Best dairy-free desserts in KL

With multiple outlets across town, Kind Kones has garnered popularity all over with its range of health-conscious ice creams. For local flavours, durian, jackfruit or matcha coconut are a must-try. Sweeter options include cinnamon toast and salted choc chip (blended with coconut) on the standard selection, as well as fruity sorbets – dragon fruit and banana, pineapple and mint, passionfruit – that are great choices for a cold treat in our warm weather.

The Honest Treat’s raw cakes have been super popular for several years now as they are perfect for fitness-focused foodies or anyone who wants gluten-free, low-carb vegan treats. The cakes are raw on the premise that there are no baked ingredients used, and cashews – blended into a fine paste – provides a rich creamy texture to The Honest Treat’s desserts. You can find a mix of local and Western flavours – think a Tropical Surprise cake with a coconut base paired with Malaysian fruits or a raspberry chocolate option, banoffee and more.

22 Jalan Sri Hartamas 8, KL (thehonesttreat.com).

Real Food’s selection of desserts certainly lives up to expectations, and include hearty after-meal treats like the sweet pumpkin pancake, which serves as the perfect post-gym pick-me-up. It’s mashed organic pumpkin made with soymilk, coconut oil and self-rising flour, topped with fruits and a pot of agave syrup to finish. There’s also a host of moreish cakes including Real Food’s take on the French classic apple tarte Tatin or the raw creamy strawberry cheesecake with a nut-based cheese layer. Don’t forget the vegan ice cream, with regular new flavours.

This plant-based coffee shop chain prides itself on using the freshest ingredients in its vegan treats. There’s a full menu of hot meals, but it’s the ice cream and waffles that keep customers coming back for more. Of the ten plant-based ice cream flavours here, black sesame is a real favourite, served with vegan waffles that are every bit as fluffy as an original. The dark chocolate ice cream is as fantastically indulgent as it sounds while the green tea is perfect for those who prefer less sweet.

16 Jalan Solaris 4, KL (fb.com/LNFortunateCoffee).

Ever since its humble beginnings with a small push cart on Jalan Alor, Sangkaya has established itself as THE artisanal coconut ice cream vendor. A lot of this is down to the presentation – a couple of scoops in a half-cut coconut shell with the flesh still clinging on, making for a nice little twist of texture as you reach the end of your ice cream. Toppings include nuts, corn and toasted coconut.

Sangkaya is health-conscious rather than vegan – coconut milk is the base as a substitution for dairy and eggs. Splashes of condensed and evaporated milk add to the sweetness. The brand has also just launched their Coconut Cendol Shake, jumping on the ice-cold creamy drink trend.