Happy Foodies

<figure> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1kB0MvHWmJ4iiqudehZxTgkwHyl8kQYtmHW8OfpPQKTxr0KAKPGDNbqkRD0PyEUeyS0C_A1Voj5Wt4D5RsKOPC77sDcaMRet0vB_JjUelQjJ5qJndiXZ8yiBrCEz-eaz5Nz9oQR3c5DbmPESgAN7IBc60rYB9IirzTkwWLoCpkJ-gFaunI_Oht9I8LMo/s16000/IMG_6213.jpg"> <figcaption>The Farmassist along Elisco Road</figcaption> </figure> <p>The idea of a vegan place tucked in the middle of fastfood joints — a McDo to the right, an open air eatery for local, quick serve food to the left — is not lost on us. It sort of gives us a scenario of the Philippines food landscape, where fastfood and Western-style fare are the default choices. Still, we find it hopeful to see <strong>The Farmassist</strong> holds its own. After all, the terms “vegan food” and “plant-based dining” are gaining traction; we just hope it’s a real change in eating habits and not just a fad.</p> <p>Admittedly, your Happyfoodies are not yet full-pledged vegans, or for that matter, vegetarians. However, we welcome every opportunity to eat better and not wait for the time to make a full commitment to veganism before making better food choices. Well, the road to healthy, plant-based eating can be challenging. One big hurdle is the food prices — even our suki sellers at local wet markets tell us that veggie prices are almost like silver and gold.</p> <p>Another thing is finding ways to prepare veggie fare. While we’re not picky eaters, we’d love to discover new ways of preparing vegan dishes apart from the usual salad or mock meat fare made from TVP.</p> <p>We’re happy to note that <strong>The Farmassist</strong> scores brilliantly on those fronts, with more pleasant surprises, too.</p>

<figure> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAa9DKXIH66xCOajuwY_mjSF1ygmQmjm3ofY1GAfZ97dO4xH_IioX6uy29wVPBdaPA-rYBOTZ-7sN_YcnqFWNl8U8Si9YU48NjI780RmdwQGipRjZE-GtjgpeCFAPYuZSY-XeGtItROeiew7VLVaOgr7yRJVGHU60p65IPHOyUvabJ7eF_VsJ5ghScyK4/s16000/bike-cafe-kapitolyo.jpg"> </figure> <p>The vibrant yet laid-back neighborhood of <strong>Kapitolyo</strong> is one of Pasig’s top food hubs. With a diverse selection of restaurants, it’s a haven for food lovers. Coffee enthusiasts, in particular, will find plenty of cafes, each with its own unique ambiance. But what about cyclists? </p> <p>Bicycle riders often enjoy <strong>coffee rides</strong>, making it essential to find cafes that cater to their needs. With that in mind, I’ve put together a list of <strong>bike-friendly cafes in Kapitolyo, Pasig</strong>. The main criteria? They must have <strong>secure bike racks and ample parking space</strong>—aside from serving quality coffee and offering a welcoming atmosphere. Let’s check them out: </p>

<figure> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg97m-5nhddEmKKyZWxEoYqTH4sbTX949LdAEgxjF5I0kR-LkOTJA932El5PD0OG0A3xZiOxeMAV-sYsy3hhWlnSQcv1Lu2hkkP__zz29NnylBwBqFeZ9TRdT27SQs7XjaZPbaEHZe1atSGwBzO9jBgLn_X3o32e0s1fjCyO2P4o-69yEZR3kCde81Fo1M/s16000/iveggie-vegan-crunch.jpg"> <figcaption>Vegan Crunch</figcaption> </figure> <p>For a time, I frequented Sta. Lucia Mall for physical therapy sessions at a clinic there. After each session, I would look for a place to eat nearby. One day, I discovered <strong>iVeggie Restaurant</strong> on Google Maps. Although it was a kilometer away, I decided to walk the distance and give it a try. </p>

<figure> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2zGdyM9k1O1mVeijrD24CYmVY1F929PBKTk5t_XuQzXlNLkKB4fWnhXzGvhCsPTR2UolqO9oiJYiuVh98PJFUTgY-oYgLv1Eoa5UbxoTF62g_9eYpQBjvlnqcIGvWU63jwHbxQSzkgsA4JGvXHmwnI-5Q49kL_pIqVc2og_v6WJHywQdEA8FS3fareXE/s16000/IMG_20241006_103501.jpg"> <figcaption>Cafe Bossa Candon</figcaption> </figure> <p>"What’s in Candon City?" I wondered. I’ve passed through this city in Ilocos Sur countless times on my way further up north, yet I'd never stopped to explore. But recently, a photography tour brought me to Candon. On our last day, with some free time, I decided to wander. A quick search led me to <strong>Cafe Bossa Candon</strong>, just a short walk from where I was staying. </p>

<figure> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBIAh7znssZKlrxaCSc3iMimc9xwECP3RQnK-pxiqSh3Nf7eFzrKPpT8QDlmi6rdsKw9VHh4VrXz4M6UBsLP5SWGN9oBuqcKtweEqtbbFgPslmdL_p-4R3LmBGxuQ3VVsDNKUHAbfNb6IDhRUalySQsbPwYtVs8P-HHAZ0apwVcswJfHJHLJ7iotG63Mw/s16000/IMG_1455.jpg"> <figcaption>Sharing orders at ELPI Veg Haus</figcaption> </figure> <p>Embracing a vegetarian lifestyle can be daunting. Maybe not so much about missing meat but being able to afford a plant-based diet when veggie prices remain high. </p> <p>That’s why vegan food outlets like ELPI Veg Haus can be a godsend. ELPI offers a bunch of P99 meals — a worthy alternative to the usual fastfood fare.</p>

<figure> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRejcJ4wllSf0dlaDDVqR5UVYY-OlWtxvHTzGu_rJ365YltniDo9sWWV-oNxDaGlWZ1sOU-0sreVdxiws7p_XD4Eg6a0KyasRFJAVKRgmk8lXPLx9MbF4as6mQmMjyYyyHwkquJAXCwU-76owfRbHBFwDlSuac46-b8yllWuzGhjv15bgmM2jWbzOX0Lk/s16000/IMG_9677_Radiant.jp"> <figcaption>Homemade Matcha Ice Cream from Ikigai Kakigori Cafe</figcaption> </figure> <p>It’s been nearly a decade since we first wrote about <a href="https://www.happyfoodies.com/2010/10/vegging-out-gets-new-meaning-at-wabi.html" target="_blank">Wabi-Sabi Noodle House, back in its early days at The Collective</a>. Back then, it was a cozy spot with fewer than 10 tables, serving up delicious, healthy vegan fare — long before veganism was mainstream.</p>

<figure> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhotDOJlOt1D_e7Ioisz2Rzbu9_m23t56-3DcL7ACfW6FA6_I_imawtYpdBM2PgXK0bzTxbDwdkFnLKwkbuR07BpZffWEByNDrM7PxJM371XUeBn4pNxlY46HmoPAj9MsOKbRIVNNPPuo4uCcO4ZrwG9ejJu4VeXqmhHCLcB-du3sOHqUU-pBWmvoSTDHY/s16000/happyfoodies-veggie-hut.jpg"> </figure> <p>After a refreshing nature trip to <a href="https://www.ironwulf.net/2024/08/maapon-falls-beautiful-cascades-in.html" target="_blank">Maapon Falls in Lucban, Quezon</a>, 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, <strong>The Veggie Hut</strong> was a delightful discovery. Thankfully, our meat-eating companions were game to try something different, and we’re glad they were.</p> <p><span></span></p>