Palawan Island in the Philippines is a world-renowned resort destination, famous for its emerald green seas and majestic karst mountains. While Filipino cuisine is often known for its seafood and meat-centric dishes, plant-based meals are rapidly gaining attention among tourists who wish to ‘enjoy Palawan’s culinary delights to the fullest, even as vegans or vegetarians,’ health-conscious locals, and even long-term residents and students.
This time, we’ve carefully selected five must-visit vegan and vegetarian restaurants and cafes in El Nido and Puerto Princesa. Beyond just healthy options, we’ll provide in-depth insights and real information on each spot’s unique charm, from menus that brilliantly recreate Filipino local food in vegan versions to exceptionally comfortable spaces where you can relax while enjoying breathtaking views.
Taste El Nido, 100% Plant-Based Cafe
📍 Address: 1028 Rizal St, El Nido, 5313 Palawan, Philippines
Located in the heart of El Nido town, ‘Taste El Nido’ is a highly popular cafe among tourists and health-conscious locals, advocating a sustainable lifestyle and 100% plant-based cuisine. Their tropical, colorful smoothie bowls (especially the ‘Smooth Red’ with strawberries and dragon fruit, and ‘Cool Blue’) are deliciously refreshing after exploring the hot island of Palawan.
A local menu item you absolutely must try here is the vegan version of ‘Tapa Silog,’ a traditional Filipino breakfast. Originally made with cured beef, garlic rice, and egg, their rendition impressively recreates the local taste and texture using only plant-based ingredients. The garlic rice is even acclaimed as one of the best in the Philippines. Other popular choices include the hearty and flavorful ‘High Protein Toast Sandwich’ and the ‘Banoffee Waffle,’ which guests often come back for.
The interior is cozy yet comfortable, with a relaxed seating style on the second floor where you take off your shoes and sit on floor cushions. Since it opens around 7 AM, it’s best to visit for a peaceful breakfast before island hopping. Note that it closes earlier than other establishments, so we recommend it for breakfast, brunch, or an early dinner rather than a late one.
Aubrie’s Plant-Based Vegan Cuisine
📍 Address: 2 TownSquare Blvd, El Nido, 5313 Palawan, Philippines
‘Aubrie’s Plant-Based Vegan Cuisine,’ located in El Nido’s TownSquare, is a restaurant where you can savor sophisticated vegan dishes while enjoying panoramic views of the sea and karst mountains. The interior features a modern, natural, and stylish decor with a pink theme, including Instagram-worthy swing seats downstairs. Its spacious two-story layout is popular among long-term visitors for its uncrowded and relaxed dining atmosphere.
The menu offers a wide array of choices, boasting high quality that even impresses non-vegan friends. Must-try dishes include the ‘Bourbon Burger’ and the ‘Banging Breakfast Burger,’ both featuring an explosion of umami from plant-based meat. The crispy ‘Lemongrass Fresh Spring Rolls (wraps)’ are also exquisite.
While prices are slightly higher than typical local eateries, the value is well justified considering the generous portion sizes, quality of food, and, most importantly, the prime location. The professional and friendly staff also contribute to its appeal, offering services such as refilling your water bottle if you order inside.
PLNT+HRVST
📍 Address: 6C58+8PW Lio beach, El Nido, Palawan, Philippines
Nestled away from the hustle and bustle of El Nido town, on Lio Beach—known for its beautiful sunsets—is ‘PLNT+HRVST.’ This cafe stands out for its environmentally conscious and sustainable practices, as well as its carefully curated menu, perfectly complementing the sophisticated tropical ambiance of Lio Beach.
A definite must-try when visiting here is the ‘Kare-Kare,’ a traditional Filipino stew. While typically made with beef or offal, PLNT+HRVST skillfully prepares it with vegetables and tofu, finished with a rich and flavorful peanut sauce. Furthermore, their smoky grilled mushrooms and tofu dish is so highly praised that many travelers exclaim it was ‘the most delicious thing they ate on their trip to the Philippines.’ For dessert, we recommend the blueberry coconut bowl packed with chia seeds and acai, or their homemade carrot and pineapple cake.
While service might take a little longer, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy the relaxed pace typical of a resort. Indulge in sustainable gourmet cuisine to your heart’s content in a modern yet relaxing atmosphere.
Grains Plant-based Cafe
📍 Address: 80 Roxas St, Puerto Princesa City, 5300 Palawan, Philippines
‘Grains Plant-based Cafe’ is an oasis for vegan cuisine in Puerto Princesa City, the provincial capital of Palawan, cherished by locals and digital nomads alike. Surrounded by minimalist and beautiful interiors, the cafe features paintings by local artists, creating a very warm and artistic space.
Their signature dish is the ‘Banh Mi,’ packed with smoky BBQ seitan (a plant-based meat alternative made from wheat gluten) and fresh vegetables on crispy bread. The ‘Meatball Pasta,’ simmered in homemade marinara sauce, also offers an incredibly satisfying experience, hard to believe it’s plant-based. However, pasta portions might feel a bit small, so if you’re very hungry, we recommend sharing additional hummus or salad.
On hot mornings or for brunch, a chilled Iced Spanish Latte, an oat milk Matcha Latte, and tropical smoothie bowls are perfect choices. The staff are very friendly and kindly provide information about nearby tourist spots, making it a comfortable cafe to visit even if you’re alone.
Ima’s Vegetarian Restaurant
📍 Address: 333 Rizal Avenue, San Miguel, Puerto Princesa City, 5300 Palawan, Philippines
‘Ima’s Vegetarian Restaurant’ is a hidden gem in Puerto Princesa, cherished by locals for many years. While its exterior might appear a bit dim and uninviting, step inside, and you’ll be welcomed by the warm smile of Ima (the owner, affectionately called ‘grandma’), creating a homely dining experience.
The biggest appeal of this restaurant is its exceptional cost-performance, with prices roughly one-third of what you’d find in vegan restaurants in Japan or Western countries. The menu boasts a wide variety of international dishes, including nutritious meals with tofu and tempeh (rare in the Philippines), and authentic Mexican dishes like burritos and quesadillas, prepared by the owner who has lived abroad. Other unique offerings include pizza and broccoli rice sets, and the ‘Spicy Okra and Mango Pasta’ with its distinctive flavor. For dessert, locals recommend finishing with ‘Halo-Halo,’ a famous Filipino cold treat.
While it can feel a bit warm during the day due to the lack of air conditioning, and dishes might take time to be served as they are carefully prepared upon order, these aspects only add to its charm, making you ‘want to return.’ It’s highly recommended for those looking to enjoy healthy meals for both body and mind while keeping to a budget.
Local Tips for Enjoying Vegan Cuisine in Palawan
Traditional Filipino culinary culture largely revolves around pork (lechon) and fresh seafood, making it challenging to find fully vegan or halal-compliant meals in local eateries (carinderias). However, in Palawan (especially El Nido and Puerto Princesa), influenced by global travelers and eco-conscious long-term residents, there’s a growing number of high-quality plant-based establishments like those we’ve introduced.
When ordering at local vegan restaurants, keep in mind that Filipino cafe and restaurant culture operates at a ‘slow pace.’ Many dishes are prepared with fresh ingredients only after being ordered, so it’s best to visit with a mindset to enjoy a relaxed resort time rather than when you’re in a hurry.
Furthermore, if you have dietary restrictions (such as halal or vegan), it’s crucial to clearly communicate your needs to the staff by saying, ‘No meat, No fish sauce (patis).’ The friendly people of Palawan will do their best to accommodate your requests. Surrounded by beautiful nature, be sure to experience Palawan’s new culinary scene, which is kind to both your body and the planet.
