While I may not be a vegetarian myself, I’ve heard about the struggles of my vegetarian friends in finding restaurants or even just places that offer delicious vegetarian dishes in Manila (emphasis on “delicious”). As such, we asked around for some of the best places to find delicious vegetarian dishes, and here’s a list to help make your vegetarian life easier.
Where to Find Delicious Vegetarian Dishes in Manila
Break FF
Locations: Quezon City, San Juan, and Taguig
Must-tries: Roastbeef Burger and Rice Meal, Chicken Burger and Rice Meal, and Truffle Yolk + Bacon.
Photo from Break FF
Break Fast Food was started in October 2021 by Chef Christine Cruz, Chad Turingan, and Frederick Dimas. Through Chef Christineโs vegan creations, the group wanted to show that people can still enjoy their fast food favorites using purely plant-based ingredients. Today, Break Fast Food has locations in Quezon City and San Juan, and a cloud kitchen (pickup and delivery) in Taguig. Their hope is that they can continue to grow and keep serving delicious and creative vegan food for years to come.
Falafel Yo!
Locations: Uptown Mall BGC, SM North Edsa, and Alabang Town Center
Must-try: The Original Falafel Yo!
Photo from Falafel Yo!
Falafel Yo! is owned and operated by IFCI, a Filipino-Israeli corporation specializing in the importation and development of food and retail concepts in Manila. It was founded by an Israeli family who migrated to the Philippines in 2011 so you know you’ll be getting pure authenticity. The family sought to satisfy their hunger for creation and innovation and opened their first branch at Greenbelt Mall in 2017 before expanding and opening more branches. They aim to share authentic Israeli food with Filipinos โ quality food that is unique, rich in flavors, and fulfilling. To do this, all of their sauces and mixtures are their own creations, created after years of R&D, tasting, and consulting with different Israeli chefs. Definitely a must-try!
Green Bar
Must-tries: Barbacoa Street Tacos, Breakfast Burrito, BBQ Seitan Rice Bowl, Gyro Fries and Nachos, and Gourmet Donuts.
Photo from Green Bar
Green Bar was founded by vegan sisters, Jaderani and Sarada Santos, in 2014. With their love for animals, the planet, and food from a young age; the sisters were inspired early on to pursue a career harmonious with that love. Inspired by their roots in Southern California and the Philippines, each dish is thoughtfully created from family recipes focusing on bold, flavorful, and satisfying plant-based dishes. They take complete pride in making all of their own plant-based โmeatsโ, โcheesesโ, sauces, and sweets in-house and from scratch.
Hummus Elijah
Locations: Makati, BGC, and Alabang
Must-tries: Hummus Elijah and Falafel Shakshuka
Photo from Hummus Elijah
Hummus Elijah was established in 2015 in the home kitchen of Chef Elijah who decided to bring the authentic taste of hummus from the Middle East into the Philippines. In the Middle East, hummus is actually a main dish and not a side dish as in some other countries – and this is what Elijahโs vision was. For vegetarians, this is a delicious choice and they’ve got other vegetarian options available as well.
Korea Garden Restaurant
Location: Makati
Must-tries: Pajeon, Bibim Guksu, Dubuchim, Curry Noodles, and Choplet.
Photo from Korea Garden Restaurant’s Facebook page
Kim Chung Ae, a Korean citizen who left home to get married to a Filipino soldier, often experienced homesickness and took to cooking authentic Korean dishes as a way to cope with it. Thus, in 1974, Korea Garden was opened to the public. If someone is craving Korean food and you’re looking for delicious vegetarian dishes to eat, this restaurant is a great choice to satisfy your belly.
Little India
Location: Quezon City
Must-tries: Thali, Samosa, Paneer Dosa, Palak Paneer, Mushroom mutter Masala, Veggie Meat Korma, Veggie Chicken Tikka Biryani, and Cheese Naan.
Photo from Little India
Little India Healthy Cuisine is a sole proprietorship business entity that operated in Los Baรฑos, Laguna in 2013 and was later opened in Quezon City. They offer pure authentic Indian vegetarian and vegan home-made style plant-based dishes. Known for their unique preparation and a great blend of natural herbs and spices, they also avoid using any artificial or chemical colors, flavors, preservatives, and additives. Little India Healthy Cuisine is the ideal place not only for vegans and vegetarians but also for those who are looking for an authentic Indian homemade experience.
Pizza Plant
Locations: San Juan, Katipunan, and Makati
Must-tries: Garlic Confit with Herb Puree Pizza and Wild Mushroom with Onion Marmalade.
Photo from Pizza Plant
From the makers of Go! Salads; Pizza Plant PH was founded in May 2021, taking pride in its commitment to serving cruelty-free, superior quality, sourdough vegan pizza. They’ve proven that you no longer have to reserve pizza for cheat days because their pizzas are completely dairy-free, meat-free, and plant-based. What’s more, their pizza doughs use a natural sourdough starter fermented for two to three hours for maximum flavor. This helps them achieve a pillowy soft, chewy crust and a crispy bottom. The vegan cheese used in their toppings and stuffed crust are also made from scratch by their sister brand Plant Creamery.
All of Pizza Plant’s pizzas are best paired with their signature Spicy Bee-Friendly Honey, which is made from fruit juices and natural sweeteners that you can drizzle onto your pizzas to your liking. This October, look forward to Pizza Plant’s launch of their new collaboration flavors with Beyond Meat and Omni Luncheon: Hawaiian Spam and Supreme Pizzas.
Shaka
Location: BGC
Must-tries: Bom dia, Mushroom Stroganoff, Big Breakfast, Sloppy Jose, Pad Thai, BBQ Smokey Nachos, Iced Shaka Latte, Berry Good Nice, and Tropoloco.
Photo from Shaka’s Facebook page
Shaka was first introduced in Siargao but is now in BGC as well – and they’re all about wholesome plant-based food. Since they believe that there’s no need to sacrifice the taste of your meal in order to live healthily, they make sure that their menu is packed with flavor and nutrients – without junk. If you’re looking for a place to eat that will help you eat more mindfully and still enjoy your meals, this is the perfect place for you.
What’s your favorite place to eat vegetarian dishes in Manila? Let us know in the comments section!
Got any products youโd like us to feature? Email me at angeline.wheninmanila@gmail.com or send me a direct message atย When in Manila Angeline on Facebook. Interact with the team and join the WhenInManila.com Community atย WIM Squad!ย Join our WhenInManila.com community on Viber, as well!