Green leafy vegetables, bright fresh fruits, grains and nuts. Welcome to the vegetarian diet.

by MINERVA BC NEWMAN

MY JOURNEY TO vegetarianism, or a purely plant-based diet, is still quite a struggle today, and to think this journey of mine started more than 30 years ago. I decided to go vegetarian in 1989 while living in Dumaguete, where I had a big backyard garden. All kinds of green leafy vegetables, herbs, root crops, and legumes grew alongside fruit trees in this vast area. The year-round availability of fresh produce made it easy to stick to a plant-based diet at home. 

What is so good about being a vegetarian or being vegan? This was one of the questions I asked my German yoga teacher, who was a practicing yogi and a doctor specializing in Chinese medicine and alternative healing techniques like acupuncture. He told me, “when you do yoga and meditation, your body must be light and limber, and a plant-based diet is perfect if you want to be healthy. Meats, carbs, and sweets are heavy on the stomach.”

What is vegetarianism? It is the practice of consuming a primarily plant-based diet consisting of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, and seeds and excludes animal products such as meat, poultry, and fish. Those who follow a vegetarian diet are referred to as vegetarians. Vegans are total vegetarians and go a step further by eliminating anything of animal origin, like dairy products, eggs, and honey. A pescatarian is also a vegetarian who adds seafood as part of the diet. People have been turning vegetarian for different reasons, including health, animal welfare, and environmental concerns. Eating a largely plant-based diet has shown numerous benefits.

Improved health 

Plant-based diets are typically higher in fiber and lower in saturated fat than a carnivorous diet, which can lead to lower blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure levels. There is also evidence that vegetarians and vegans may be less likely to develop certain chronic diseases, including cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.

Positive environmental impact 

Studies have suggested that plant-based eating has a lower environmental impact than a meat-based diet due to the use of fewer resources in the production and distribution of animal-based products. 

Animal protection 

Many vegetarians choose the lifestyle to avoid contributing to the mistreatment of farmed animals, which are often subject to inhumane conditions and practices that can cause suffering and distress.

In my search for vegetarian and pescatarian dishes around the metro, I came up with a list of restaurants that makes up my first set of go-to places, and below are some of them.

Golden Prince Hotel & Suites

Acacia St., Cebu City

The hotel has daily buffet offerings, which always include dishes for vegans and pescatarian diners on top of its greens and meats during the daily breakfast buffet at P578/pax; lunch buffet on Saturdays and Sundays at P788/pax; dinner buffet on Fridays and Saturdays at P898/pax; and Meats and Greens on Wednesdays and Thursdays at P599/pax. I also find the answer to my afternoon merienda cravings at their Kabilin Heritage Lounge, which serves a delectable spread of unlimited Filipino kakanins.

Xin Tian Di Restaurant

NUSTAR Resort & Casino, South Road Properties, Cebu City

A specialty restaurant serving authentic Chinese cuisine, Xin Tian Di has an à la carte menu with sumptuous vegan and fish dishes. My favorites are the Crispy Vegetable and Mushroom Spring Rolls, Marinated Jellyfish with Sichuan Chili, Sichuan Hot & Spicy Seafood Soup, and Stir-Fry Seasonal Vegetables with Minced Garlic. 

Bar Pintxos | Tapas y Mas

Oakridge Business Park,

A.S. Fortuna, Mandaue City

The traditional flavors of Spain are served in their savory pintxos, tapas and more at Bar Pintxos. The dishes I enjoy are Boquerones (marinated anchovies), Berenjenas (thinly sliced fried eggplant drizzled with honey and pimiento), Escavalida (roasted vegetables in anchovy balsamic reduction), Gambas Al Ajillo, and Vegan Paella.

Benjarong

Dusit Thani Mactan Cebu

Recognized for its authentic Thai food, Benjarong is highly recommended for its host of dishes that uniquely blend flavors and take your tastebuds on a delightful culinary adventure. My pescatarian choices include Tom Yum Pu Ma Prao On (shrimp and crab dumplings in tom yum broth served in a coconut shell), Pad Thai Goong (traditional Thai stir-fried noodles with prawns, bean sprouts, tofu, scrambled eggs with roasted peanuts), Pla Pad Khun Chai (stir-fried fish fillet with celery, red chili and ginger in oyster sauce), and Goong Maung Kron Tord Ka Tiem Prink Tai (Chef Than) Crispy Fried Lobster, Garlic, Black Pepper. 

Dusit Thani Mactan Cebu will soon introduce a new set of menus and wine pairings in a special dinner dubbed “Four Hands, Two Minds, One Flavor” which will bring together two Thai chefs from Benjarong Mactan and Benjarong Manila.

Where to find more places serving vegetarian dishes coming up in the next issue!