The Rising Tide of Veganism and Vegetarianism in Manila
When it comes to Filipino cuisine, many dishes feature sweet and savory pork or chicken, leading many travelers, long-term residents, and students to feel like they’re ‘lacking vegetables.’ However, in recent years, particularly around Makati and Poblacion within Metro Manila, a plethora of creative vegan restaurants has emerged, catering to health-conscious locals and those with dietary restrictions (Halal, vegan, etc.).
These establishments go beyond mere ‘meat substitutes,’ brilliantly recreating local favorites like sisig and caldereta using 100% plant-based ingredients, while others are long-standing eateries loved for decades in the world’s oldest Chinatown. The culinary landscape is diverse. This article carefully selects 5 must-visit vegan and vegetarian-friendly spots in Manila, offering an in-depth guide on everything from peak hours to ordering tips.
iVegan Cafe Restaurant
📍 Address: Unit No. 106 Plaza 100 VA Rufino, Corner Dela Rosa Street, Legazpi Village, Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines
Tucked away in Legazpi Village, Makati’s business hub, ‘iVegan Cafe Restaurant’ is a highly regarded establishment credited with elevating Manila’s vegan scene. Located in the basement of a building, its ‘hideaway’ atmosphere offers a relaxing escape from the urban hustle above, making it highly popular among long-term residents and expatriates.
Its greatest appeal lies in the extensive menu. Beyond Filipino dishes, it offers a wide range of plant-based options from Japanese, Italian, to Vietnamese cuisine. Among these, ‘Gyoza and Fried Rice’ are frequently ordered by regulars. The richness and satisfaction are so profound, it’s hard to believe there’s no meat, making it a strong ally for students and travelers who tend to lack vegetables.
Moreover, the carefully crafted cafe menu is also superb, featuring dishes like ‘Roasted Mushroom Basil Soup’ and ‘Goji Berry Smoothie,’ which is great for beauty. If you aim to visit during the idle hours between 3 PM and 5 PM, you can enjoy a meal or work on your laptop leisurely in a relatively quiet setting. This is a top spot to visit when you want to give your digestive system a break during your stay in Manila.
Greenery Kitchen
📍 Address: 2078 E Pascua, Makati City, 1204 Metro Manila, Philippines
‘Greenery Kitchen’ consistently receives rave reviews from locals and travelers alike, hailed as ‘the best vegan food in Manila.’ It brilliantly recreates traditional Filipino local dishes using 100% plant-based ingredients. The small interior is filled with a cozy, vibrant atmosphere, and the warm, friendly service from owner Edil truly impresses visitors.
Must-try dishes include ‘Sisig’ served on a sizzling hot plate, the rich peanut-sauce ‘Kare-Kare,’ and the flavorful ‘Bicol Express’ with its creamy coconut milk base. These dishes pack such a punch and umami that even meat-loving friends exclaim they ‘don’t feel like anything is missing.’ Furthermore, their flexibility in offering Oriental Vegan options, omitting the five pungent vegetables (such as green onions and garlic), is a highly appreciated point for those with dietary restrictions (Halal, vegan, etc.).
Since the restaurant is small, it tends to get full during lunch peak hours. For guaranteed entry, it’s recommended to go right after opening or use a clever trick like GrabFood or other delivery services.
Cosmic Poblacion, Makati – A Vegan Restaurant & Cafe
📍 Address: 4F, 4980 P. Guanzon, Poblacion, Makati City, 1210 Metro Manila, Philippines
‘Cosmic,’ located in Poblacion, the heart of Makati’s nightlife, features a cool, tranquil, cave-like interior. As a pioneer in elevating Filipino national dishes to vegan status, it bustles daily with a diverse international crowd. Being on the 4th floor of a building makes it a bit hard to find, but its hidden gem vibe sparks a sense of discovery.
The signature dishes here are undoubtedly the ‘Vegan Sisig’ and the crispy, pork-like ‘Bagnet.’ They achieve perfect textures using soy meat and seitan (wheat gluten), with an aromatic smoky flavor and exquisite seasoning that will keep you reaching for more. Filipino-style stir-fried noodles ‘Pancit’ and the mild, coconut-based ‘Laksa noodles’ are also highly popular.
A note of caution: mobile signal can be poor inside, and there’s no Wi-Fi, so locals treat it as a ‘digital detox’ spot to focus on food and conversation away from the internet. Additionally, a non-alcoholic bar called ‘Gnostic’ is on the same floor, offering the unique pleasure of enjoying exquisite mocktails and expanding your social circle after your meal.
Vege Select (formerly Quan Yin Chay)
📍 Address: 739 Ongpin St, Binondo, Manila, 1006 Metro Manila, Philippines
In Manila’s Binondo district, often called the world’s oldest Chinatown, ‘Vege Select’ (formerly known as ‘大自然素食 / Quan Yin Chay’) is a long-standing eatery that has been loved by locals for nearly 20 years. Located on Ongpin Street, bustling with local energy, it’s a valuable spot that preserves Taiwanese-style ‘su shi’ (vegetarian) culture.
The ordering style is a ‘carinderia’ (local eatery) format where you point to select from a variety of side dishes. A combo set with rice and three side dishes is incredibly affordable, maintaining reasonable prices even as Manila’s cost of living rises. For long-term residents and students, it’s a reliable friend on days they want a break from cooking.
Highly recommended are the ‘Xiao Long Bao,’ which are more affordable than in other Chinese restaurants, ‘Radish Cake’ (Kiampong), and the hearty ‘Lomi Soup.’ While the interior has a slightly bustling, full-of-local-flavor atmosphere, that’s the true essence of the Binondo district. Even if you’re not proficient in English or Tagalog, you can easily order by pointing, making it a great spot for solo travelers to casually drop by.
Planted Bodega
📍 Address: 1162 Bocobo St, Ermita, Manila, 1000 Metro Manila, Philippines
Located in the Ermita district of Old Manila, ‘Planted Bodega’ is gaining attention as a valuable option for enjoying casual vegan food in central Manila. With only about 15 seats, the compact and clean interior is filled with an experimental energy for new culinary styles.
The menu is perfect when you’re craving hearty, ‘junk food’ flavors, featuring items like the ‘Smokehouse BBQ Burger’ with a plant-based patty and ‘Chili Cheese Fries.’ The ‘Grilled Cheese Sandwich’ with garlic, onions, and broccoli is also well-received.
While some local reviews mention inconsistencies in operations, such as rice cooking quality, it’s an oasis for travelers staying in hotels around Ermita. Besides dining in, a smart way to use it is to order via delivery apps like GrabFood and enjoy it as a late-night meal at your hotel. Payment is mainly cash, so be sure to bring small peso bills when you visit.
Summary: Tips for Conquering Vegan Dining in Manila
Metro Manila is dotted with excellent establishments that masterfully blend traditional Filipino food culture with veganism. Particularly around Makati, high-quality restaurants are concentrated, and each spot is characterized by a flavor and punch so satisfying that you’ll forget it’s ‘meat-free.’
Traffic in Manila is notoriously heavy, so allowing ample time for daytime travel is essential. To avoid peak hour crowds, it’s common knowledge among long-term residents to make full use of food delivery apps like GrabFood and Foodpanda. For those conscious of their health or who want to enjoy local food without the heavy feeling, be sure to incorporate the vegan restaurants introduced in this article into your travel plans.
