Xiang Yun Vegetarian Delight

Special thanks to Xiang Yun Vegetarian Delight for extending this food review invitation.

Update: This business has ceased its operations.

Xiang Yun Vegetarian Delight (香雲素食坊) is a restaurant at Vantage Desiran Tanjung. Located just above Kith & Kin, this eatery is operated by the same people as Xiang Yun Vegetarian Hut in Kompleks Lebuh Nipah and Xiang Yun Vegetarian House at Bayan Point.

More so than its sister outlets, Xiang Yun Vegetarian Delight presents a relaxing ambience with Zen-like tranquility. Wooden tables and bamboo screens provide a friendly atmosphere for dining with the family. There are also two private dining rooms that can accommodate around 10 persons each.

Xiang Yun Vegetarian Delight serves lacto-vegatarian food. Milk is used very sparingly, so for all intents and purposes, the restaurant's menu is suitable for vegans. Conforming to Buddhist vegetarianism, the restaurant does not use garlic nor onion either.

For starters, Soy Satay (大豆沙爹, RM8.90) consists of turmeric-flavored "chicken" made from soy pulp (豆渣). Prepared on skewers, the "chicken" is dressed in sweet peanut sauce. Besides gluten, soy pulp is a popular ingredient to produce meat substitute.

Five Herbs Vege Rolls (五香素卷, RM6.90) is similar to lor bak (卤肉) but minus the pork. Wrapped in fried tofu skin are jicama (凉薯) and konjac (蒟蒻). Konjac is extremely rich in dietary fiber but contains nearly zero calories. In this case, konjac serves to provide similar texture as pork lard.

Moving on to Thai Style Cutlet (泰式香辣余, RM14.90), the "fish cutlets" are made from soy pulp with seaweed wrapped around the circumference. The seaweed coating is meant to resemble fish skin. The cutlets are fried lightly on both sides and then flavored with sweet-tangy chili sauce.

Indian Claypot Curry (砂煲印度咖哩, RM16.90) uses aromatic spices from the Indian subcontinent to appeal to the palate. This Indian-inspired curry is quite spicy and also carries a hint of tanginess.

In the presence of curry, the cutlets can easily pass off as real fish. Besides these "fish cutlets", the claypot of curry also contains okra (lady's fingers) and tomato.

An alternative way to enjoy imitation fish is through the bowl of Teow Chew Steamed (潮州蒸余饭, RM8.90). Also included in the clear soup are tofu, tomato and mushrooms. The soup's soothing taste tends to draw appetite.

Nasi Lemak (招牌椰浆饭, RM7.90) is topped with chili sauce that is blended from fresh chili peppers. The "mackerel" is essentially a piece of soy pulp sandwiched between sheets of seaweed. Also noteworthy are fried "anchovies" on the side; these are made from mushroom stems.

Speaking of mushrooms, you may also like to try the Mix Fungi Rice (麻油杂菌菇饭, RM9.90). The soup contains a variety of mushrooms like shiitake (香菇), enoki (金针菇), shimeji (白玉菇), oyster (鲍鱼菇) and black fungus (黑木耳). The soup has an appetizing sense of pungency thanks to the presence of ginger. This meal comes with a bowl of white rice, which can be upgraded to brown rice for RM1.00 more.

Should customers prefer something of Japanese style, Teriyaki Don (香脆余柳饭, RM10.90) is available on the menu. A piece of deep-fried "chicken" croquette, dressed in sweet teriyaki sauce, is served over a heap of rice. This rice meal includes a bowl of soup with soft tofu.

Salsa Cutlet (莎莎余柳扒, RM16.90) is a Western dish which comes with crinkle-cut fries. Also included on the plate is shredded cabbage with Thousand Island salad dressing.

There are two pieces of breaded "fish" cutlets with fresh tomato dressing. I like how well the sauce complements the crispiness of breaded "fish".

Xiang Yun Vegetarian Delight offers the Coffee Hour promotion from 3:00pm to 5:00pm every day. Customers can order two cups of coffee for the price of one. Shown here are Long Black (香浓黑咖啡, RM6.90) and Mocha (摩卡, RM9.90). Vegans may substitute milk with soy milk for RM1.00 more.

If you prefer something other than coffee, try a warm glass of Organic Chocolate (有机巧克力, RM9.90). This drink comes with two pieces of cracker. Latte art is complimentary.

Soy Bean (豆奶, RM5.90) is a rich source of protein especially for people who follow a vegetarian diet.

Hailing from the southern tip of South Africa, rooibos is usually consumed as a caffeine-free alternative to actual tea (Camellia sinensis). This makes the drink safe for consumption during pregnancy. Rooibos leaves are oxidized in a similar manner as black tea. Steeped in hot water, the glass teapot of Rooibos Tea (南非博士茶, RM13.90) is meant for up to 4 persons.

Xiang Yun Vegetarian Delight aims to cater not only for vegetarians, but also to the general public at large. It is the proprietors' belief that every vegetarian meal served can save an animal from the slaughterhouse. The restaurant is usually closed on Tuesdays, but remains open if the day falls on the 1st or 15th day of the Chinese lunar calendar. In such cases, the restaurant will be closed on the following Wednesday instead.

Name: Xiang Yun Vegetarian Delight (香雲素食坊)
Address: A-1-8, Jalan Tanjung Tokong, 10470 Tanjung Tokong, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 016-496-8085
Business hours: 11:00am-9:00pm, closed on Tuesdays
Website: https://www.facebook.com/XiangYunVegetarianDelight
Coordinates: 5.45523 N, 100.30755 E
Directions: Vantage Desiran Tanjung as a commercial block on the right side of Jalan Tanjung Tokong from George Town's direction, after Island Plaza but before Tesco. Xiang Yun Vegetarian Delight located above Kith & Kin. There are parking spaces in front of and behind the row of shops.