The Philippines is an archipelago renowned for its beautiful beaches, world-class diving, and hospitable locals. It cannot compare to any other tropical paradise. But what is it like to live as a vegan in the Philippines?
Filipino Cuisine
Let’s start with a quick rundown of Filipino food. The Philippines has embraced and adopted international cuisine. When it comes to food, the Philippines has it all.
Filipino cuisine is a unique fusion of Chinese, Spanish, and Malay influences, as numerous people have migrated here over the centuries. Unfortunately, it is not known for its vegan offerings.
The Philippines has a reputation for being a meat-loving country, which is generally true. But do not despair just yet!
If you have read articles about vegan food in the Philippines, even those from three or five years ago, you have probably heard horror stories about how hard it is to go vegan.
Nonetheless, Filipinos are constantly looking for new experiences. Recently, the vegan movement has gained popularity throughout the country.
Veganism in the Philippines
The Philippines is undoubtedly one of the most conservative countries regarding veganism; Filipinos love meat and cannot live without white rice. Many people in the Philippines have probably never heard the term “vegan,” and the concept of a vegan scene in the Philippines is still in its infancy.
If you are vegan, you will find it challenging to live a completely vegan lifestyle in the Philippines. You and your family will have to do extensive research, explain to restaurant patrons, and frequently inquire if this contains fish sauce, shrimp paste, or other animal byproducts.
However, this does not mean that vegans cannot visit the Philippines! It’s pretty easy if you know where to look and are familiar with some traditional Filipino vegetable dishes. Here is some helpful advice on how you and your family can survive if you are all vegan and want to visit a tropical paradise like the Philippines.
What do vegans eat in the Philippines?
Nowadays, almost every traditional Filipino dish is also available in vegan form.
Especially in Manila and other major cities, you will find passionate vegan organizations and animal rights activists preaching the message of compassion for all animals. And a number of them have opened vegan restaurants.
According to Happy Cow, there are now 52 fully vegan and 110 lacto-ovo-vegetarian establishments in the country. While Metro Manila and Cebu have the highest concentration of vegetarian restaurants, each province has its dedicated vegan community.
Traveling as a vegan in the Philippines is now easier than ever. You don’t have to fear missing out on authentic Filipino cuisine.
To enhance your travel experience and find suitable accommodations, you can consider booking through trusted platforms like hotels.com, trip.com, or klook.com, which offer a wide range of options in the Philippines.
Granted, Filipino cuisine is not one of the most vegan-friendly cuisines in Southeast Asia. There are fewer naturally vegan foods than Thai, Vietnamese, or Malaysian cuisine.
And I will not claim that the Philippines, like Bali, is a vegan paradise.
However, with a few minor tweaks, it is possible to veganize any Filipino cuisine. While some vegan restaurants in the Philippines specialize in veganizing traditional Filipino dishes, others specialize in making international dishes vegan-friendly.
Check out this list of vegan products and stores in the Philippines.
Of course, no trip is complete without sampling the local street food. While most Filipino street food consists of grilled meat or fried seafood balls, traditional baked goods, and other specialties are inherently vegan.
Check out this list of vegan street foods in the Philippines.
Learn some Tagalog phrases vegans might need to use
English-speaking travelers will be relieved to learn that English is an official language in the Philippines, so you will not have to memorize vegan-friendly words – unlike Thailand, where being vegan can be tricky!
Nevertheless, it is a good idea to have Tagalog translations on hand if you need to eat in a remote area.
Is there meat in this dish? → Meron bang karne itong pagkain na ito?
I don’t eat meat, seafood, milk, and eggs. → Hindi ako kumakain ng karne, seafood, gatas at itlog.
Find Flights with WayAway
While you’ve already learned about the vegan scene and delicious plant-based options in the country, it’s essential to plan your journey right from the start.
Finding flights that align with your values and preferences can enhance your travel experience. Use the WayAway Search Flights widget below to find the perfect flights for your adventure to the Philippines. Bon voyage!
Stay Connected with Airalo eSIM
Additionally, staying connected during your travels is crucial, and with Airalo eSIM, you can enjoy seamless connectivity without the hassle of changing physical SIM cards.
Whether you’re navigating bustling city streets or exploring remote islands, Airalo eSIM ensures that you stay connected at all times.
Should vegans travel to the Philippines?
Without a doubt, yes! The Philippines is an incredible country with breathtaking landscapes, incredible animals, and friendly people.
Traveling in the Philippines on a plant-based diet is an adventure in itself. Think of it as a scavenger hunt. Traveling to the Philippines as a vegan can be an unforgettable experience with enough planning and preparation.
In advance, you can also buy vegan essentials from these recommended online vegan stores.
I highly recommend consulting other travel guides to the Philippines to make the most of your time and discover this stunning country’s main sights and hidden treasures.
To explore various travel options and attractions in the Philippines, you can refer to platforms like tripadvisor.com.
Vegan restaurants are rising, and many have already built a following among residents.
Use the HappyCow to find vegan and vegan-friendly restaurants near you.
As a last resort, ask a local. Filipinos are very hospitable and happy to help guests. Welcome to the Philippines!
See also: 5 Vegan Traveling Tips, Where to Eat Vegan in Boracay Philippines
Disclaimer: This post is not sponsored. However, this may include affiliate links through which I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I’d like to keep this up to date, so please let me know if you find anything inappropriate.
