There may only be two 100% vegan restaurants in Manila, but there is a growing number of vegan-friendly and lacto-ovo-vegetarian restaurants. Another option is ordering off the menu. Some restaurants can accommodate this, and it could actually be a test of the service they provide. I taught classes at Bliss Greenhills today, and the restaurant downstairs called Cafe Monaco was able to veganize a couple of dishes for me, despite the fact that there was absolutely nothing vegan on their lengthy menu. They served me the standard appetizers and I made sure there was no seafood in the kimchi, and I ordered all-veggie versions of Bibimbap and Chapchae.
A few tips for ordering off-the-menu in Manila:
- Specify that you do not want any meat, fish, seafood, egg, dairy products (also enumerate butter, cheese, cream, yogurt etc. to be safe). - Do not forget to ask about animal products in liquid form such as chicken broth, fish sauce, oyster sauce etc. It is surprising how others do not see these as animal products. - Do not be afraid to repeat your request to make sure they understand what you will or will not eat. - Be courteous. - If the opportunity to talk to the staff, chef, or owner comes up, use this to engage him or her in a conversation. This will help the next vegan who orders. And who knows? You may be planting vegan seeds that will one day grow. There is hardly any excuse not to be vegan. In the 3 years that I am vegan, I've never been in a situation where I had absolutely "no choice". I've never starved. There's always something somewhere close to you. Being vegan is a powerful way to reduce suffering and fear in the world. Do it not for your convenience, but for the convenience of the animals not to be killed. Go vegan!
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