Quezon City has hidden gems of healthy dining
Eating right is a difficult endeavor no more, thanks to these two healthy restaurants in Quezon City
THE VEGETARIAN KITCHEN
One would never expect to find Prasadam in an unassuming little restaurant along Mother Ignacia Avenue. The Vegetarian Kitchen is a real labor of love from the Soliongcos, a family of Hare Krishna devotees. They call it a transition restaurant, having developed it to dispute misconceptions about vegetarianism. With The Vegetarian Kitchen, the Soliongcos hope to prove that vegetarian food can also be good—and yummy—food.
Enjoy different textures coming together with the Crispy Spinach and Cream Cheese Dumpling (P160)—fresh spinach and cream cheese enveloped in a dumpling shell then fried to a crisp.
Try its take on a Filipino classic, the Caldereta sa Gata (P240), which is veggie meat cooked in tomato sauce and coconut milk then served with a side of fried vegetable lumpia, peanut sauce, and organic rice.
For a breakfast meal in the popular silog style, try the Crispy Vege Danggit (P220). The seaweed-based mock fish is sure to surprise you as it simulates the chewiness and saltiness of dried and salted danggit. It is served with tofu scramble (meant to substitute scrambled eggs!), camote tops salad, and fried rice.
The Vegetarian Crabby Patties (P220) is surely something you or your kids would be curious to try based on its name. Fried patties of mock crab are served with vegetarian pineapple rice.
For an American-style dinner, try the Baked Meatless Meatloaf (P240) which is veggie meat baked with barbecue glaze, served with mashed potatoes, gravy, and stir-fried vegetables.
Cap off the meal with a slice of Apple Pie Cheesecake (P140 per slice), an eggless cheesecake topped with cinnamon and thinly sliced apples.
In accordance to the dietary restrictions of their faith, The Vegetarian Kitchen does not use onions or garlic to flavor the food. Still, it manages to churn out dishes that satisfy the stomach, the eyes, and the soul.
The Vegetarian Kitchen, 62 Mother Ignacia Avenue, Quezon City. +63(2)355-5622, +63(915)830-0511. vegekitchentms@gmail.com. Open Tuesdays to Saturdays, 11am-9pm