No Meat? No Problem! Araneta City’s tasty Lenten picks

Lent is a time for reflection and, for many Filipino Catholics, a period of abstaining from meat. It’s a tradition that goes beyond mere dietary restriction, as a reminder of sacrifice and spiritual focus. But just because you’re giving up meat doesn’t mean you have to give up delicious meals! Gateway Mall 2 restaurants are ready to cater to your Lenten needs, offering creative and satisfying meat-free options that will tantalize your taste buds.

Whether you’ve been a vegetarian for a long time, are a flexitarian looking to try something new, or are simply observing the Lenten season, Gateway Mall 2 has you covered. Here, you’ll find a diverse selection of meat-free dishes that prove Lent can be meaningful and mouthwatering. 

Prana

World Kitchens, Level 4, Gateway Mall 2

Many consider Indian food an acquired taste, but its firm flavor profiles and ingredients combine to create a unique flavor. That’s precisely what Prana offers its diners. While its meat-based dishes mostly use beef or lamb, the restaurant also highlights its vegetarian offerings. Its Frotier Vegetable Samosas and Delhi Ki Pani Puri may be bite-sized, but they pack a punch in terms of taste, making it an ideal choice for those who want to broaden their horizons on food. 

Grace Park

Ground Floor, Restaurant Collection, Gateway Mall 2

If there’s one thing Grace Park prides itself in, it’s serving fresh, healthy meals to its diners. Here, diners can find vegetarian options that are often well-loved meat-based dishes. Take, for instance, the restaurant’s Italian Eggplant Moussaka. Although it omits the protein, usually chicken, and replaces it with eggplant, Grace Park serves it as hearty as possible with a lot of cheese and a generous amount of sauce. 

Mamou

Ground Floor, Restaurant Collection, Gateway Mall 2

Many know Mamou for its steaks, seafood, and other filling dishes that satisfy any craving. However, the restaurant also offers vegetable-based dishes with the same level of flavor and preparation. Their menu features many vegetarian options for favorites like burgers and adobo, along with various salads that combine different ingredients to create a unique taste that’s unmistakably Mamou’s. 

Choi Garden

Ground Floor, Restaurant Collection, Gateway Mall 2

Some of the best alternatives to meat for almost dish are tofu and mushrooms. Even without eating meat, they have enough protein to give you the necessary nutrients. If you want some of the best meat-free dishes prepared in Chinese cuisine, visit Choi Garden to try their Mapo Tofu or Patola with Mushroom in Abalone Sauce. The restaurant also has vegetarian options in its dim sum selection, like its Steamed Beancurd Roll. After all, you don’t have to sacrifice extraordinary flavor when eating meatless options in observation of Lent. 

Manam

Ground Floor, Restaurant Collection, Gateway Mall 2

Filipinos are no stranger to observing Lent or elevating plain vegetables into something new. Manam is the place to go when adding a modern twist to Filipino favorites. Here, you can try their Ensaladang Pako for a taste of the traditional or indulge in the restaurant’s take on tomatoes with burrata by substituting the ingredients and preparation with something local, transforming it into their ensaladang kamatis at kesong puti dish. 

Palm Grill

Palenque, Upper Ground Floor B, Gateway Mall 2

You don’t have to travel south of the Philippines to taste the local flavors, as Palm Grill brings unique cuisine to the heart of the metro. In addition to its meat-based dishes, which will make anyone feel like royalty when they eat them, the restaurant also serves vegetable-based dishes that are equally satisfying, like its creamy and cheesy eggplant moussaka, which is perfect for lunch or dinner.