Pipino Vegetarian Food by Pino: Delicious Comfort Foods Turned Vegan

 

  

 

When in Manila, take a ride to Katupunan and try some guilt-free comfort foods in one of the, or probably the, best vegan restaurant in town.  Hidden in the second floor of a beige building is Pipino Vegetarian Food by Pino – a restaurant that has creatively and tastefully added a vegan twist to your favorite comfort foods.  

 

 

Pipino Vegetarian Food by Pino has a beautiful airy atmosphere — with cream wooden tables evenly spaced out, clay brick walls that hang colorful photos and drawings, and a generous set of tall windows that brings in the bright sunlight.  Although I was already hungry when I got to Pipino, I spent a great number of minutes just walking around their cute & cozy place, enjoying their beautiful artworks.  

 

 

Even their menu board is creatively done!  (Wait ’til later, we haven’t gotten into the food yet!) 

 

 

While waiting for our orders, we got to taste their Pino Iced Tea.  This maple colored tea is indeed one of a kind! Believe it or not, Pipino Vegetarian Food by Pino brews their own tea and adds natural lime for a zesty flavor.. for a price of only Php 35!

 

 

Pipino has veered away from the cliches of vegetarian restaurants. Most of the vegetarian restaurants we know include tofu in all their dishes as a meat replacement, don’t they?  But not so with Pipino!  Take their Vegan Kare-Kare (Php 165) for example.  Their Vegan Kare-Kare, with the mix of different vegetables, is already delicious and filling in itself.  Its generous pile of vegetables is served on bagoong brown rice.  Healthy much?  And oh, even their bagoong is homemade.  Instead of using the usual fish or shrimp as the star ingredient, Pipino Vegetarian Food utilizes the saltiness of black beans.  Their Kare-Kare is a must try.  This is my personal fave. 

 

 

Who would have ever thought that inasal (grilled) is not limited to chicken anymore? Pipino Vegetarian Food’s Portabello Inasal (Php 260) is a healthy and refreshing alternative.  These smoky mushrooms balance well with the sourness of the ensaladang talong (mango and eggplant salsa) and the sweetness of the red beet puree.  Take them all in one bite! 

 

 

Two of my friends really loved their Banana Polenta with Asparagus Salad and Sundried Tomato Confit (Php 220).  At first, I thought it was simply a mashed pumpkin or potato that I would easily get tired of.  The first bite was warm and moist and sweet.  The second bite surprised me with the texture of little round pellets.  The third bite was a pleasant combination of both.  More bites followed after.  I guess I was wrong.  This is definitely a light and delightful dish — a perfect meal when you’re on a diet.

 

 

Imagine having a plate of lasagna without meat, cream and cheese.  Pipino has successfully concocted a Low-fat and Cheese-less Vegan Lasagna (Php 120) made of wheat pasta and layers of silken tofu, tomato sauce, eggplant, zucchini and malunggay.   I was surprised to see that they were able to pull it off.  It tastes almost the same as the real thing!

 

 

Pipino has a wide variety of desserts to choose from.  All their ice cream flavors, cookies and cupcakes are made in-house.  Like all the previous dishes, these too are vegan-inspired — none contains any trace of milk and butter.  

 

 

 

 

My friends and I tried Pipino Vegetarian Food’s Dark Chocolate Ice Cream, Coconut Ice Cream, Vanilla Graham and Oreo Ice Cream (clockwise from top left priced at Php 35 to 40 each). Each has a natural creaminess and sweetness to it.  I like the  coconut ice cream for its simple refreshing taste and the oreo ice cream for, well, having Oreo the most!  Of course I had to ask if they use the real Oreo and if Oreo is also vegan.  Amazingly, Pipino is using the real thing; and yes, Oreo is vegan!  What a guilt free ending to a guilt free meal!

 

 

So when in Manila, drop by Pipino Vegetarian Food by Pino for some delicious guilt-free comfort foods!

 

 

 

Pino Resto Bar
2nd Floor, 39 Malingap St., Teachers Village, Quezon City, Metro Manila

Telephone: +632 441-1773 
Email: pinorestobar@yahoo.com
Website: https://pinorestobar.com
Facebook: Pino Resto Bar

 

Open DAILY
Monday – Friday 11am – 2pm and 5pm+

Saturday – 11am until late

Sunday 11am – 10pm