Restoran Krishna Bhawan Indian Vegetarian Restaurant in Little India, Ipoh

Those observing a strict vegetarian diet, especially Indian cuisine, should check out Krishna Bhawan Restaurant (KBR), located in Little India, Ipoh. The Chinese community has plenty of vegetarian options in the city. However, for Indian vegetarian food, Krishna Bhawan seems to be the only appropriate choice.

Krishna Bhawan Restaurant in Little India, Ipoh

With a long history that spans three generations since the 1930s, Krishna Bhawan, which relocated to its current premises in 1954, still serves some of the authentic recipes that were passed down from the owner’s paternal grandfather. Holding on to the motto to serve only the freshest food, all the dishes are cooked-to-order, in their natural taste, without artificial flavouring or Monosodium glutamate (MSG).

While Reuben Nagarajan, the third-generation owner since 2005, has stayed true to the much-loved traditional vegetarian recipes of Krishna Bhawan, he plans to introduce a different range of fusion vegetarian food to cater for the younger generation of vegetarians.

Evidently, the word “vegetarian” is used loosely here because this restaurant actually serves four different categories of vegetarian food:

1. General vegetarian – no eggs and no meat products are used
2. Vegetarian without onion or garlic
3. Vegan – no dairy products such as milk or cheese
4. Jains – without root vegetables or anything that grows underground

In short, Krishna Bhawan does not offer eggs and meat at all. Those who observe #2, #3 and #4 need to specify when ordering, to be on the safe side.

Despite its long-standing legacy, Krishna Bhawan looks like a new restaurant. This is because it was renovated in 2020, but was closed shortly after the renovation was completed, following the Movement Control Order of COVID-19 pandemic.

Poori or Puri is a deep-fried bread made from whole-wheat flour. As this is a set, there are two pieces of Poori, and served on a platter with two side dishes of Potato Masala and Coconut Chutney.

Othappam, also spelt Uttapam, is a mixture of tosai batter and rice batter with jintan spice, turmeric, chilli power, plus finely chopped carrots, onions and green chillies that add colour to the pancake. Served with Dhal, Coconut Chutney and Onion Chutney.

In our quest to search for vegetarian options for our visiting friends who are on a strict vegetarian diet, our extensive research brought us to Krishna Bhawan. So, here are what we had for lunch: Puri, Othappam, Ponggal and Thali Meal Set.

Ponggal, one of our rice options, was cooked with aromatic Basmati rice in dhal and chutney. Soft and easy to digest, this savoury rice has a blend of peppers, lentils, a variety of spices and curry leaves. Served with Saambar (Dhal) and Coconut Chutney.

The star of our meal is the Thali Meal Set which is served with 11 different items on a platter. The aromatic Basmati rice is placed in the middle, and is surrounded by three different Vegetables of the Day, 1 Gravy of the Day, 1 Dhal, 1 Buttermilk, 1 Rasam, 1 Dessert, and topped with 1 Papadum decorated with 1 Chilli Pickle.

Do take note that Thali Meal Set is the only lunch food available at about noon. At that hour when we were there, available were other lighter items more suitable for breakfast and brunch, such as Dhosa, Idly, Poori, Chapathi and Chaat.

Heavier meals are served from 3pm onwards daily. This is when popular Asian delights are served, including Nasi Lemak, Mee Goreng, Bihun Goreng, Nasi Goreng, Signature KB Cheese Burger and Roti Canai (Parota).

Apart from the above-mentioned items, there are meals for kids on the menu as well. On Fridays, vegetarian briyani rice set is served, with a choice of either vegetarian chicken or vegetarian mutton.

our Indian vegetarian lunch at Krishna Bhawan Restaurant

One feature that stands out at Krishna Bhawan, besides being fully vegetarian, is the presentation, similar to a classy restaurant. We were surprised that our bill came up to slightly over RM40, as we expected more, only to discover that Krishna Bhawan does not collect service charges or service tax. Hence, customers pay for exactly what they eat, and nothing more.

View the full photo album of Krishna Bhawan Restaurant (KBR) on our official Facebook Page by clicking HERE.

Restoran Krishna Bhawan
Add: 8, Jalan Lahat, 30200 Ipoh, Perak.
Business hours: 9am – 9pm daily
Tel: +6012-5108880

Video: Restoran Krishna Bhawan Indian Vegetarian Restaurant in Little India, Ipoh