Special thanks to Xiang Yun Vegetarian Delight for extending this food review invitation.
Update: This business has ceased its operations.
Xiang Yun Vegetarian Delight (香雲素食坊) is one of the few vegetarian shops in Penang that also have elements of a café. Unlike traditional vegetarian restaurants, Xiang Yun assimilates the cooking styles of mainstream dishes but present them in a vegetarian approach.
Xiang Yun is located at Level 1 of Vantage Desiran Tanjung, right above Chef Nyonya. The serene ambience here makes it a comfortable place for having quiet meals. In addition, the eatery has two small rooms to cater customers who prefer private dining.
Starting with a Western dish, Salsa Cutlet (莎莎余柳扒, RM18.90) features several pieces of mock fish cutlets. Made from soy pulp (大豆纤维), the cutlets have a unique texture that resembles actual fish. Meanwhile, the tomato gravy carries a hint of sweetness that is not overpowering. Crinkle-cut French fries and coleslaw are served on the side.
As for noodles, Milky Bee Hoon Soup (奶酸酱米粉, RM11.90) is an excellent choice. The soup’s creaminess comes from soy milk, not dairy milk. Infused with herbs like lemongrass, the soup has a pleasant taste that does not feel surfeiting at all. At the top are two mock fish slices.
The Dumpling Soup (水饺汤, RM6.90) is ideal for customers who prefer light meals. The meatless dumplings are filled with jicama, mushrooms and water chestnut. Rather surprisingly, the dumplings are delectable to the last morsel. This is further proof that vegetarian food can taste good too.
Xiang Yun is having the Coffee & Cake Promotion throughout the entire day. A cup of coffee and a slice of cake only costs RM14.90 net. Today’s cake is Strawberry Cheesecake. It is interesting to know that the cake does not contain eggs. Instead, it is packed with cheese in order to achieve the desired creaminess.
The restaurant serves a variety of espresso-based drinks such as Cappuccino (RM7.90), Mocha (RM8.90) and Salted Caramel Latte (RM8.90). Should customers prefer vegan drinks, dairy milk can be replaced with soy milk for RM1.00 more.
Should customers prefer cold drinks, Matcha (RM10.90) and Strawberry Milkshake (RM10.90) are among the popular choices.
Xiang Yun Vegetarian Delight not only caters lifelong vegetarians, but is also popular among the health-conscious public. To cater the dining crowd from Bayan Lepas, Xiang Yun has another air-conditioned restaurant at Bayan Point. Both outlets share similar menus. Meanwhile, the original stall at Kompleks Lebuh Nipah has been operating continuously for almost 10 years.
Name: Xiang Yun Vegetarian Delight (香雲素食坊)
Address: A-1-8, Jalan Tanjung Tokong, 10470 Tanjung Tokong, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 016-496-8085
Business hours: 11:00am-9:00pm, closed on Tuesdays
Website: https://www.facebook.com/XiangYunVegetarianDelight
Coordinates: 5.45521 N, 100.30768 E
Directions: Vantage Desiran Tanjung as a commercial block on the right side of Jalan Tanjung Tokong from George Town’s direction, after Island Plaza but before Tesco. Xiang Yun Vegetarian Delight located above Chef Nyonya. There are parking spaces in front of and behind the row of shops.