What’s a Vegetarian to do?
2008 May 8
I haven’t eaten meat for over 35 years. I’m not going to go over the reasons I quit eating meat, because that decision was made a long time ago and not necessarily relevant. I don’t really consider myself a vegetarian, but that’s easier than saying I don’t eat meat. Cheese & eggs I do.
Being a vegetarian in the US is easy. There are lots and lots of health food outlets, and even sections of most major grocery stores have these options. I’ve not experienced the same thing in the Philippines, but if you like vegetables and fruits, it’s not at all difficult to find them. Fresh and plentiful. Restaurants are another matter, though the SM North in Quezon City (among others) has a Bodhi’s that features local dishes, but completely meat free.
Part of the difficulty is not being familiar with the area. Even here in the US, I find if I go to a city I don’t know, it is usually difficult to find places to eat. Since I love Mexican food, I usually default to that automatically until I find other outlets. I found one Mexican place at the mall (SM?) while in Makati, but it doesn’t appear to be a regular thing there. That actually surprises me a little.
Usually while visiting the Philippines, if in an area that I haven’t been, I migrate initially towards the breads and pastries. I think these are an unsung treasure there. It seems bakeries are everywhere, the variety is endless and the prices very reasonable. My first experience was with a cheesy Ensaymada and it is still one of favorites. The last trip I got into Bibingka, the rice cake, and really enjoyed those. I’m also fond of Mongo Bread, but just about anything is good. The one thing I notice about these is that they are not overly sweet. Most have a slightly sweet taste but nothing like the overwhelming sugar overload you would get here.
There are many other fine dishes, fried garlic rice is another favorite of mine, but I wanted to give praise to the fine breads/pastries of the Philippines.
Trackbacks and Pingbacks