Oh, desserts and snacks, how do we count the ways we love them? When we think of traditional dessert dishes, we often associate them as delicious but at the same time high in calories!
But who says desserts have to be unhealthy? There are plenty of healthier options out there, which will allow us to enjoy sweet treats while being mindful of our health.
As society becomes more conscious about what we are putting in our bodies, we notice that desserts are getting a complete makeover. Here are some guilt-free options you can indulge in the next time you’re pining for something ‘sinful’.
1. Jungle House
Jungle House specialises in nature’s golden liquid – honey — known for its anti-bacterial and anti-inflammation properties. While honey is well-known for its sweet taste, Jungle House sets out to educate the public that wild honey can have more complex flavour profiles, like bitter notes.
Take a pick at the Royal Black drink, recommended for the busy and overworked. Royal Black has holistic benefits to the body and high nutritional value, although one must be able to withstand its bitterness first. There is also Royal White, their most popular drink, loved for its delicious, not overly sweet, and refreshing taste for the casual drinker. Their raw honey is mainly harvested from Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia in a hive-to-home concept.
Jungle House also serves honey-infused cakes in guilt-free chocolate, pandan, coconut, and berry flavours. They also offer bread spreads like jams, taster packs, and even a selection of soaps for you to bring home. By creating a menu of all-things honey, Jungle House promotes supplementing your diet with a wash of immunity-strengthening goodness.
Address: 10 Jalan Telawi 3, 59100 Kuala Lumpur
Contact: +6012 203 0317
2. The Soybean Factory
With the base of tau fu fah (pick from classic white or pandan), you can add toppings like ginkgo, peach resin, red beans to your heart’s desire. The Soy Bean Factory also offers a savoury variety of tau fu fah. You can add salted vegetables, sesame seaweed, and chicken floss on top, thus presenting desserts as not necessarily sweet.
Floral centrepieces made of swirled taro make an appearance during the festive seasons, further courting us to give it a try. Their soybean milk range deserves a shot if you’re not into eating. Currently, they have seven outlets around the Klang Valley.
Address: 51 Jalan 3/62A, Jalan Kepong, Bandar Sri Menjalara, 52200 Kuala Lumpur
Contact: +603 6734 8888
3. Cabana
Nestled in a corner is an adorable island paradise imported in the form of a beach hut – hence the name. Cabana serves chia seeds, granolas, and soy in their signature Amazon açai mix to satisfy the health-conscious crowd with options to personalise your bowl.
Former national athletes bring Cabana’s focus on the Brazilian açai due to its high antioxidants. But to make them for easier consumption, açai is served cold like ice cream, which is a welcome respite from the heat! The result are açai bowls like Tropical Thunder (with kiwi, mangoes, coconut flakes, and bananas) lends a sweet and crunchy experience without any overpowering açai tanginess, despite the nature of berries.
Address: Lot 63, Level UG, Publika Shopping Gallery, 1, Jalan Dutamas 1, Solaris Dutamas, 50480 Kuala Lumpur
Contact: +6012 928 8364
4. Bunn Choon
Lovers of egg tarts will be pleased to know that Bunn Choon, with a long-standing history since 1893, does offer a balance between the classic and less-sweet charcoal varieties. Bunn Choon egg tarts have a cult-like following, and understandably so. Today’s fourth-generation is still serving their egg tarts warm, soft, with the same flaky crust and delicious centre, and always made fresh daily.
Their other creation, the black sesame charcoal tart, has also drawn huge crowds. Riding on the charcoal trend a few years back, Bunn Choon realised that charcoal alone lacked flavour, thus combining black sesame, known for oxidant-fighting properties, for a better taste. Still not satisfied with the outcome, they then added white sesame for a more grainy and crunchy experience.
Drop by in the early morning for dim sum or take away for a mood-lifting snack! Click here for their online menu.
Address: No 8 Lorong Panggung, 50000 Kuala Lumpur
Contact: +6016 228 7625
5. Namul Vegan
With restriction comes creativity, and Namul Vegan has it in spades with a dessert menu devoid of egg, dairy, honey, gluten, and preservatives. A scroll through the menu will please even dessert naysayers – the choices are plentiful and hard to resist.
A slice through the Passion Fruit Pie or Matcha Strawberry Mousse Cake reveals that Namul Vegan is not one to skimp on effort despite the simple ingredients used. Every dessert on the menu comes with an ingredients list, so you know what you’re consuming, which is especially handy if you’re prone to food allergies.
As a wholly-vegan company, they found that not all ingredients in the market are suitable, so they took it a step further by homemaking their own cream and candied fruit of mainly organic ingredients. If you’re lost for choice, they highly recommend the Vegan Apple Rose Pie for you to try! Currently, Namul Vegan attends only to online orders and deliveries since closing their restaurant.
For orders, WhatsApp them at +6012 714 3900
6. Licky Chan
Gourmet locally-made ice cream has been all the rage these past years, and Licky Chan stands out with its range of tame and boozy flavours. Going with the philosophy of ‘having fun’ shows their ability to combine unordinary ingredients to create exciting flavours. Their milk is sourced from a cow pasture in Pahang, ticking both boxes for supporting local small businesses and freshness.
Choose from crowd favourite – In the Mood for Love, a delightful combination of macadamia, popcorn, and dulce de leche for an excellent introduction to their lineup or Fit Batch for their most healthy alternative. Fit Batch is an impressive punch of Italian Amalfi lemons, rolled oats, flax and chia seeds, and dried cranberries, all at only 160 calories per 100g.
If a menu like this piques your interest, we suggest checking them out as soon as time permits! While you’re there, why not get a cute tattoo, as Licky Chan shares a roof with a tattoo parlour known as The Poke Guy.
Address: 24 Jalan Yap Ah Shak, Chow Kit, 50300 Kuala Lumpur
Contact: +6011 2197 3992
7. Dolicado (Delivery-Only)
For busy gals who prefer having desserts come their way instead, there’s Dolicado. They pride themselves as avocado-focused, and their famous cheesecake pastries do not disappoint. Made with two superfoods — avocado and premium matcha – this creamy pastry melts to a nutty flavour concoction in your mouth.
Topped with edible flowers, you’ll be hard-pressed not to feel like a wholesome pixie. With no preservatives mixed into the ingredients, these pastries must be consumed within three days and refrigerated.
These darling pastries also make charming gifts – choose from serving sizes of three, six, or 10 slices, or a 6” heart-shaped tart. Orders through Instagram only.
Mini luxuries that won’t break the bank and at the same time are good for our bodies? It sure doesn’t hurt to have more of them! We’re in awe of the creativity of our local makers in creating and experimenting with healthy ingredients, new concepts, and detailed presentations.
