Dharma Realm Guan Yin Sagely Monastery Canteen

Dharma Realm Guan Yin Monastery sports a canteen in the back, a discreet temple eatery that sets the bar for a solid vegetarian lunch in the city. The Buddhist cooks here are steeped in years of kitchen experience, all while adhering to a strict practice of cooking without white sugar, MSG and preservatives. Join the rest of Jalan Ampang in line for a meal that's both easy on your waistline and your wallet. Variety is what to come for — the zhap fan counter sees over 50 vegetarian dishes on offer, from simple stir-fried eggplant to neat squares of braised tofu and tasty fried beancurd skin in many forms. A rice or noodle lunch plate piled on with two to three dishes should cost about RM5-8 depending on portion. There is also a stunning amount of delicious mock meats in the mix, but we'll advise you help yourselves to those sparingly lest your carb intake shoots through the roof. If it's a Friday, skip out zhap fan for the day's special fragrant Lei Cha (RM5). For dessert, grab a pack of freshly cut fruit or a sweet-sticky Red Bean Pancake (RM3) to take back to the office!
Avg price per person: RM10
Photo by Burppler Trisha Toh

This Buddhist temple’s canteen in the heart of KL will keep both your tummy and pockets full with their vegetarian buffet-style food. At Dharma Monastery, you can get a quick hearty meal of rice or noodles of the day (I got bihun), topped with your choice of veggies and tofus (brinjal and okra are my faveeee) and a drink for less than RM10 a meal. Total score!