By the end of April, my husband Chris and I packed our bags to move to the Philippines. During this time, the pandemic, especially in Manila, was still fragile, with many lives and livelihoods affected by both the virus and the lockdown. But to continue with our unfinished business in Manila, we cautiously proceeded and…
Vegan Lugaw Buffet
Lugaw is a Filipino rice congee either known as arroz caldo (with chicken) or goto (with beef). Sometimes, it has other kinds of ingredients like shrimp, tofu, and eggs. My old neighborhood eatery had one with ground beef crumbles (I suspect out of budget restrictions). And of course, it could be vegan too! Lugaw by itself is…
Quinoa Lugaw
Lugaw is a Filipino porridge with rice as its main ingredient. I love having a hot bowl of it during rainy days, to enjoy by myself or with family and friends. Lately though, my parents have been watching their sugar intake. My dad is diabetic and avoids white rice (which could be tough when you love Filipino food)….
Chocolate Rice Pudding (Champorado)
Champorado is a Filipino chocolate rice pudding that is cooked with white rice and cocoa powder, sweetened with sugar, and topped with milk. It also goes by Tsampurado or Champurado. However you refer it, Champorado is a simple snack that definitely hits the spot. it could be served warm or chilled. If you want, you could…
How to make Mung Bean Stew
Vegan Mung Bean Stew or Munggo Guisado (“moong-goh gee-sah-doh”) is the perfect introductory dish to those who are still learning about Filipino vegan food. It’s suitable for two reasons. First, this hearty dish traditionally has mostly vegetables, making the vegan version still taste highly familiar even to big Filipino meat eaters. Second, it’s packed with…
Patola Soup with Tempeh
Patola, also known as Loofa Squash/Snake Gourd/Sponge Gourd/Chinese Okra, is a kind of vegetable gourd that is popular in Filipino soups. The patola vegetable has a dark green skin on the outside and tender, light green flesh inside. It has a nice chewy texture that is easy to cook and incorporate in any dish. Here…
Ginataang Bilo bilo Recipe
Ginataang Bilo-bilo is a type of sweet coconut milk soup. Usually, Filipinos enjoy it as a snack or dessert. As you might notice, it has an interesting name. In Tagalog, the word, “ginataang” refers to coconut milk-based dishes, and bilo-bilo means chewy rice balls, which are made of sweet rice flour and water. I love having Ginataang Bilo-bilo served…
Vegan Filipino: Rice Porridge aka Vegan “Goto”
I heard the “Spring sneak peek” in the Bay Area isn’t going to last long because rain and cooler temperature will find their way again. I’m not a big fan of rain but I wouldn’t mind it this time around because nothing beats weather blues like a bowl of warm soup, make that porridge soup…
Tomatolove: Vegan Pinangat
Pinangat or Pangat is a Filipino fish stew I’d like to refer as “poor man’s food” because of its simplicity yet nourishing effects. Growing up near a beach and a fisherman’s market, my mom would always serve Pinangat for breakfast. Some Pinangat versions call for Calamansi or Filipino citrus, others call for coconut milk. I…
Vegan Filipino Sopas Recipe
Sometimes, I get so busy with work and everyday life that I end up not having time to prep for a meal. When this happens, I raid my pantry and fridge and check what’s available. One good thing about being vegan is that you learn how to be creative with food. In the pantry, I…