Abstaining from meat this lenten season isn’t so hard to do thanks to these vegan restaurants.
The season of Lent is a time of fasting and abstinence, which means that many make it a point to stay away from meat when they eat. It can be a lot easier said than done, especially for those who are carnivores at heart.
While abstaining can feel like a sacrifice, it doesn’t have to be a very difficult and unpleasant experience. In fact, abstaining from meat can be an opportunity for you to explore and try out other options, particularly plant-based food. Who knows? You might even really enjoy it.
If this is something you’re ready to explore for Lent, here are some vegan restaurants with deliciously delightful food that will help you forget about meat.
Corner Tree Cafe
Considered one of the pioneers of plant-based food here in the country, Corner Tree Cafe serves both vegan and non-vegan options to its diners. Located along the busy Jupiter Street in Makati, it serves as a calm respite to all the hustle and bustle just outside its doors.
Its menu offers a wide range of options diners can choose from, including their falafel sandwich, Thai vegetable curry, and Indian cauliflower fritters known as pakoras. There’s always room for dessert, so don’t forget to have a slice of vegan chocolate cake or vegan carrot cake.
Cosmic
With two locations in Metro Manila and one in Siargao, Cosmic has become one of the go-to vegan restaurants in the country. While it started out as a vegetarian restaurant when it first opened its doors in 2018, it eventually transitioned to being 100% vegan in 2022.
Cosmic’s menu is proof that vegan food can be familiar and not intimidating, even to those who cannot imagine classic Filipino food without meat. Its silog meals, sisig with bagnet, and kare-kare with bagnet are textbook Filipino comfort food with a vegan twist that make you forget that you’re not eating pork or beef.
Green Bar
Founded in 2014 by sisters Jaderani and Sarada Santos, who are vegans themselves, Green Bar is actually a restaurant, cafe, and bar all at the same time. According to its official website, Green Bar takes heavy inspiration from Southern California living as well as holiday comfort food.
A standout on their menu are actually the gourmet donuts, which goes to show that indulgence can be made healthy too. There’s a wide variety of flavors to choose from, such as the original glazed, boston cream filled, matcha oreo, and ube macapuno. There is also a spin on maple bacon that substitutes coconut for bacon.
Greenery Kitchen
Another vegan restaurant that puts a spin on much-loved timeless Filipino dishes is Greenery Kitchen. From adobo and sisig to sinigang and nilaga, its offerings will strike as very familiar, but they will definitely surprise you in a good way at the same time.
Greenery Kitchen also makes it easy for you to enjoy vegan food with other people thanks to its food trays. These trays are good for four to fifteen people, making them a perfect option for family gatherings and potluck parties.
Banner photo by Maddi Bazzocco via Unsplash.
