Minf Houze’s vegan dishes are a lip-smacking affair. (Muhammad Rabbani Jamian @ FMT Lifestyle)

KUALA LUMPUR:

It isn’t every day that you come across an affordable café in the bustling city centre. If you’re on the hunt for vegetarian or vegan food, chances of finding such a spot are even slimmer.

That is, until the opening of Minf Houze vegan café in 2019 at the Cosway Guesthouse.

“Being a vegan myself, I love to cook and share my food with family and friends,” owner Kelvin Goh, 45, told FMT Lifestyle.

Café owner Kelvin Goh strives to provide tasty vegan food that everyone, non-vegans as well, can enjoy. (Muhammad Rabbani Jamian @ FMT Lifestyle)

Goh said he switched to a vegetarian diet when he was 17 years old for health reasons. He said he was often falling ill and feeling tired, unlike his vegetarian friend who enjoyed great health and was always upbeat.

As expected, his decision was met with scepticism from his family who feared consuming a meat-free diet would make him even weaker.

“I’m not going to lie, though, it was quite hard getting used to a new diet.”

But that was years ago, and when he turned 38, Goh took it up a notch and switched to veganism, giving up milk and eggs as well.

Who would’ve thought that vegan nasi lemak is just as delicious as the original! (Muhammad Rabbani Jamian @ FMT Lifestyle)

One must-try on the menu is the Malaysian staple, nasi lemak. Goh’s vegan version features sambal that’s not too spicy with a hint of sweetness. When enjoyed with the santan-rich rice, crunchy peanuts and crispy mushrooms, you’ve got yourself the perfect bite.

With a long-time fondness for cooking, this former IT guy ensures all the dishes are cooked in-house using fresh local ingredients. This includes bean curd skin, or fuchuk, a key ingredient in many vegan and vegetarian dishes.

Don’t bash this vegan satay until you try it. (Muhammad Rabbani Jamian @ FMT Lifestyle)

The Hainanese rice is also rather memorable. Goh’s homemade bean curd is crispy with a layered texture, elevating the dish to another level. It comes served with broccoli and cucumber.

Not feeling like rice? Then opt for the homestyle curry ramen. A little on the spicy side, it is the richness of the broth that’s the real winner here.

And if you’re looking for a snack, the vegan satay is your best bet. While these skewers are aromatic and delicious on their own, the accompanying peanut sauce makes it a winning combination.

A selection of the mouth-watering vegan desserts and fruit smoothies at Minf Houze. (Muhammad Rabbani Jamian @ FMT Lifestyle)

There is also an awesome array of desserts here. During FMT Lifestyle’s visit, the two cheese tarts served were purple taro and pumpkin. The sweetness and dense texture will make you fall in love more with each bite you take.

“For me, my dream is for the whole world to be able to try my food. It doesn’t matter if you aren’t a vegan, everyone is welcomed,” Goh said, smiling.