Holy Week in the Philippines is a religiously celebrated event. There are certain traditions and practices that Catholic Filipinos comply with during this time of the year, one of which is abstaining from meat on Good Friday. Some would find this a big sacrifice, as meat is a staple in most dishes. Believe it or not, however, meat-free dishes are just as yummy and plenty of vegetarian restaurants in Metro Manila show this to be true. To help you achieve your lent sacrifice without neglecting your taste buds, check out these vegetarian restaurants in Metro Manila which offer meat-free vegetarian and vegan menus.
Where:Mezzanine Floor, West of Ayala, 252 Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati City.
Operating Hours:Monday to Sunday, 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Price range:PhP50 to PhP300
Green Bar is founded by vegan sisters Jaderani and Sarada Santos.
Images: Green Bar Cafe
At first glance, you might not believe that Green Bar’s range of food is meat-free but it is! As a matter of fact, their entire menu is vegan. Green Bar gained a reputation for their visually appetizing vegan gourmet donuts, but they are also known for their guilt-free take on popular snacks like burritos, tacos, and sandwiches. To fill in for meat, the restaurant uses seitan, a protein-rich meat substitute. Green Bar also offers healthy breakfast meals such as the breakfast burrito (PhP300), Chia fruit cup (PhP190), and blueberry ricotta pancakes (PhP300.) Some of the other food to try in this simple yet fresh restaurant are the Cuban Burrito (PhP280) and Hollywood Bowl (PhP350).
Operating Hours:Monday to Sunday, 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Price range:PhP65 to PhP455
Pipino was opened back in April 2010 in celebration of Earth Day.
Images: Pipino Website and Facebook Page
Located in Teachers Village, Pipino might seem simple in terms of their decor and interiors but the menu shows otherwise. Pipino offers meat-free alternatives to Filipino favorites such as kare-kare (stewed savory oxtail) and sisig (grilled pig ears), so you won’t have to completely give up on your all-time favorites. If you’re not in the mood for Filipino food, Pipino also offers its own meatless version of burgers such as the black bean burger (PhP275). Pipino’s menu also offers drinks made from fresh fruits and tea leaves, as well as light meals such as salads and soups that do not skimp on the flavors.
Where:#8 Missouri Street, Northeast Greenhills, San Juan City
Operating Hours:Monday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Price range:PhP85 to PhP280
Agico Vegetarian Cafe promises all-natural food with no artificial flavors.
Images: Agico Vegetarian Cafe Website
Agico Vegetarian Cafe strives to serve up meals that balance being healthful and yummy. Mostly inspired by Japanese cuisine, the dishes include full-on veggie sushi rolls like the crispy California maki (PhP248) made from mango, cucumber, carrot, and crisp on top. Meanwhile, ramen lovers might find it hard to believe that it is possible to have a bowl without meat, but Agico can prove them wrong. The restaurant Agico uses alternatives such as gluten or soy-based mock meat, mushrooms, and quinoa as alternatives instead so you can slurp that broth without feeling any guilt.
4. Daily Veggie n’ Cafe
Where:114 Sto. Domingo Ave., Quezon City
Operating Hours:Monday to Sunday, 10:30 AM to 8:30 PM
Price range:PhP50 to PhP280
The owners of Daily Veggie n’ Cafe are Buddhists and they incorporate their lifestyle into their menu.
Images: Daily Veggie and Cafe Facebook Page
If you’re crazy for veggies, Daily Veggie and Cafe will be your little slice of heaven. The restaurant’s humble interior resembles a typical home; the dishes also have a home cooked appeal that does not rely on fancy garnishes. Because of their wide variety of vegetable dishes, this quaint joint in Quezon City has been a go-to place for people avoiding meat. Some customer-recommended dishes include olive fried rice (PhP170) and veggie dumplings (PhP60).
Tomas Morato is has become a hub for foodies with adventurous taste buds over the years. Greens, which was established in 2001, has been the destination of many vegan foodies in the area. Upon arriving at the restaurant, you’ll see how they stay true to their name not just in terms of their food but also in their facade, with green walls surrounded by lush greenery. Some of the customer-recommended dishes include the veggie version of chicharon made from tofu (PhP130,) veggie sticks (PhP130,) and grilled mushrooms (PhP160).
Visit Yoorekka to find other vegetarian restaurants in Metro Manila!
You do not have to be miserable when you abstain from meat! Let these restaurants make your meat-free Holy Week a delicious one.
Prices may change without notice.
About Denisse Shawntel Tan
Denisse Tan is currently a work in progress: she’s an aspiring writer, artist, and fashion designer! She’s trying to figure out how to manage her time in achieving all of her goals while also taking in life as humanly possible. Aside from art, she’s a big fan of the color pink, disco music, Bratz dolls, and Genshin Impact. By age 35, she plans to travel to New York City 🗽.
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