After a refreshing nature trip to Maapon Falls in Lucban, Quezon, we were eager to find a spot for a late lunch. Lucban and its neighboring towns are renowned for their longganisa and pancit. We indulged in pancit hab-hab for breakfast, we were in search of something heartier for late lunch. With vegan and vegetarian friends in mind, The Veggie Hut was a delightful discovery. Thankfully, our meat-eating companions were game to try something different, and we’re glad they were.
Vegan in Lucban
The Veggie Hut’s bold slogan, “We don’t serve anything that has a mother,” caught our attention as we arrived at this charming, open-air eatery. Adorned with garden plants and simple furnishings, the restaurant’s cozy space was just enough for our group of 11, offering a welcoming vibe that made us feel right at home.
In addition to its food offerings, The Veggie Hut also doubles as a mini grocer, selling mock meats, Adlai, and other types of rice, spices, and ingredients for vegan cooking.
Conveniently located beside the gate of Calmar Subdivision, The Veggie Hut’s spot was familiar—I remember parking inside this subdivision during a past visit to Lucban for the Pahiyas Festival.
Comfort Food, Vegan Style
We were greeted warmly by a young girl, the owner's daughter, who was already a pro at hosting despite her age. Another family member, possibly her brother or father, was also around to assist. Since we had pre-ordered, our food arrived promptly—an impressive feat considering the number of dishes we requested.
The Kare-Kare, Vegchon Paksiw, and Vegchon Kawali were the first to arrive. The Kare-Kare featured the usual vegetables with added mock meat, complemented by a delicious vegan bagoong. I found the peanut sauce particularly flavorful.
The Vegchon Kawali was satisfyingly crunchy, reminiscent of its meat counterpart, and came with a sauce that tasted strikingly like Mang Tomas, but vegan. The Vegchon Paksiw, likely made with the same base meat as the kawali, was enhanced by a tangy sauce with a hint of citrus—a nice touch that elevated the dish.
Next up were the sizzling Tofu Sisig and their version of Pancit Hab-hab Lucban. While the Tofu Sisig was decent, it was slightly overshadowed by the other dishes. The Pancit Hab-hab, however, stood out, especially when paired with their vinegar sauce. If I hadn’t already been full, I would have gladly indulged in more.
A Delightful Vegan Find in Lucban
The Veggie Hut is a wonderful addition to Lucban’s dining scene, offering a haven for plant-based, vegan, and vegetarian diners. In addition to dine-in options, they also offer prep-meal packages tailored for various health needs, such as “Diabetic Friendly,” “Plaque Removal in the Arteries,” “Kidney-Liver Cleanser,” and “Gall Bladder Threshing” set meals.
The Veggie Hut
Calmar Subdivision, in front of Converge, Lucban, Philippines
Contact: +63956.413.0242 / +63915.950.7980
Facebook: The Veggie Hut
Instagram: @the.veggiehut
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