While it feels weird to intentionally include microorganisms as part of your meals, did you know that there are many nutritional benefits of including algae in your diet?
Actually, what are algae? Algae are aquatic, photosynthetic organisms that support oxygen production and marine ecosystems. For humans, they’re also rich with nutrients, and can provide an additional source of protein, vitamins (like B12 and A), minerals (such as iron & magnesium) and antioxidants when included in our daily diet. Algae can support stronger gut health, detoxification and may also help to manage cholesterol and inflammation.
You might be wondering where in Malaysia (or even on earth) can you find algae to include in your meals, especially if you're not a scientist. Fret not, as Algae Eats, a small algae-based, environmental sustainability-focused cafe located in GMBB, a unique creative community mall in Bukit Bintang, offers everything algae-related you can think of.
As Malaysia is ranked among the top 30 carbon-emitting countries globally (contributing about 0.6% of total global carbon emissions), Algae Eats' main goal is to make sustainable eating fun and exciting for every generation, but creating healthier versions of commonly enjoy dishes using ingredients from their own homegrown Atoz Regen Farm, grown with microalgae-powered cultivation. Algae absorbs carbon dioxide during photosynthesis, helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Algae Eats offers a range of dishes to choose from, from drinks to main dishes and even desserts - all packed with algae to support a healthier you and a healthier environment. Main dishes include big breakfast (RM29.90), pesto pasta (RM20.90) and a variety of sandwiches (RM17.90). Many come by to enjoy a drink or some desserts - which even in presentation wise, looks interesting. One of the more interesting desserts are the algae coffee or chocolate tiramisu (RM15.90), which come designed as mini potted plant with edible ‘dirt’. Each item on the menu has the word ‘algae’ in the beginning, reminding you of why every dish served here is special and serves a higher purpose.
Intrigued by the menu's offering, I ordered the pesto pasta, which was served with slices of ham (therefore the cafe is not vegetarian), mushroom, cherry tomatoes and a large sunny-side up. Presentation of the dish was fairly simple in a green plate (of course, we've gotta stick to the theme), and taste wise - very similar to any normal pesto, but with an earthier aftertaste thanks to the algae. This was a good option for me as I'm usually not a fan of my greens, and the tomatoes gave the overall dish a great balance.
As I was alone, I decided to bail on dessert so I could try other spots in the mall - but I would most definitely return to try their cute, potted algae coffee tiramisu real soon.
After placing an order at their open-counter kiosk, comfortable seating is offered opposite the kiosk. The area is, of course, decked in green with artificial green lush all around, and a simple graphic of how algae is extracted. It's a nice and cozy place for catchup with small groups of friends, especially if you're looking for healthier options of cafe foods.
Algae Eats
📍No.3-2 & 3-42, GMBB, Bukit Bintang, Jalan Robertson, 50150, KL
⏱️11am - 7pm
📱+60 19-211 2288
🌐@atoz.algaeeats on IG
Sources:
- Algae
- Top 10 Algae Benefits That May Surprise You
- 4 Types of Edible Algae With Superfood Potential
- Algae Eats Instagram account
- CO₂ Emissions by Country 2025
The Use of Algae to Reduce CO2 Emissions
Photo Credit: Newswav
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