Words by Trisha Diaz de Rivera
It can be a struggle being a vegetarian or vegan in the Philippines, especially since the Filipino’s diet consists primarily of meat. If you worry about eating out because you’re on a plant-based diet, or if you simply want to try it out, do not fret as there are still many options for you out there, and you can enjoy meat-free dishes while dining with your meat-eating friends.
Here are some restaurants that serve delicious and healthy meals that will satisfy everybody’s taste buds, no matter what diet or lifestyle.
ALSO READ: Pipino: 100% Filipino Vegan Restaurant
People’s Palace
Highly praised for the great quality of food, People’s Palace stands as one of the top-rated Thai restaurants in Manila. They offer many meat dishes, but be sure to ask for their vegetarian-vegan menu as they create amazing meat-free meals, too. Be sure to try their Sticky Rice with Mangoes while you’re at it!
https://www.instagram.com/p/BTjOJ3ilqUk/?hl=en&taken-at=114228225756325
Greenbelt 3 (Level 1), Ayala Center, Greenbelt, Makati City
(02) 729 2888
Cafe Mediterranean
With eight locations all over the Philippines, Cafe Mediterranean serves traditional Mediterranean food. Ask for their vegan/vegetarian menu and you will be in for a treat as you see all the options available. We recommend trying out their Lentil Burger, or check out their Hummus Is A Meal menu!
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bloxjz1AJi0/?taken-by=thecafemed
www.thecafemediterranean.com
www.facebook.com/TheCafeMediterranean
Instagram: @thecafemed
(02) 896 8625Â
Pino Resto Bar
Did you know that on the 2nd floor of Pino, a Filipino Resto Bar, is a vegan restaurant called Pipino? They serve your favorite Filipino dishes with a creative spin. From savory food to sweet dishes, a lot of Filipino comfort food favorites are here. Our hand-picked favorites are the Spring-Roll Trio, Callos, and the Halo-halo. All 100% plant-based, and locally sourced, too.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BmXI-RCng3x/?hl=en&taken-by=pipinoveg
39 Malingap Street, Teacher’s Village, Diliman, Quezon City
www.facebook.com/PinoRestoPH
Instagram: @pinorestoph
(02) 441 1773Â Â Â
Little India Healthy Cuisine
Traditional Indian food packed with flavor from fresh herbs and spices—that’s what you can expect from Little India Healthy Cuisine. We recommend you try their mock-meat dishes and their amazing appetizers, just like the one below!
https://www.instagram.com/p/BlRyuH5HxX-/?hl=en&taken-at=362375848
24F Malingap Street (2nd Floor), Teacher’s Village West, Quezon City
www.facebook.com/LittleIndiaPH
Instagram: @littleindiaph
(02) 238 3243
Mexicali
With the casual dining and the Mexican cuisine, you will surely feel the warmth and love from the food in Mexicali. For non-meat eaters, they serve vegetarian burrito, burger, and quesadilla for you! Try their dishes with the Soyrizo, and their homemade Garden Burger.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BluENBmgNvA/?hl=en&taken-by=mexicaliphilippines
www.facebook.com/mexicaliphilippines
Instagram: @mexicaliphilippinesÂ
Hummus Elijah
Hummus Elijah is awarded as the #1 Best Hummus and Falafel in the Philippines. Unintentionally, all the items on their menu are vegan and vegetarian-friendly. Everything is so good that even meat-eaters enjoy this place just as much!
https://www.instagram.com/p/BijmqmNH4cb/?taken-by=hummus_elijah
7850 Makati Ave, Makati City
www.facebook.com/humuselijah
Instagram: @hummus_elijah
(02) 802 1885
¡VENGO!
Vengo is a newly established Mexican themed restaurant. Along with their meat-based taco meals with a twist on Filipino cuisine are the vegan options in their vegan menu—just ask the servers! Don’t forget to order their Horchata with their Vegan Sisig Tacos!
https://www.instagram.com/p/BhzBSb7HpWw/?hl=en&taken-by=tacovengo
Palanca Street, Legaspi Village, Makati City
www.facebook.com/TacoVengo
Instagram: @tacovengo
(63) 917 164 6655Â Â Â
Easy, Tiger
Located in The Corner Market food hall in Podium, Easy, Tiger offers vegan and vegetarian Thai dishes. In their menu is a special “Vegan Corner” for those who choose not to eat meat. Top picks are their Vegetable & Tofu Curry and the Tofu Satay.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BiWTVdHnntY/?taken-by=easytigerph
The Corner Market, The Podium (2nd Floor), ADB Avenue, Ortigas, Mandaluyong City
www.facebook.com/easytigerph
Instagram: @easytigerph
Cyma
Spot the “Vegan” or “Vegetarian” signs to see which dishes are meat-free at Cyma! From the Vegetable Yiouvetsi to the Vegetable Souvlaki, you can never go wrong with their amazing dishes.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BjGqUr4AulF/?taken-by=cymarestaurants
www.cymarestaurants.com
www.facebook.com/cymarestuarant
Instagram: @cymarestaurants
Ikigai Kakigori Cafe
Step aside bingsu, kakigori is now in town! Not only can vegetarians enjoy this delicious Japanese shaved ice treat, vegans can, too, as they offer dairy-free kakigori for most items on their menu. Ikigai Kakigori Cafe is a partner restaurant of the well-known Wabi Sabi restaurant. Luckily, you can also enjoy Wabi Sabi’s delicious vegan/vegetarian ramen as they are located just right next to each other!Â
https://www.instagram.com/p/BgQmcDRFLNT/?taken-at=1017801304
POS Building, Scout Madriñan Street Corner Tomas Morato, South Triangle, Quezon City
www.facebook.com/ikigaicafe
Instagram: @ikigaikakigoricafe
(02) 372 1341
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Thought that it’s impossible to eat out in Manila when you’re vegetarian or vegan? Hopefully this list has convinced you that that’s not the case. 😉
Do you know of more vegetarian/vegan friendly restaurants around Manila? Let us know in the comments below!