The short answer
The Hungry Tapir (Chinatown): what visitors should know first
Good for a vegan, Malaysian-style meal in Chinatown, an easy answer to the question of where to eat vegetarian near Petaling Street. It may be busy on weekends, so reserve or go early, and confirm days and hours.
Diet
What we checked
- Vegan. The whole menu has no dairy, egg or honey. Checked November 2026 · Source
Menus and kitchens change. If you follow a strict diet or have an allergy, confirm with the restaurant before you order.
Useful facts
The Hungry Tapir (Chinatown) facts at a glance
- Location
- 135 Jalan Petaling, Chinatown
- Dining style
- Vegan Malaysian-style restaurant
- Price signal
- Moderate; check the current menu
- Signature order
- Try: the satay skewers or nasi lemak
- Good for
- Vegan and vegetarian travellers in Chinatown
Why it matters
Why The Hungry Tapir (Chinatown) is worth your time
Chinatown can be hard for vegetarians because so much of the street food is pork and seafood. A fully plant-based Malaysian restaurant in the middle of it solves that problem and lets you try local flavours such as nasi lemak and laksa in a form that suits your diet.
It is also a useful place for older travellers who need a seated, quieter meal after the market. The patio and indoor seating give a break from the street.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
Vegan Malaysian classics
Satay, nasi lemak and laksa in plant-based form.
- 02
Chinatown patio
A seating area away from the street.
- 03
Walk from the temple
A short walk from Sri Mahamariamman Temple.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
The Hungry Tapir sits on the first floor of a building on Jalan Petaling, with a patio in Chinatown. A directory states that everything on the menu is vegan, and the restaurant's website describes itself as a vegan and vegetarian restaurant. Because the two sources differ slightly, confirm with the restaurant if you need a strictly vegan meal.
The menu reimagines Malaysian dishes: the site lists Mama's Satay made with hedgehog mushroom skewers and peanut sauce, Tapir's Nasi Lemak with mushroom rendang and tempeh sambal, and Nangka pancakes with banana and gula melaka. Reviewers also mention laksa and curry mee.
Go after a walk through Petaling Street and the Sri Mahamariamman Temple, and use it as a rest stop. Reservations are suggested for busy times. If you need to avoid onion or garlic, ask the staff, as the sources do not state how dishes are made.
Plan with confidence
Small checks that make a better meal.
- Reserve for busy times
- Confirm the days and hours
- Ask about onion and garlic if you avoid them
- Check for stairs to the first floor
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- 135 (1st floor), Jalan Petaling, Chinatown
- Time needed
- 1 to 1.5 hours
- Best time
- Early evening, or lunch on a weekday
- Walking level
- Easy
- Senior comfort
- On the first floor of a Chinatown building, so there may be stairs; check access before you go. The area outside is busy and hot, so plan a rest.
- Tickets and access
- Walk-ins are common, but booking is suggested for busy times. The official site lists Monday as closed while one directory lists it open, so confirm days and hours.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near The Hungry Tapir (Chinatown)
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
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Travelling with parents?
On the first floor of a Chinatown building, so there may be stairs; check access before you go. The area outside is busy and hot, so plan a rest.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
Is The Hungry Tapir fully vegan?
A directory states that everything on the menu is vegan, and the restaurant describes itself as vegan and vegetarian; confirm if you need a strictly vegan meal.
Is it Jain?
The sources do not say so. Ask about onion and garlic.
Where is it?
On the first floor at 135 Jalan Petaling in Chinatown.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.
