I still remember 2003 I moved from Malaysia to the United States.
Back home, being vegetarian never felt difficult. In Malaysia, delicious plant-based food was everywhere — fragrant curry simmered in coconut milk, spicy sambal made fresh in the morning, herbal soups slow-cooked for hours, and comforting noodles stir-fried with wok hei. Vegetarian food wasn’t an alternative. It was simply part of everyday life.
But when I moved to a big city in America, everything changed.
Yes, there were vegan options — salads, plant-based burgers, smoothie bowls. They were healthy and modern. But they didn’t taste like home. They didn’t carry the bold flavors of lemongrass, galangal, turmeric, and toasted spices. They didn’t remind me of family gatherings, temple meals, or late-night suppers at neighborhood shops.
And when traveling to smaller cities or countryside towns, it became even harder. Sometimes the only vegetarian option was fries or plain bread. I began to realize how much I missed the rich, comforting flavors of Southeast Asia.
That homesickness turned into a question:
Why is it so hard to find authentic Southeast Asian vegetarian food in America — especially something convenient and ready to eat?
That question became the beginning of Veggie Express.
Veggie Express was created to bring the true taste of Southeast Asia to homes across the USA. We offer a wide variety of vegan, ready-to-eat meals inspired by traditional recipes from Malaysia and neighboring countries — crafted with bold spices, deep flavors, and the comforting taste of home.
Because being vegetarian should never mean giving up flavor.
Whether you live in a busy city or a quiet rural town, Veggie Express makes it possible to enjoy authentic Southeast Asian vegan cuisine anytime, anywhere.
From Malaysia to America, Veggie Express is more than just food.
It’s culture.
It’s comfort.
It’s home — delivered to your door. 🌱
Hester produces fresh, organic produce from local farmers in New York. Even our spices are fresh. Just because pickling is a preservation process doesn’t mean you can use dried-up thyme or week-old asparagus that’s already a little spongy.
We want to give our customers crisp, crunchy and delicious pickled vegetables and fruits. Most of all, we want to expand people’s palates and prove that pickles don’t always come in a green or red variety.