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 8625
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 1773
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: @mexicaliphilippines
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 6655
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!
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!
