 60 Jalan Sri Hartamas 1, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, +603 6206 1832
Ashley’s is a successor of the popular Living Food Bistro in Menara Tan and Tan. At Ashley’s, it’s all about home-cooked yumminess made to order. They bake their own bread, make their own sauces free of MSG, colorings, flavorings, softeners, fillers and another miscellany. They have a full raw menu for vegans, which is of course gluten and dairy-free.
Ashley's, 11 Jalan Telawi 3, Kuala Lumpur 59100, Malaysia, +603 2202 2778, www.ashleys.my
Quirky and unique, RGB @ The Bean Hive is a cool alternative place to hang out for some fun with your friends when in Kuala Lumpur City Centre. They offer artisan coffee with Asian and Western meals. Their scrumptious gluten-free, organic, vegan and vegetarian food will definitely keep you coming back for more!
RGB & The Bean Hive, 35 Jalan Damai, Kampung Datuk Keramat, 55000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, +60321811329, www.rathergoodbeans.com
At Kurin, their aim is simple: to produce and serve healthy fast food options for people on the go. Kurin’s specialises in the kind of fusion fast-but-wholesome foods which has been the hallmark of California and Hawaii. The signature dish is the pokéritto, which wraps the contents of a poké bowl (also known in Japanese as a Don) in a seaweed skin and serves it like a giant sushi burrito. In your two hands it feels like Mexico City, but on your tongue, it tastes like Tokyo.
Kurin, 201 Jalan Tun Sambanthan, Brickfields, 50470 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, www.kurin.com.my
This restaurant serves only plant-based products and uses fresh and organic meatless ingredients, ensuring that there are no preservatives, artificial coloring, or refined sugars in the food. From a healthy take on nasi lemak to gluten-free sandwiches, The Good Co. has a large selection of wholesome and healthy food from which to choose.
The Good Co.,184 Jalan Maarof, Bangsar, 59100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, +603 2202 6536, www.thegoodco.my
Given the vast range and great quality of food available in Kuala Lumpur, it is nice to indulge in some Vietnamese food every now and then. Super Saigon Pho Cafe serves the eponymous soup dish ‘Melbourne style’ which simply means that it’s served with a satay sauce and eaten with a spoon and chopsticks. Don’t forget to try the Fresh Rice Paper Rolls which are bundles of freshness, super tasty and just perfect when dipped in the accompanying peanut sauce and eaten with the crunchy juliennes of pickled carrot and radish.
Super Saigon, 28 Jalan Datuk Suliaman, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, 6000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, +60377328874, www.supersaigon.com.my
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