7 Vegan-Friendly Spots to Try This World Vegan Day

Being vegan isn’t just a simple choice in diet. 

One of my best friends ever since Grade 7 is vegan, and in a way, I credit her for my deep love of tofu today. Whenever she’d come over, I would coordinate with our helper, Ate Julie, making sure every dish prepared had no animal products in it. I even made sure to eat the exact same thing she was eating.

When I asked her what she meant when she said being vegan isn’t just about food, she explained that it was truly about intentionally shaping your entire lifestyle.

Having known her for all these years, I’ve gotten to see firsthand how delicious and surprisingly accessible plant-based eating can be. 

In the spirit of World Vegan Day, here are 7 restaurants that are either vegan-friendly or entirely plant-based, perfect for long-time vegans, curious eaters, and everyone in between!

1. Little India Vegetarian & Vegan Resto

Starting this list is a place I am officially done gatekeeping.

Little India Vegetarian & Vegan Resto is one of the many restaurants my friend brought me to where I absolutely loved the food. If there’s one foreign cuisine I wish I ate more of, it would hands down be Indian. She and I both agree that this restaurant is one of our favorites.

I can personally vouch for how incredibly rich and well-spiced their dishes are. Indian cuisine naturally excels at plant-based food, and Little India does it justice with hearty curries, freshly baked naan options, and vibrant flavors that make you forget you’re eating meat-free.

The cherry on top? They’re on the more affordable side! I think a lot of people view lifestyle choices like being vegan as not only inconvenient, but pricey (and I personally blame stores like Healthy Options for that perception). But restaurants like Little India are the true saving grace.

Little India Vegetarian & Vegan Resto is located at 19A Malingap St., Teachers Village West, Diliman, Quezon City.

2. Good Food Sundays

Good Food Sundays is more than just a place to eat. It’s a lively Sunday market gathering sustainable vendors, artisan food makers, and eco-conscious shoppers. Think of it as the ultimate spot to grab delicious vegan meals, fresh local produce, and unique plant-based snacks while supporting small, local businesses.

Definitely drop by if you’re someone who cares about uplifting independent, locally owned businesses, sourcing seasonal produce directly from farmers, and keeping animals off your plate.  

Good Food Sundays is located at Mandala Park, Shaw Blvd, Pleasant Hills, Mandaluyong City.

3. The Vegetarian Kitchen

This is one of my friend’s favorite food spots to order from. 

The Vegetarian Kitchen has been around for nearly 30 years. You can make the argument that they are one of the true pioneers in local plant-based dining. Known for serving wholesome, family-style vegetarian and vegan meals, they excel at turning classic comfort foods into nostalgic delights. From familiar Filipino staples to international favorite plates, their offerings prove that choosing plant-based food never means sacrificing hearty, satisfying flavors. 

Their menu features impressive vegan takes on traditional Pinoy dishes, such as their quinoa longganisaLongganisaA Filipino sausage with a wide range of regional styles, from the sweet, garlicky hamonado of Pampanga to the tangy, garlicky longganisa of Vigan and Lucban. Usually pan-fried until caramelized,Go to Longganisa Glossary served with a vegetable-tofu egg, vegan lengua smothered in rich mushroom sauce, and a savory tofu, mushroom, and red bean sisig. Beyond local comfort food, they also offer international favorites like Chaesig bibimbap, Korean spareribs, and spaghetti with meatless meatballs.

The Vegetarian Kitchen is located at 62 B Mother Ignacia Ave, Diliman, Quezon City.

4. Pho Hoa and My Thai

I’ve eaten at Pho Hoa and My Thai with my friend twice: the first time was before a BTS concert, and the second was while we were waiting to watch the Barbie movie!

I thought it was important to include a widely available restaurant chain on this list. Eating out as a vegan or with vegan friends can sometimes feel restrictive, so having go-to places like Pho Hoa and My Thai in almost every mall makes dining out effortless.

While their menu isn’t exclusively vegetarian or vegan, they offer really solid plant-based options like veggie pho, tofu stir-fries, and fresh spring rolls. Highlights to try include the Pho Cay (spicy vegetarian pho), Chien Dau Hu (breaded tofu with minced mushroom sauce), and Dau Phu Gion (crispy beancurd with sesame soy dressing).

5. Through Habit Store & Cafe

Combining a plant-based café experience with a low-waste store, Through Habit embodies the idea that veganism is a holistic lifestyle. It’s a wonderful space to grab a plant-based coffee, enjoy a light meal, and pick up eco-friendly essentials for your home.

Their menu features really creative comfort food. While you’ll find classic local favorites like tofu sisig and kare-kare, they also serve unique creations like their Greenwich Sandwich, “orange chicken” made from oyster mushrooms, and a creamy mac & cheese made with coconut cream sauce, cashew mozzarella, and mushroom bacon.

Through Habit Store & Cafe is located at 745 Aurora Blvd, Quezon City.

6. Gnostic

Set against the edgy yet upbeat backdrop of “the mundane meets the mystical,” Gnostic takes a fresh approach to plant-based dining. Proclaiming themselves as the first vegan and non-alcoholic sober bar & cafe in the Philippines, they offer a space where you can enjoy carefully crafted zero-proof cocktails, botanical drinks, and plant-based dishes without compromising on atmosphere. It’s the perfect spot if you’re looking for a conscious night out that leaves you feeling fully nourished.

Some interesting highlights from their menu are the Seacharon (crispy, deep-fried nori sheets served with their in-house vinegar), vegan laksa mein, and their new vegan custard egg pie.

Gnostic is located at 4th Floor, 4980 P. Guanzon, Poblacion, Makati City.

7. Wabi Sabi Noodle House

Let’s end on one of my absolute personal favorites! Just like Little India, Wabi Sabi is a place where I can comfortably bring non-vegan friends without any hesitation, and I’ve already done just that! I’ve only ever eaten at their Tomas Morato branch, but they do have a branch in Makati. 

Their vegetarian and vegan Asian-inspired menu is full of rich and flavorful options that even die-hard meat lovers walk away completely satisfied.

If I had an unlimited budget and stomach space, I would go all out and order the Tantanmen Ramen (rich sesame paste, veggie broth, minced veg meat, and greens), the Viet Pho, the Veggie Unagi, and the Okonomigyoza.

Wabi Sabi Noodle House is located at 305 Pos Bldg., Sct.Madriñan, Tomas Morato Ave, Quezon City.

Eating Vegan Means Mindful Eating

At the end of the day, it’s not strictly about labeling yourself as vegan. Something my friend wanted to emphasize is that it’s really about being mindful and conscious of where your food comes from, how it’s made, and the impact of the choices on our plates. 

Whether you’re fully plant-based or just trying out a meal a week, every conscious choice matters.

Laura Mendoza Writer

Laura admits that she is a slow eater. She prefers to take her time with the food she likes to eat and the stories she wishes to write. Having graduated with a Creative Writing degree, she comes from a background in writing fiction and poetry. Because of this, she has set herself on a creative mission to explore and delve into what other modes and channels exist for stories and narratives to be told, expressed, and shared with others. For Laura, food as a medium is an exciting proposition. Behind every dish, every ingredient, and every cooking technique, there lies a history worth discussing, a human being worth listening to, a lived experience worth gleaning from. As a means to satiate her appetite for learning about and understanding new and known things, she aims to be the kind of food writer who is approachable, reliable, and personable to readers.

See Full Bio

Frequently Asked Questions

What does being vegan mean?

At its core, veganism is a philosophy and lifestyle that seeks to exclude as far as is possible and practicable all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing, or any other purpose.

Laura Mendoza Writer

Laura admits that she is a slow eater. She prefers to take her time with the food she likes to eat and the stories she wishes to write. Having graduated with a Creative Writing degree, she comes from a background in writing fiction and poetry. Because of this, she has set herself on a creative mission to explore and delve into what other modes and channels exist for stories and narratives to be told, expressed, and shared with others. For Laura, food as a medium is an exciting proposition. Behind every dish, every ingredient, and every cooking technique, there lies a history worth discussing, a human being worth listening to, a lived experience worth gleaning from. As a means to satiate her appetite for learning about and understanding new and known things, she aims to be the kind of food writer who is approachable, reliable, and personable to readers.

See Full Bio

Is being vegan just about choosing what to eat?

No, being vegan isn’t just a simple choice in diet; it is about intentionally shaping your entire lifestyle, being mindful of where your food comes from, how it’s made, and the impact of the choices on our plates.

Laura Mendoza Writer

Laura admits that she is a slow eater. She prefers to take her time with the food she likes to eat and the stories she wishes to write. Having graduated with a Creative Writing degree, she comes from a background in writing fiction and poetry. Because of this, she has set herself on a creative mission to explore and delve into what other modes and channels exist for stories and narratives to be told, expressed, and shared with others. For Laura, food as a medium is an exciting proposition. Behind every dish, every ingredient, and every cooking technique, there lies a history worth discussing, a human being worth listening to, a lived experience worth gleaning from. As a means to satiate her appetite for learning about and understanding new and known things, she aims to be the kind of food writer who is approachable, reliable, and personable to readers.

See Full Bio

Are there any restaurants that make vegan Filipino food?

Yes. The Vegetarian Kitchen has been around for nearly 30 years as a pioneer in local plant-based dining, serving family-style comfort food like quinoa longganisa, vegan lengua, and tofu, mushroom, and red bean sisig.

Laura Mendoza Writer

Laura admits that she is a slow eater. She prefers to take her time with the food she likes to eat and the stories she wishes to write. Having graduated with a Creative Writing degree, she comes from a background in writing fiction and poetry. Because of this, she has set herself on a creative mission to explore and delve into what other modes and channels exist for stories and narratives to be told, expressed, and shared with others. For Laura, food as a medium is an exciting proposition. Behind every dish, every ingredient, and every cooking technique, there lies a history worth discussing, a human being worth listening to, a lived experience worth gleaning from. As a means to satiate her appetite for learning about and understanding new and known things, she aims to be the kind of food writer who is approachable, reliable, and personable to readers.

See Full Bio

Does Pho Hoa and My Thai exclusively serve vegan food?

No, their menus are not exclusively vegetarian or vegan, but they offer solid plant-based options like veggie pho, tofu stir-fries, and fresh spring rolls across their widely available mall locations.

Laura Mendoza Writer

Laura admits that she is a slow eater. She prefers to take her time with the food she likes to eat and the stories she wishes to write. Having graduated with a Creative Writing degree, she comes from a background in writing fiction and poetry. Because of this, she has set herself on a creative mission to explore and delve into what other modes and channels exist for stories and narratives to be told, expressed, and shared with others. For Laura, food as a medium is an exciting proposition. Behind every dish, every ingredient, and every cooking technique, there lies a history worth discussing, a human being worth listening to, a lived experience worth gleaning from. As a means to satiate her appetite for learning about and understanding new and known things, she aims to be the kind of food writer who is approachable, reliable, and personable to readers.

See Full Bio

Are there any bars or cafes that are vegan friendly?

Yes. Gnostic is proclaimed as the first vegan and non-alcoholic sober bar and cafe in the Philippines, offering zero-proof cocktails, botanical drinks, and plant-based dishes.

There’s also Through Habit Store & Cafe, which combines a plant-based cafe experience with a low-waste store, serving creative comfort foods like “orange chicken” made from oyster mushrooms, plant-based pizza, and cashew-mozzarella mac & cheese alongside eco-friendly home essentials.

Laura Mendoza Writer

Laura admits that she is a slow eater. She prefers to take her time with the food she likes to eat and the stories she wishes to write. Having graduated with a Creative Writing degree, she comes from a background in writing fiction and poetry. Because of this, she has set herself on a creative mission to explore and delve into what other modes and channels exist for stories and narratives to be told, expressed, and shared with others. For Laura, food as a medium is an exciting proposition. Behind every dish, every ingredient, and every cooking technique, there lies a history worth discussing, a human being worth listening to, a lived experience worth gleaning from. As a means to satiate her appetite for learning about and understanding new and known things, she aims to be the kind of food writer who is approachable, reliable, and personable to readers.

See Full Bio