Vegetarians' top 10 faves

Not too long ago, vegetarian options in the Philippines were limited.  When I was in college (again, not too long ago — ha!), my selection for meatless dishes in the cafeteria was narrowed down to the indulgent yet noxious french fries.  And so, I found myself having to trek across the road to a then-existing Subway and order my six-inch veggie delite sandwich.  

Today, many things have changed in the country’s culinary scene. More and more vegetarian restaurants are cropping up, and most restaurants now have vegetarian options on their menu. Gone are the days when I’d lament over dismal side vegetable dishes in restaurants — dining out has once again become a pleasurable experience for me. I share many of my food-tasting adventures with my veggie BFF Isabel Roces and our friends from PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals). Just because we don’t eat meat doesn’t mean we don’t take our food seriously. 

Whether you’re a vegetarian who wants to try new and exciting meat-free dishes, or someone who’s been wanting to eat a healthier diet, look no further. PETA has put together a list of restaurants that are sure to rock your taste buds.

1. HAPILIFE HEALTHY FOOD CORNER, West Tapinac, Olongapo City

Tucked away in the quiet streets of Olongapo is a little gem of a restaurant combining great food and great service, all at very reasonable prices. 

The range of tempting options includes vegetarian “steak,” “tuna,” “drumstick,” and “roast duck” mock-meat combo meals; meat- and dairy-free versions of traditional Filipino fare, including adobo, sisig, pancit miki, and misua soup; and detoxifying fresh fruit and vegetable juices.

2. GREENS CAFÉ AND RESTAURANT, Scout Castor, Quezon City

A visit to Greens Café and Restaurant, located in the heart of Quezon City, is a truly memorable experience.

It’s hard to say if it’s the tempting traditional sisig and embutido dishes or the mouthwatering modern viands like the clubhouse sandwich and the various veggie burgers that make this restaurant so memorable, but one thing is certain: The vegan chocolate cake is an astounding taste experience that is guaranteed to be the subject of daydreams for weeks to come.

3. MANDALA SPA, Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan

With a focus on health, rejuvenation, and a relaxing atmosphere, the Mandala Spa in Boracay is the place to go when you really want to get away from it all. In keeping with its focus on health, the spa has a completely vegetarian restaurant that serves a classic cuisine that’s filling yet nutritionally balanced.

Try the pan-fried tofu — which is served stir-fry-style with beans, asparagus, pechay, and sprouts, and topped with peanut sauce and crushed peanuts — and the phad Thai (without the egg), which is topped with a sweet tamarind-based sauce and spring onions.

Finish off the meal with a light dessert of scrumptious apple crumble.

4. BLISS CAFÉ, Baguio City

Bliss Café always seems to be crowded with friendly people, perhaps due to its peaceful atmosphere and convenient location.

The menu has something for everyone — from traditional Pinoy fare and merienda to international cuisine that will give you a taste of every place in the world, from Seoul and Tokyo to Zurich and Mexico.

The best dish is the “energetic embutido,” which can be made vegan by opting for no cheese — even omnivores swear it tastes better than the real thing.

They even have an all-day brunch, including the vegetarian classic of scrambled tofu with soy sausage.

5. DAILY VEGGIE N’ CAFE, Quezon City

In the bustling streets of Quezon City lies a vegetarian haven called Daily Veggie N’ Café. 

If you love the taste of meat but would rather not get it from a cholesterol-laden animal — or if you’re eating with non-vegetarians and want to introduce them to flavorful and fabulous flesh-free fare — this could be the place for you.

Try the curry (on its own or with noodles) and the sweet-and-sour nuggets, and the sizzling fillet, which is so fish-like that it’s almost scary — the seaweed looks and tastes like fish skin.

6. THE FARM, San Benito, Batangas

The restaurant at The Farm spa and resort offers extensive raw lunch and dinner buffets (don’t let the “raw” factor scare you, this raw food is actually delicious).

The elegant cuisine — made entirely from fresh fruits, vegetables, grains, and seeds cooked at low temperature to retain their nutritional value — will tempt your eyes and satisfy your palate.

Amazingly creamy yet dairy-free pastas, rich soups, tangy stir-fries, and fresh salads blanket the buffet tables.

7. IMA’S GULAY BAR, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan

The menu at Ima’s Gulay Bar boasts such a wide variety of dishes it’s hard to choose!

From Mexican burritos, pizza, and jambalaya to fresh salads, filling soups, and a variety of sandwiches and vegetarian burgers, whatever you’re craving, you’ll find it at Ima’s!

Try the spicy bean burger, curried tofu sandwich or sausage fajitas (just hold the cheese and sour cream).

If you’re in the mood for something different, try the spicy okra and mango pasta.

Cap your meal by sipping an exotic shake in soy coffee, carob, ginger, or fruit flavors.

8. CORNER TREE CAFÉ, Jupiter Street, Makati

This small café along Jupiter street has a homey feel, and comforting and very healthy food.

Choose from the extensive menu of filling soups, fresh salads, and wholesome mains like stews, burgers, ethnic cuisine, and pastas.

They even have a Filipino dish of the month.

Start off the meal by sharing the starter plate — a combination of Egyptian dukka and white bean hummus served with chunks of whole wheat bread and vegetable sticks.

The tofu walnut burger, which is served with sweet potato fries or an organic green salad, is an absolute must-try.

9. AZOTEA GREENS, Baguio City

This quaint small café serves extremely reasonably-priced vegetarian Filipino dishes that will give you a true taste of Baguio without all the cholesterol and animal cruelty.

Sample adobo, afritada, nilaga, kaldereta, ginataan, and their best-seller, mushroom sisig.

It also sells a selection of frozen mock meats, soy milk, cruelty-free body care products from Human Nature, and dairy- and egg-free cookies from Love Bites.

10. BODHI (also known as Evergreen), SM Cubao, SM North EDSA, SM Megamall, SM South Mall, SM City Manila, SM Makati

If you’re craving traditional Pinoy food, head to your nearest Bodhi stall.

Fortunately, they’re easy to find, too, with stalls in many Metro Manila malls.

And the best news yet, meals can’t get more affordable!  Try vegetarian versions of Pinoy dishes like kare-kare, menudo, and afritada.

Pure and simple, Bodhi’s mock meats have it all over the “real thing.”

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For more information on PETA, go to www.PETAAsiaPacific.com.

E-mail me at eatyourtofu@yahoo.com.