[Update: This outlet has shifted to a new address at: 7, Jalan Datuk Haji 1, Taman Tan Yew Lai, Kuala Lumpur]

There’s often a misconception that healthy food doesn’t taste good – but I think it’s really because people don’t make it well.

Enter ChimiChurri @ Jaya One, PJ, which offers wholesome, warm meals at affordable prices. Popular among the lunch crowd (judging from the long lines during our visit), the place serves up customisable sandwiches, bowls and wraps ala Subway, where you ‘build’ your own meal from a variety of available proteins, carbs, homemade sauces and condiments.

You first choose your base – sandwich, wrap or bowl – then a protein, such as grilled chicken breast, cajun chicken thigh, dory fish fillet, salmon fish fillet or beef brisket. You can also opt for vegetarian. Moving on, select the veggies you want: sweet corn, lettuce, tomatoes ,onions, green pepper, cabbage, cucumber, carrots and more. Carbs offered include brown rice, couscous and pasta aglio olio.

Add on condiments, such as mushy peas or sweet potato mash, before finishing it off with chilled or warm sauces, including chimichurri (for those who aren’t familiar with it, this is an Argentinian sauce that is typically served with meat, made from parsley, garlic, olive oil, oregano and vinegar) and local sauces such as lemongrass, curry and rendang.

At the cashier, you can ask for the soup of the day (we went on Pumpkin day!)

My bowl of Dory Fish fillet, aglio olio pasta with couscous, all veggies minus green peppers, sweet potato mash and some chimichurri, butter sauce and rendang.

I was surprised at how well everything came together, although the chimichurri sauce was overshadowed by the rendang. There was the al dente bite from the pasta, the grainy texture from the couscous, the crunch of fresh veggies and a burst of sweetness from the corn. The dory fish was also prepared well, with slightly crisp edges. I thought I wouldn’t like it very much because I’m not a big veggie eater, but the sauces masked the leafy, green taste typical of salads.

Lunch crowd.

If you’re looking for a healthy lunch option that won’t break the bank, ChimiChurri is a good choice! Prices start from RM10.90. They also provide free lemon and apple-infused water.

CHIMI CHURRI

Lot 100.1.037 First Floor, The School, Jaya One, Jalan Universiti, Petaling Jaya, Selangor.

Opening hours: 9AM – 8.30 PM (Mon-Sat) or til 7PM (Sun). Note: Basic breakfast meal served at 9AM, but main meals will only be served from 11AM onwards.

Tel: 03-7666-8088