Yummy Malaysiana: The Origin @ Ampang

Ampang has become a hub for healthy eating, with organic outlets like Earth Food & Haven cropping up this year. The Origin, a modest but admirable cafe, sets itself apart by serving purely vegetarian, mainly Chinese recipes.

Origin's offerings taste surprisingly fantastic for meat-free, guilt-free fare. Intriguing options include a lightly fried, lovably fluffy roll stuffed with yam, turnip & nuts.

Pumpkin-laced tofu with passion fruit sauce. We'd happily munch on these soft, subtly sweet morsels on their own; no need for the spicy-tangy gravy.

More pumpkin, this time coated with oats & curry leaves. Three hearty plates of food were sufficient for a simple lunch for two, but there's still much more on the menu _ everything from seaweed soup to stir-fried spinach.