BMS Organics @ Moulmein Rise Shoppes, Pulau Tikus, Penang.

Health-conscious and vegetarians need not necessarily depend on salad alone when visiting Georgetown. Pulau Tikus is truly one of the meatless districts in Penang, there are already quite a number of plant-based restaurants and cafes around the neighborhood and now, it welcomes one of the largest vegetarian-chain restaurants in Malaysia- BMS Organics. Housed in the latest commercial building- Moulmein Rise Shoppes, BMS Organics occupies two prominent lots on the ground floor; offering similar menu as to most BMS Organics in the nation. The completely animal-free menu is rather small but has a good blend of both Western and Oriental vegetarian/ vegan delights. Right next to the cafe is mini market that offers a wide range of healthy products but to our surprise, all are cleverly priced and positioned. It's definitely one of the must-visit places for vegetarians and vegans to stock up their daily supplies.

Evening Organic Farmers Market @ Straits Quay, Penang.

Sourcing organic produce is a daunting task, especially in Penang but with the aid of Evening Organic Farmers Market, it is so much easier. The aforesaid Evening Organic Farmers Market takes place at Straits Quay on every 3rd Sunday of the month. The Farmers Market has been running for many months and has since, drawn the attention of the health-concerned group. Many believe that not only organic produce tastes better but it carries many health benefits as well. They are free from pesticides, harmful chemicals and said to carry more nutrients than the usual commercial produce. There will be more than 8 organic farmers participating in the Farmers Market each round (subject to their own schedule); not only span across Penang Island (places like Batu Ferringhi, Balik Pulau, Relau etc) but mainland as well. This is a great opportunity to pick up fresh local organic produce and have a chat with the farmers themselves. The Evening Organic Farmers Market is set to happen on 20 December 2015, from 4 pm to 7pm,  right in front of Real Food at Straits Quay.

*Disclaimer: Below photos were taken on 15 November 2015; Actual event on 20 December 2015 may be different*

Real Food (真食) @ Straits Quay, Tanjung Tokong, Penang.

Holding on the belief of eat clean, live healthy; the team behind Real Food hopes to establish an amiable, community-based vegetarian hub that seeks to introduce meatless dishes using culinary techniques around the globe utilizing local organic and sustainable produce, carefully sourced from local farmers. Organic produces are uncommon and expensive to source, especially in Penang but the very passionate restaurateurs of Real Food managed to find a few good ones in Penang... to reduce carbon footprints, they have been working hard find local Penang suppliers but due to scarcity, they had to source from other states in Malaysia; all in all, more than 80% of their raw ingredients are sourced locally (Malaysia). They believe in eating "real" food- real and slowly cooked food but not processed fast food. On the menu, Real Food has a vast variety to offer that spans both Asia's and Western's Vegetarian offerings, featuring plenty of meat-less delicate dishes; vegan options are available too (kindly inform the server before placing your orders).

The homey ambiance of this lovely and intimate space should not be forsaken too, though the seating might not be as comfortable as some cafes- all decked out in a wooden beam with some colorful elements and bathed in warm-yellow overhead lighting. Prices may be a little steep but they commensurate with top-notch quality and freshest organic produce. Find Real Food at a prominent corner of Ground Floor, Straits Quay (beside the concierge). 

Many Thanks to Real Food for hosting us that afternoon.