Lunch

Healthy, diet friendly

Bravo, rm8.9

If it's the high prices attached to healthy eating that keeps you at bay, shimmy on over to Chimichurri. This do-it-yourself salad bar in Jaya One sees an emphasis on using fresh, non-processed ingredients, and the bargain it drives at RM9.90 a bowl is just the icing on the cake. There are over six proteins to choose from, though we urge you keep your choice (and your budget) to the Chicken (RM9.90), Dory Fish (RM11.90) or Beef Brisket (RM14.90). From there, decide on your greens and then, a tummy-filling base of either couscous, quinoa, cauliflower rice or brown rice. Apart from its affordable price point, there is also much to love about their sauces, which is really where their flair is found — think delicious stuff like rendang, chimichurri, creamy butter and even spicy sambal!
Avg price per person: RM15
Photo by Burppler Shin D

Set along Jalan Bangsar, the rustic Makanhouse is backed with local lunch options and not just any, but the heritage-nuanced Melaka Portuguese and Kelantanese food. Run by an amicable family celebrating time-honoured recipes, the small eatery dishes out their best deals at breakfast. Look out for the brown rice paper-wrapped goods, such as the Nasi Lemak (RM5), Nasi Dagang Ikan Gulai (RM12) and the blue-tinged Nasi Kerabu with Spice-Fried Chicken (RM15). Since the shop only opens at 10am, we recommend coming in for first dibs at these ready-to-eat meals, which are all wholesome enough to pass off as lunch! On the pricier side, they also lay out a bountiful buffet-style lineup for lunch every afternoon. Featured in here is a dish that might be worth breaking the bank for: the Salted Fish Ambilla Curry (price varies).
Avg price per person: RM15
Photo by Burpple Tastemaker Tiffany Ng