In recent years however, the area has been gentrified and today restaurants, bars and cafés have replaced the brothels, opium dens and gambling shops of yesteryears.

This is where you will find The Hungry Tapir, a vegan and vegetarian restaurant with a full-service bar.

The eatery is run by Makissa Smeeton, alongside her mom, Cynthia Rodrigo and brother, Tristan Smeeton.

Located on Petaling Street, the rugged brick walls, monochrome setting, upcycled furniture, and curated music playlist gives off a charming, rustic-chic vibe.

And if you’re wondering, the name ‘Hungry Tapir’ was inspired by the mother and daughter’s penchant for black and white styles.

“The Malayan Tapir is native to Malaysia, extremely adorable, vegan, and sadly, endangered,” said Smeeton, 28, a vegan for the past seven years.

Their 100% vegan menu features a combination of western and local dishes and caters to all dietary requirements. So, one can find gluten-free, keto-friendly as well as onion- and garlic-free dishes here.

“We do give options to customers; we have a fridge with three vegetarian cakes, and one can also opt to add eggs or choose dairy milk for their coffee and tea,” said Smeeton, adding that only one dish contains mock meat as they prefer using mushrooms and tempeh as meat-substitutes.

Surprisingly, about 80% of their customers are neither vegan nor vegetarians and leave feeling amazed at how much the food here tastes like regular meat-based dishes.

“Mama’s Satay” is a favourite here. Made with chunks of marinated hedgehog mushrooms that give it a chewy, gamey texture, the dish is absolutely mouth-watering.

As are the spicy tempeh fingers, which are tender and extremely addictive when paired with the dark soy and chili padi dipping sauce.

If you like to sample a bit of everything, opt for the “Soul-Food” sharing platter that consists of four pink bombshell burger sliders, crispy fried plant-based chicken made from oyster mushrooms, a creamy truffle baked “mac no cheese”, roasted cauliflower and pumpkin salad, as well as homemade crisps.

Also available as a main course, the pink bombshell burger slider consists of a succulent patty made from beetroot, mushrooms, legumes, chickpeas and liquid smoke, topped with homemade vegan cheese, caramelised onions and barbecue sauce.

For something local, try the “Local Heroes” sharing platter with mushroom rendang, ulam, as well as Eurasian-style dishes that pay homage to the family’s background.

The Margherita flatbread meanwhile is delightfully crispy, and is topped with perfectly spiced tomato sauce, homemade vegan cheese and cashew parmesan.

Other popular dishes include nasi lemak, which comes with hedgehog mushroom rendang and tempeh sambal. Those on a keto diet can substitute coconut rice for cauliflower rice.

For desserts, the red velvet cake, salted caramel cheesecake and coconut chocolate tarts are their bestsellers.

The Hungry Tapir also serves up some truly delicious yet healthy drinks.

The “Mrs Hulk” smoothie is a thick, creamy, green concoction of mango, banana, coconut water and spirulina, while the “Blow Out” juice is a mix of orange, carrots, ginger, and turmeric.

For something refreshing, try the “Jungle Tapir” cocktail topped with whipped aquafaba or “chickpea water”.

The “Cynthia’s margarita” and “Makissa-rita” cocktails meanwhile use the mother and daughter’s favourite ingredients.

And should you bring your dog along, head to the pink terrace section reserved for pet owners and their furkids.

You can also treat your pets to one of two wholesome, salt- and oil-free vegetarian meals created especially for dogs: the “Mama’s Pawtay” and “Nasi Fur-ever Ulam”.

Music-lovers meanwhile should drop by every other Friday for the “Love Shack” event, where DJs “spin” your troubles away till 1am. There will also be busking and live jazz sessions soon.

Being foodies themselves, the menu is changed twice a year and from time to time, specials are introduced.

“It’s all about having fun, being dynamic and changing things up to see if our customers will like them,” said Makissa, adding that they aim to create a comfortable experience for everyone.

So, regardless of your dietary requirements, if you’re looking for a restobar that serves delicious food, head over to The Hungry Tapir.

Check out Hungry Tapir on its website, Facebook and Instagram.

The Hungry Tapir
135, Jalan Petaling
50000 Kuala Lumpur

Business hours:
12pm-10pm (Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursdays)
12pm-12am (Friday and Saturday)
Closed: Monday and 3pm-6pm every Wednesday