Besides the abundant watering holes and hipster coffee joints in Taman Tun Dr Ismail, a hidden gem worth visiting is EcoGreen, an organic restaurant which has been around to provide healthier choices for diners. As most of us would have indulged a little bit over the festive period; it’s now time to treat our bodies better and eat wholesome, nutritious food and at the same time be kinder to the environment.

When EcoGreen started many years ago, it was just a shop selling organic products; but soon it was expanded to provide dine-in services as well. Run by a husband-wife team, Sherene Choong heads the kitchen and is responsible for the innovative dishes on the menu. Everything on the menu is made with natural and organic ingredients, without MSG or anything artificial. Interestingly, there is no microwaving in the kitchen either. Their mission is to serve real food for the sake of people’s health and for a better environment.

The restaurant has a clean and minimalistic interior with light music in the background, providing a casual and relaxed ambience for diners to unwind or enjoy a quiet conversation. You are likely to spot the friendly owners having a chat with their customers, ready to share knowledge as well as their passion to better the planet through sustainable eating habits. While waiting for your meal, you can also take a look at the shop which is well-stocked with organic produce, dried goods, food supplements and even grooming products.

EcoGreen’s menu comprises of dishes from East and West, with a large focus on Vegetarian and Vegan dishes. Carnivores can opt for free-range chicken and fish dishes. Prices are very reasonable considering the ingredients, and portions are large enough for sharing.

There is a nice selection of fresh juices, smoothies and hot beverages. The Red Chia Drink (RM13.50), in particular, is highly recommended for sharing. It comes in a jug with mini martini glasses; this drink is “berry” refreshing especially on a hot day. The chia seeds at the bottom provide a fun mouth feel.

Salads here are obviously well thought out with many delicious choices. The Lemongrass Salad (RM18.90) is a firm favourite for many. It’s a mixture of onion and lemongrass topped with crispy seaweed, seeds and peanuts. The aromatic, sweet and tangy dressing makes this salad an explosion of flavours. Wrap the salad in lettuce leaves for extra crunch.

The Rainbow Salad (RM23.90) will lift your mood instantly with its gorgeous colours. It’s a combination of multicoloured raw vegetables, organic ramen, super seeds and spiral cucumber “noodles”, tossed in a warm lime and nut dressing. The zesty note is the most prominent, followed by the natural sweetness of vegetables. This is a complete meal on its own. It’s not only nourishing for our organs, but absolutely delicious too.

One of their signature dishes is the Creamy Fish Laksa (RM14.90), a lighter version as compared to regular hawker’s with noodles free of preservatives, free range eggs, Norwegian mackerel, pineapple, cucumber, chili in a coconut broth. It’s mildly spiced, tangy and creamy but not overly cloying. This is a comfort dish but prepare to share as it comes in a massive bowl.

Pasta dishes can send one into a food coma with their high carbohydrate and fat content, but not with Ecogreen’s version. The Tomato Basil Spaghetti (RM23.90) here is lightened up with a serving of raw zucchini noodles as well providing satiation. The sauce tastes fresh, garlicky with herbaceous notes and is non-greasy, which is a nice change for pasta.

If you feel like a little sweet treat after the meal, there is also a small selection of desserts including a Vegan Banana Bread.

The service here is friendly and efficient, although requires a little prompting at times especially if the restaurant is busy. However one thing is true: after dining at EcoGreen you would definitely agree that healthy food doesn’t have to be tasteless. Of course, it’s also great to feel no guilt after a meal. It’s a winner.

EcoGreen Organic
125 Jalan Aminuddin Baki
Taman Tun Dr Ismail
60000 Kuala Lumpur
+603 7725 8388
https://www.facebook.com/EcogreenOrganic
Open 10am to 10pm, with holidays only for CNY and Hari Raya

This article was published in The Malay Mail’s Weekly Runner on 21st February 2014.