True to its name, you won’t find a drop of oil in the kitchens of this Cyberjaya eatery, which opened in August this year. The food it produces however, still manages to be filling and wholesome: even delicious!
Senavarayan said he believed his “no oil” concept will appeal to those who are health conscious. According to him, many who ate a raw vegan diet enjoyed improvements in health, some even recovering from various ailments.
“There are all sorts of unhealthy food on the market nowadays. The first thing we look for is taste, but are they healthy?” Senavarayan, who hails from Chennai, India, asked FMT Lifestyle.
“Here, we offer a very health-conscious menu. You can take it as a diet menu or a way to develop healthy eating habits. Or you might be a vegan. We offer all these things under one roof.”
“No Oil No Boil” occupies a cosy space close to Jaipur Mahal, an Indian restaurant also operated by Senavarayan. Its interior is warm and inviting, featuring whimsical words of wisdom inscribed on its walls.
Senavarayan said they had an ideal location in Cyberjaya, as it was full of office and tech employees who often led sedentary lives, and thus could benefit from the healthy meals at his restaurant.
He explained that the “No Oil No Boil” concept was first introduced to the world by Vethathiri Maharishi, an Indian yogi. His ideas were expanded upon by Dr Padayal Sivakumar, who created over 2,500 unique recipes to highlight the true flavour of food without the use of oil.
The chefs here have all learnt their skills from Madam Kannamal, the founder of “No Oil No Boil” in Chennai, India, who is a student of Padayal.
The most popular dish here is the Signature Meal, which combines eight to 10 vegetables and sweets, banana leaf rice-style. The meal is served with flattened aval rice, which does not require cooking.
This time, the meal featured lemon rice, beetroot acar, raw banana, okra, vadai, and pertola pacadi, among other things, as well as a dessert of watermelon payasam.
So how does a no-oil meal taste? Surprisingly satisfying. Yes, it was a bit difficult to get used to at first: a few bites in, however, and it was easy to enjoy the meal’s vivid flavours.
This could be the most authentic food experience you will ever have, with the pure taste of these vegetables completely unaffected by oil or other preservatives.
The best thing about the meal was how all its individual parts blended to create a delicious union of flavours and textures. Everything complemented each other well, with the smooth vegan sambar and rasam really tying the meal together.
Senavarayan explained their rice was served in small but sufficient portions: just enough to keep you full, while preventing the “energy crash” that most people experienced after a big meal.
They also serve a variety of milkshakes and energy drinks – the red pumpkin milkshakes are rather refreshing – as well as delectable desserts such as the Sapota Payasam. Most of its vegetables are imported from India.
Senavarayan added the restaurant had been receiving good reception, with diners travelling here from Puchong and Klang. He even receives out-of-state visitors from time to time!
There are plans to expand to future locations, which will depend on the continued reception to his “no oil, no boil” concept.
“I hope that people will come and give this a try, it may change how they see food forever. When I serve this food, I feel I’m doing my part for the community. It’s a small contribution from our side to the people of Malaysia, to promote a healthier lifestyle,” Senavarayan concluded.
No Oil No Boil The Vegan Kitchen
No 7-2, Block H Jalan GC9
Glomac, Cyber 4
63000 Cyberjaya
Selangor
Business hours: 11.30am-8.30pm daily
Follow ‘No Oil No Boil The Vegan Kitchen’ (and Jaipur Mahal) on Facebook and Instagram.