Japanese vegan By Age 18 is a welcome addition to Klang Valley

A vegan restaurant is hard enough to come by in the Klang Valley, what more a Japanese vegan! By Age 18, located at The Five, Bukit Damansara, KL is the first branch outside Japan.

The first restaurant is in Mure, Kagawa in Japan and the brainchild of former chef Moriro Murakami who wanted to create a new option for Sanuki Udon. He came up with the concept as he was driven by the dietary challenges faced by his son who had food allergies.

He works in partnership with creator French-trained chef Katsumi Kusumoto who is also Tokyo Tourism Ambassador.

By Age 18 is mostly about clean, clear flavours, boosted by the starring role of a gluten-free udon, made with rice flour so it has a chewier texture, similar to tteokbokki. 

The signature Bukkake (RM30) is a cold udon, adorned with pretty vegetables, while Kitchaku Kitsuni udon (RM32) features simple clear broth with a ‘money pouch’ made of bean curd filled with vegetables. Tempura here is not so batter-heavy, and Curry udon sans meat teases the taste buds with familiarity, yet different approach with vegetables for texture and crunch.

Starters like Teriyaki Lions Mane mushrooms, Avocado tartare on seaweed crisps, and Pickled cherry tomatoes with umebosbi, border on fine dining nuance, and are standout appetisers.

Carbo fans will be glad that there are also rice bowl options.

Being dairy-free, macha lattes are laced with oatmilk while the fruit punches are quite delightful. Even better are their desserts, dainty and tantalising such as Brownies with passion fruit and Gac sorbet – deep, dark, passionate chocolate paiored with tart flavours, a fancy Matcha pudding and fragrant, nutty Pistachio gelato – enticed even a non dessert fan me as they are not as sweet. 

By Age 18 is pork-free, uses only plant based meats, and no alcohol is used in the cooking or for drinks. Prices are not cheap despite being meat-free, but definitely big on flavour and innovation. You may or may not like the chewy udon, which could be a deal-breaker, but vegans will definitely find this place up their alley.

Add: A-1-01, 5th Place@KPD, 49, Jalan Dungun, Bukit Damansara, Kuala Lumpur. Tel: 03-2011 2362