Pure Saiva PJ — Restaurant in Petaling Jaya

Pure Saiva isn’t trying to fool anyone. It’s a clean, well-lit, modern Indian vegetarian restaurant that feeds you like your Tamil auntie would, if she were running a semi-industrial kitchen with a focus on volume and a playlist of devotional music.

The concept is simple: no meat, no eggs, no frills. You queue, point at the dishes behind the glass, and a staff member scoops them onto your thali. Rice, curry, three veggies, some rasam, and maybe a payasam if you’re lucky. Sit down, eat, leave full. On a good day, the flavours are deep, comforting, and full of arusuvai – the six Tamil tastes. On a bad day, the pumpkin is too sweet, the chutneys are cold, and the chapati could double as a coaster. The nasi lemak has a cult following, but beware: the sambal is no joke. It's hot enough to take out your sinuses. Not suitable for children or amateurs. The thosai and roti canai tend to fare better: crispy, fresh. The fried stuff fluctuates wildly between crispy bliss and oily regret.

Prices are fair. A decent lunch – rice, three vegetables, gravy, maybe a side of rasam and payasam – clocks in at under RM15. Add a bruising cup of masala tea or a ginger-laced chai, and you're still walking away with a full belly. Cleanliness is a strong point. The place is clean, airy, and designed with intention. White tiles, stainless steel, minimal clutter. It feels like a place that takes hygiene seriously, which, in this category, counts for a lot.

But not all is roti and roses. Service is a coin toss. Some staff are friendly and helpful. Others seem like they just came out of a staff meeting that went bad. Waiting 30 minutes for tea when you're one of five customers isn't a vibe. Occasionally, a waiter walks away mid-sentence. And yet, there are gems among the crew – veterans who practice the art of hospitality, even during the lunch rush.

In a city awash with imitation meats and oily gravies, Pure Saiva offers something more elemental: a celebration of real vegetables, honest spices, and the quiet possibility that a meatless meal can still stir the senses — or at least satisfy the stomach. Not every bite here is memorable, but the spirit behind it...

It's my second visit and I really enjoy it though felt alien slightly because I am the only Chinese in the store, but did not bother me that much.

Food is great, for simplicity, I went with their dinner set which is about RM11.50. You get fragrant rice, 3 vegetarian dishes and gravy of your choice. I also topped it with a Masala Tea.

For the three dishes, I find the fried tofu is kinda average, likely because it's overcooked and tofu taste kinda dry, but I really like the chick peas the most for it's richness in spices. Though I think it would be perfect if the texture is softer. Love the pumpkin too, its sweetness serve as a great balance to the entire dish so it's not just single profile.

Masala Tea I opted for less sweet, fragrant of spice is there, but didn't hit the right spot for me, I was anticipating a more thicker body.

Store vibes are great, clean and most likely it's the warm white interior light that attracts me. Staffs are friendly too, they will serve a cup of warm plain water regardless you dine in or take away.

Just a note for vegan/vegetarian with strict diet, they do serve garlic and probably onions in their gravy, but feel free to correct me I'm wrong.

Definitely will revisit again for other choices,...

For years I have been on the look out for a spotlesly clean restaurant serving wholesome vege meals .My search finally ended a few weeks ago when I stumbled on Pure Saiva restaurant. It's multifaceted appeal to me grew in leaps and bounds daily .

At the entrance guests are greeted by uncle Moji with his contagious courtesy .

One step inside and one is struck by: 1.The ambience of immaculate white walls ,fixtures and furnitures. 2.The aroma of authentic South Indian cuisine overwhelming the senses. 3.One is spoilt for choice with so much variety and versions of not only food ,but drinks and snacks 4.Servers heap generous helping of food on your plate . 5.In addition there are various pickles which are house speciality of Pure Saiva . 6.Included in the house specialities are 2 drinks .One the chilled ,cooling buttermilk and the other, the immunity boosting pure drink made of curcumin turmeric ,lemon & honey.

When one sits down to relish the meal,memories of grandmothers arise in the mind and mouth .

This is indeed a boutique vegetarian...