How to stay vegan in the meat-heavy Philippines — and still enjoy the food
No one said it would be easy, but it is possible
Animal products dominate local cuisines in many parts of the world despite the growing popularity of veganism.
Food is a big part of having a fulfilling cultural experience in any country, so it can be daunting for vegan travellers to visit places which are traditionally meat-heavy.
The Philippines is a great example. A tropical paradise with countless tourist-friendly islands, travellers can enjoy sandy beaches, hidden caves and attractive scuba diving spots. The Philippines might seem like a great place for vegans to visit. But, unlike Thailand or Bali, it has little to offer in terms of plant-based food.
Although the locals speak decent English and you are unlikely to have a language barrier, the concept of veganism may not be fully understood wherever you go. With chicken, fish and cheese dishes dominating most menus, you will need to watch out for hidden ingredients such as fish sauce, shrimp paste, butter and mayonnaise. Even seemingly animal-free vegetable dishes may contain pieces of pork.
How does a vegan navigate such places (and not starve) while travelling? Here are a few suggestions.
Ask and you shall receive
So much of the reported rise in veganism in the media, producing shifts in the culinary world, reflects the strong growth in demand – so don’t underestimate the power of “ask” and, of course, social media. Grand Hyatt Manila is one of the first luxury hotels in the Philippines to include Green Common’s plant-based Omnipork and Beyond Sausage and Burger — a plant-based meat that is completely dairy and cruelty-free – on its menu. Think barbecue cheeseburgers and the iconic chilli cheese dog with gochujang aioli — it’s an indulgence that is not at all taxing on your health.
Adapt the menu