Nestled in the bustling neighbourhood of Cheras, Thousand Thirteen is an underrated gem that’s quietly revolutionising Kuala Lumpur’s vegan and vegetarian cafe scene. This cozy yet chic café, where industrial aesthetics meet plant-based cuisine, is the brainchild of a husband-and-wife duo who swapped their engineering careers for a passion project two years ago. Since then, Thousand Thirteen has been redefining traditional favourites with a plant-based twist, making it a must-visit spot for vegetarians and vegans alike.
Engineering meets culinary innovation
Image Credit: Yee Cher & Chan Celeste (Google Reviews)
The café’s distinctive industrial design is a testament to the couple’s engineering background. With exposed concrete walls, sleek stools, and touches of brick, metal, and wood, the space exudes a minimalist yet warm ambiance. This meticulously crafted interior not only reflects their past profession but also sets the stage for the innovative culinary experiences that await.
But Thousand Thirteen isn’t just about stylish decor; it’s about substance. The couple’s journey towards vegetarianism began five years ago, driven by a quest for a healthier lifestyle. Frustrated by the lack of satisfying vegetarian options, particularly for traditionally meat-centric dishes like Japanese curry and burgers, they saw an opportunity to fill a gap in the market. The result? A vegan and vegetarian cafe that’s as much about flavour as it is about ethics, Thousand Thirteen.
Meatless meat dishes
Thousand Thirteen’s menu is a playground for vegetarians and vegans tired of bland tofu dishes or uninspired salads. Here, the focus is on reimagining popular meat-based dishes without compromising on taste or texture.
Let’s face it: vegetarian dining often means missing out on popular dishes due to the lack of suitable alternatives. The café offers a worry-free dining experience where vegetarians and vegans can indulge in dishes traditionally made with meat, but reinterpreted in a way that stays true to the original flavours.
The menu showcases this culinary ingenuity with dishes like their vegan Japanese Curry (RM17), where crispy, breaded tofu katsu stands in for meat. Japanese curry is typically made with beef or pork, so finding a vegan version is a rare treat—and one of the reasons this dish has become a bestseller.
Image Credit: Desmond Cho (Google Reviews)
Another standout is the Vegetarian Fish Head Noodle Soup (RM17). Featuring a rich, savoury broth with plant-based ‘fish’, salted vegetables, and charcoal noodles, this dish mirrors the beloved Malaysian fish head noodle soup. It’s a shining example of the café’s commitment to innovative fusion cuisine.
Image Credit: Aaron Wee & Lim Koppi (Google Reviews)
Thousand Thirteen is making plant-based eating more exciting and accessible, offering vegetarians and vegans the chance to enjoy popular dishes without compromising on their dietary choices. Other inventive offerings include Unagi Don (RM20), Popcorn Mushroom (RM16), Rendang Pizza (RM22), Asam Laksa (RM17), and more—each dish a delightful surprise that pushes the boundaries of vegetarian cuisine.
Prices
Image Credit: Aaron Wee & Amutious Avita (Google Reviews)
While Thousand Thirteen’s prices are higher than those of a “zap fan” eatery, they remain in line with standard café pricing. Unlike some upscale vegan establishments that inflate prices, Thousand Thirteen strives to keep its offerings accessible without sacrificing quality.
The café’s commitment to excellence hasn’t gone unnoticed. With a 4.4-star rating on Google and glowing reviews from satisfied customers, it’s clear that Thousand Thirteen is striking the right chord with diners.
As the café enters its second year, it continues to evolve. The team recently introduced six new dishes to the menu to celebrate their 2nd anniversary, further enhancing the variety and dining experience.
In a city renowned for its diverse culinary landscape, Thousand Thirteen stands out for its unique dishes and dedication to making vegetarian and vegan dining a mainstream choice. Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian, a curious foodie, or simply looking for a pet-friendly spot to enjoy a meal, this Cheras café should be on your list.
Who says a vegetarian and vegan cafe has to be boring?
Thousand Thirteen
Address: 14-G, Jalan Waras 1, Taman Connaught, 56000 Cheras, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Operating Hours: 11:00am – 9:00pm, Closed on Wednesdays
Contact: 017-2621013
Food Status: No-Pork, No-Lard, Vegetarian, Vegan Options
You should also check out: This PJ chicken rice stall must have feng shui on its side, after 61 years it is still so popular
