Filipino food is typically meat-centric, with chicken, pork, and beef playing major roles in most dishes. However, plant-based diets are becoming increasingly popular, and Filipino cuisine has a variety of dishes that are not only delicious but also vegan and vegetarian-friendly.
A well-known vegan dish is Gata na Kalabasa, a squash dish cooked in coconut milk. It’s creamy, comforting, and typically spiced with a bit of garlic and onions. Many people opt to add green beans, eggplant, or even mushrooms for added texture, making it a filling dish for vegans and vegetarians alike.
Vegetarians will enjoy the Tortang Talong, a Filipino-style eggplant omelet. The eggplant is roasted, peeled, and mashed before being mixed with eggs and seasonings, then fried to perfection. This dish is often served with rice and a side of vinegar for a tangy contrast.
For those seeking something more indulgent, Pancit Malabon can be made vegetarian by replacing shrimp with tofu or seitan, while keeping the hearty noodles and flavorful sauce intact. The dish is well-seasoned with shrimp paste, but a vegan version can simply swap it with fermented soybeans or mushroom-based sauces.
Tokwa’t Baboy, a popular Filipino appetizer made of fried tofu and boiled pork, can be made entirely vegan by substituting the pork with more tofu or tempeh. Served with a soy-based vinegar dipping sauce, this dish can easily satisfy those looking for a satisfying savory bite.
A truly unique Filipino dish is Binagoongan. Traditionally made with pork and shrimp paste, this can be adapted to vegan or vegetarian diets by replacing the pork with mushrooms or eggplant, and using vegan shrimp paste or miso for the umami kick.
Filipino cuisine, rich in spices and coconut-based ingredients, is a wonderful playground for those on plant-based diets. Whether you’re looking for a hearty stew or a light appetizer, Filipino dishes have something to offer everyone.