Pudu's Buddhist vegetarian scene predates trendy plant-based restaurants by decades. Simple Life Healthy Vegetarian Food on Jalan Tun Sambanthan 4 does char kway teoh using mushroom stems for 'cockles' - texture identical for RM7.

Green Essence Bangsar makes laksa using coconut milk, bean curd sheets, mock fish that tastes like actual fish paste. RM12-15 per bowl versus RM25 in KLCC tourist spots.

Regular mamak stalls along Jalan Pudu can modify mee goreng mamak without egg, belacan, or seafood if you ask nicely. Many Tamil cooks understand 'pure vegetarian' dietary restrictions better than English-speaking cafes.